The smell of freshly baked bread instantly conjures up the classic gastronomy of French food. Parisians are experts at creating tasty loaves, so if you’re looking to recreate their cuisine, here are some of the most popular breads you can add to your meal.

5 Types of Bread Used in French Cooking

1. Pain de campagne

This tasty, rustic sourdough bread is usually a mixture of white and whole-wheat or rye flour. Its name translates as “country bread.” The large, round loaf is perfect for sharing and dipping into freshly made soup.

2. Brioche

Brioche is believed to date as far back as the 1400s and has long been associated with special occasions where the whole family would get together. This sweet bread is made with eggs and butter. Traditionally eaten for afternoon tea, it’s now often used as a burger bun alternative.

3. Baguette

Synonymous with French food, this long, thin bread stick is usually made from lean dough. There are many legends as to how the baguette came to be the stick you know today. The most popular is that a French law stated bakers weren’t allowed to start work before 4 a.m., so they had to find a faster way to bake bread than the traditional round loaves. A long, thin stick cooked much faster.

4. Croissant

This buttery, flaky pastry is a typical breakfast bread, enjoyed both warm and cold. Made of layered yeast-leavened dough, its name originates from its crescent shape.

5. Fougasse

Fougasse is much like the Italian bread focaccia in that it contains similar ingredients, such as olives, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, anchovies, and olive oil. The difference is that it’s much crisper and crustier than its Italian counterpart. You may often see this bread in a leaf or wheat shape with slits cut into the dough. The slits not only help the bread bake quickly but also expose more of the dough to the oven, making it extra crusty.

If you’re hoping to experience French food, then head to PARIS.HAWAII in Honolulu, where they bake breads like brioche in-house. This Parisian-themed gem is fine dining at its best, headed by classically trained chef Yuya Yamanaka, who merges French cuisine with local flavors. Book a table online or by calling (808) 212-9282 on Tuesday through Sunday between 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. You can also visit their website to see some of the spectacular French food.