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If you’ve ever been to Healdsburg, chances are you know of Costeaux French Bakery. This historic bakery has been a part of the Healdsburg community since 1923, when it was originally named The French American Bakery. Throughout the years, the bakery changed hands and names many times, but one thing has remained: its presence in the community and consistent supply of wonderfully delicious fresh breads and baked goods.

Costeaux French Bakery received its current name in 1972 when it was purchased by a couple from Reims, France. Having run the shop for nearly ten years, Jean and Anne Costeaux sold the shop to another couple, whom they taught how to bake their famous sourdough bread. This couple, Karl and Nancy Seppi—along with their family—still own the bakery to this day.

Known for their incredible sourdough breads, it didn’t take long before the Seppis expanded their production to make the bakery a bonafide French bistro café, with desserts and cakes, as well as full-on catering services. Participating in community events and gatherings, sponsoring local programs and steadily supplying those that live in and around Healdsburg with an endless array of baked goods, Costeaux French Bakery has become an iconic fixture in the Healdsburg community.

On any given day, but particularly on weekends, locals enjoy lounging at the café on the outdoor patio or at one of their many indoor tables. The full coffee and espresso bar makes this a great stop in the morning. And if you’re a coffee snob like me, you’ll be happy to know that they pour local coffee roaster Bella Rosa Coffee Company—which means you’ll be getting a very fresh and strong cup of joe that won’t disappoint. If on a visit to Costeaux you are perhaps hungry, then it’d be a shame to miss out in tasting their croque monsieur or the croque madame—the latter served with a fried egg! They also make tasty breakfast croissant sandwiches, in addition to their full menu of salads, sandwiches and of course French onion soup. And if you’re on vacation or are looking to have more than just coffee with your breakfast, brunch or lunch, then they’ve got a small selection of specialty drinks—like a bloody mary or mimosa—in addition to a handful of beers and wine.

Costeaux is also an excellent pit-stop when visiting wine country if you’ve got winery visits planned, because they have a whole assortment of packaged goods—in addition to their fresh-baked breads and pastries—that you can take to go for a picnic in the vineyards.