Parisian foodies are getting a major blast from the past this weekend. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the iconic bakery chain Maison Kayser is slashing its prices to match those of its opening year, 1996. For one day only, customers in Paris can buy premium baked goods for mere pocket change.
Here is what you need to know about this ultra-rare promotion and how it highlights decades of shifting economic realities in France.
The 1996 Pricing Time Machine
On Sunday, select Maison Kayser locations across Paris will offer a curated selection of their famous baked goods at their original 1996 launch prices.
The price drops are staggering compared to modern Parisian standards:
- The Classic Baguette: Priced at just €0.60 (which translates to 3.92 French francs, the currency used before the euro).
- Croissants: Selling for between €0.45 and €0.60, depending on the specific recipe.
These throwback prices are a fraction of what consumers normally pay in the French capital today, where a standard artisanal baguette typically costs well over €1.20.
Three Decades of Baking History
Maison Kayser’s journey began on September 13, 1996, when founder Éric Kayser opened his very first bakery on Rue Monge in Paris's Left Bank. Over the last thirty years, the brand has transformed from a single neighborhood shop into a global powerhouse, introducing traditional French sourdough baking methods to cities worldwide.
The pricing promotion highlights a fascinating economic shift. In 1996, France still utilized the French Franc. When the Euro was adopted as physical currency in 2002, prices across the country underwent a massive structural shift. Seeing a baguette sold for €0.60—the exact conversion of 3.92 Francs—is a stark reminder of how much purchasing power and food inflation have evolved over the last thirty years.
How to Snag the Deal
If you are lucky enough to be in Paris this Sunday, you will need to know where to go. According to reports from Timeout.fr, this promotional offer is highly localized.
- Where: The deal is strictly limited to eleven participating Maison Kayser bakeries located throughout Paris.
- When: The 1996 pricing will be active all day Sunday, though stock is highly likely to sell out quickly due to massive local demand.
Whether you are a local Parisian looking for a cheap breakfast or a tourist wanting an authentic, budget-friendly taste of French culinary history, this Sunday offers a rare chance to experience a world before inflation took hold.
