Paris, the city of lights – and bread – has crowned a new baguette king.

Baker Xavier Netry from the Utopie bakery was chosen as the 31st winner of Paris’ annual Grand Prix de la Baguette prize. His loaf beat out the 172 other competitors to take home the grand prize.

Each of the competing baguettes were evaluated for their taste, look, texture, airiness and overall quality of the baking.

Judging the entrants were Parisian deputy mayor Christophe Najdovski, industry representatives, journalists and six Parisians that were drawn at random.

The Utopie Bakery, located in Paris’ 11th arrondissement, has won 4000 euros and will also become one of the suppliers of the presidential Elysee Palace for a year.

Netry, who has been baking for 25 years, said his secret to success lay in a good sourdough starter; a good, long fermentation; careful cooking; and some love and passion.

According to abc.net.au, the uneaten baguettes from the competition were then donated to a charity that feeds people who are homeless.
Image: Xavier Netry. Boulangerie Utopie instagram