Few things evoke the essence of French culture quite like the croissant – that buttery, flaky pastry that delights the senses and transports you to the streets of Paris with every bite. But have you ever wondered about the fascinating history behind this iconic pastry? Join us as we uncover the origin of the delicious croissant and explore its journey from humble beginnings to worldwide fame.
A Taste of History
Contrary to popular belief, the croissant did not originate in France, but rather in Austria. Its story begins in the 17th century, when the Ottoman Turks were besieging Vienna. As the legend goes, bakers working late into the night heard the sound of the enemy tunneling beneath the city and alerted the authorities, saving Vienna from capture. In celebration of this victory, the bakers created a pastry in the shape of a crescent moon – the symbol of the Ottoman Empire – which they called the « Kipferl. »
From Vienna to Paris
The Kipferl eventually made its way to France, where it underwent a transformation and became known as the croissant. In the early 19th century, Austrian-born Marie Antoinette introduced the pastry to the French court, where it quickly gained popularity among the aristocracy. However, it wasn’t until the late 19th century that the croissant became a staple of French bakeries, thanks to the ingenuity of French bakers who perfected the recipe and technique, resulting in the flaky, buttery croissants we know and love today.
The Art of Croissant Making
At Citadelle, we believe that language learning is about more than just words – it’s about immersing yourself in the culture and traditions of the country. That’s why we’re proud to offer our students the opportunity to learn French in the heart of Carcassonne, where they can experience firsthand the rich culinary heritage of France. From visiting local bakeries to sampling freshly baked croissants, our immersive approach to language learning allows students to deepen their understanding of French culture while mastering the language.
Join Us at Citadelle
Ready to embark on your language learning journey? Join us at Citadelle and experience the magic of French immersion in the enchanting city of Carcassonne. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, our expert instructors will guide you every step of the way, helping you to unlock the beauty and richness of the French language. Enroll today and start your adventure with Citadelle!