In 1932, Pierre Poilâne, a young baker from Normandy, opened his first shop on the rue du Cherche-midi. A few years later, he invented a round loaf that revolutionised the industry. The bread stayed fresh longer and could be cut into large slices to make the famous 'tartines'. Decades later, the round loaf is still the best-seller and its fabrication remains the same.  Like in the past, the stone ground seeds are seasoned with salt from the Guérande and the bread is still baked in wood-burning ovens. Nevertheless, the croissants and the pains au chocolate are also fabulous. At tea time, a flan or a piece of apple tart is a must!