This is for Barbara Schmitt who, with her husband, will be visiting Paris
and Florence in March and is looking for bakeries in those cities.
Let's take them one at a time:
Paris: I urge you to get two books; "Boulangerie" by Paul Rambali, and
"Paris Boulangerie-Patisserie" by Linda Dannenberg. You will be able to
compile a list from these two sources to more than keep you busy in the
City of Light. Don't miss Ganachaud on rue M=E9nilmontant, La Flute Gana,
and Max Poilane.
Florence: There are bakeries all over Florence and I am at a loss to
recommend any in particular. I do urge you, if possible, to get out of
Florence and into the hill towns of Tuscany to visit the little
out-of-the-way bakeries. I was in one where they took me downstairs to see
the oven. It was a wonderful place with a coating of flour over
everything. The aromas of the wood, the flour, and the finished loaves
created a magical place.
I hope this helps and that you have a wonderful time.
Bob the Tarheel Baker