Few things are more delightful than French pastries. Fortunately, there's a way to enjoy them without an expensive plane ticket to Paris. Simply head to MarieBette Café and Bakery in Charlottesville, Virginia, and prepare to be amazed by the selection of authentic French croissants, quiches, galettes, bread, and more. It's a little slice of Paris hiding in central Virginia and you'll want to visit ASAP. Even in a town known for its culinary wonders (we're looking at you, Lampo, and C&O Restaurant), MarieBette holds a special place in our hearts. Consider yourself warned, though, because you'll want to sample one of everything -- we are speaking from experience here!

Welcome to MarieBette Café and Bakery, a charming addition to the Charlottesville dining scene that promises to whisk you away to Paris, if only for a little while.

Step inside and you'll immediately detect the unmistakable smell of baked goods. Despite its relatively small size, this bakery is a serious operation.

A word to the wise: this spot is usually *very* crowded, especially on the weekends. Trust us when we say the wait is worth it!

To start with, the baguettes are arguably just as good as those you'd find in Europe. Freshly baked and wonderfully flaky, they're best enjoyed right on the spot.

There's room to sit down and enjoy your pastry with a locally-roasted coffee, too. Or, if you have time, take a seat and enjoy a longer breakfast, brunch, or lunch.

In addition to just about any French dessert you can dream of, the menu features favorites such as Croque Madame sandwiches, salads, tartlets, and more.

Take a look at the display case and you'll be blown away by the talent and love that has gone into each unique baked good.

In fact, you might just be tempted to sample one of everything. And who could possibly blame you?

Another reason to visit? The coffee! Check out their seasonal drink menu and prepare to be amazed.

We loved ordering the London Fog on a chilly autumn morning. It paired perfectly with a croissant!

If you find yourself close to downtown Charlottesville, there's another location on the mall. It's called Petite MarieBette, and it's every bit as lovely as the original!

So the next time you're craving authentic French pastries, and an imitation simply won't do, you'll know exactly where to go.

Curious to learn more? Check out the video below, which is a few years old, but still gives you an idea of all the magic behind the scenes at MarieBette:

Have you had the chance to visit MarieBette Café before? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience! For more information, you can follow MarieBette Café on Facebook. Or, if you're feeling inspired to try some baking at home, check out this incredible cookbook, called French Pastry Made Simple: Foolproof Recipes for Éclairs, Tarts, Macarons, and More. You'll be an expert in no time!