- Attraction: Little Gourmand
- Location: 2209 Bandywood Dr, Ste D, Nashville, TN 37215
- Industry: Bakery
- Website: https://little-gourmand.square.site
Forget booking a transatlantic flight.
If you’ve been craving buttery croissants that rival those from an actual Parisian boulangerie, or dreaming of authentic French macarons that melt on your tongue, you’ll want to head straight to Little Gourmand.
This charming French market and cafe brings genuine European flair to Nashville, and it’s become somewhat of an obsession for locals who know good pastry when they taste it.
Founded in November 2014 by Guenievre Milliner, a French and Canadian foodie, Little Gourmand now operates two locations in Nashville.
The original Green Hills spot combines a full market with a cozy cafe, while the newer Berry Hill location focuses purely on the bakery experience. Both deliver the same mouthwatering French specialties that transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of France.
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Keep Exploring →Pastries Worth Waking Up Early For
The Croissants: These are what dreams are made of. Light, flaky, and impossibly buttery, each croissant features those perfectly crispy layers on the outside with a soft, airy interior that practically dissolves in your mouth.
You’ll find classic butter croissants alongside variations like chocolate, almond, and even almond chocolate. The pain au chocolat comes stuffed with rich chocolate that stays wonderfully gooey even when cooled.
Just know that these beauties fly off the shelves fast, especially on Saturday mornings, so arriving early is your best bet.
The Eclairs: With flavors spanning chocolate, vanilla, coffee, caramel, lemon, and fresh raspberry, these gorgeous pastries showcase artful decoration that makes them almost too pretty to eat.
The sea salt eclair stands out as a particular favorite, balancing sweet and savory in perfect harmony. Each one features smooth, velvety pastry cream encased in delicate choux pastry and topped with glossy glaze.
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Discover MoreThe Macarons: If you’ve been searching for authentic French macarons in Nashville, your quest ends here. These delicate sandwich cookies come in over a dozen flavors, from classic raspberry and pistachio to more adventurous options like lavender and matcha.
The texture hits that ideal sweet spot where the shell provides gentle resistance before giving way to a soft, chewy center. The raspberry version consistently earns praise as possibly the best macaron you’ll taste outside of France itself.
The Napoleon: Layers upon layers of caramelized puff pastry alternate with silky vanilla pastry cream in this elegant dessert also known as millefeuille.
Everything about it works in harmony – the flaky texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth cream, creating a sophisticated treat that feels indulgent without being overly heavy or sweet.
Seasonal Specialties: Beyond the everyday offerings, you’ll discover rotating pastries that keep things exciting. The apple turnovers feature caramelized fruit wrapped in golden pastry.
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Keep Exploring →Tartlets arrive piled high with fresh berries or tangy lemon curd. And if you visit on a Saturday, you might catch special items like tarte tatin, forêt noire, or pain aux raisins.
Savory Options That Satisfy
Baguette Sandwiches: Here’s where Little Gourmand truly shines with authenticity. The baguettes themselves deserve their own spotlight – made with flour and water flown in from France and baked fresh in-house daily, they capture that ideal crusty-yet-chewy texture that’s so hard to replicate.
The Classic sandwich layers butter, authentic Jambon de Paris ham, and crisp French gherkins for a simple but perfect combination.
The Paris Deluxe adds creamy French Brie that takes things up a notch, while the Campagnard features chicken with dried apricots, almonds, and tarragon for something different.
The Quiche: Light, flavorful, and never heavy, the quiche comes in numerous varieties including ham and cheese, spinach and feta, mushroom combinations, and goat cheese with cherry tomato.
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Discover MoreYou can grab a whole quiche, half, or just a slice depending on your appetite. The egg custard sets perfectly and the crust provides buttery richness without overwhelming the fillings.
Breakfast Croissants: If you’re stopping by in the morning, the savory breakfast croissants make an excellent choice. The ham and cheese version delivers classic comfort, while the spinach and feta option brings Mediterranean flavors.
These arrive warm and satisfying, with fillings that complement rather than mask the quality of the croissant itself.
Soup of the Day: Available by the bowl or quart, the rotating soup selection adds a comforting element to the menu and pairs wonderfully with a baguette sandwich.
The French Market Experience
Imported French Products: The Green Hills location doubles as a gourmet market stocked with items shipped directly from France. You’ll browse shelves lined with specialty cookies, artisanal mustards, Teisseire syrups, tapenades, vinegars, and premium olive oils.
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Keep Exploring →The selection feels curated rather than overwhelming, with each product chosen for quality. French potato chips come in unique flavors you won’t find in typical American stores, and the refrigerated section holds everything from foie gras to caviar for those seeking premium ingredients.
Gift-Worthy Packaging: Many products arrive in beautiful tins and jars that make them perfect for gifting. Whether you’re assembling a hostess gift or building your own charcuterie spread, you’ll find what you need here.
Atmosphere & Ambiance
Stepping Into France: The moment you walk through the door, you’re transported. French music plays softly overhead, creating an authentic soundtrack to your visit.
The Green Hills location especially captures that Parisian boutique feel, tucked away in a charming shopping center that makes discovering it feel like finding a secret.
Cozy Seating: The Green Hills spot offers a handful of small tables where you can settle in with your coffee and pastry, creating that leisurely European cafe experience. The space feels intimate without being cramped, though it does fill up during busy weekend mornings.
Visual Appeal: Everything here looks picture-perfect, from the artfully arranged pastries in the display case to the carefully organized shelves of French goods. The presentation extends to the food itself – each pastry arrives almost too beautiful to eat, though you definitely will want to eat them.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: Little Gourmand sits on the pricier side compared to your average bakery, but the quality justifies the cost. These aren’t mass-produced pastries – they’re handcrafted using French techniques and often French ingredients.
When you compare them to what you’d pay at an authentic patisserie in Paris, the pricing actually feels reasonable. You’re getting genuine French pastries without the plane ticket.
Timing Your Visit: Saturday mornings see the biggest selection of pastries, including special items that rotate weekly. However, this also means larger crowds and faster sellouts.
Weekday afternoons offer a quieter experience, though with potentially fewer options. Arriving when they open ensures you get first pick of the fresh-baked goods.
Two Location Options: The Green Hills location at 2209 Bandywood Drive offers the full market experience with cafe seating, open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
The Berry Hill location at 717 Craighead Street focuses on the bakery and cafe, opening earlier on weekdays at 7:30am – perfect for grabbing breakfast on your way to work.
What To Skip: With so many exceptional options, there’s honestly nothing that disappoints. However, if you’re visiting for the first time, prioritize the croissants, eclairs, and macarons as these showcase the bakery’s strengths most dramatically.
Parking: The Green Hills location offers much easier parking compared to other French bakeries in downtown Nashville, making it convenient even during busy periods.
Special Events: Keep an eye out for Bastille Day celebrations in July, when Little Gourmand hosts special events celebrating French culture and cuisine.
Little Gourmand
📍 2209 Bandywood Dr, Ste D, Nashville, TN 37215
