Here’s the scrumptious story of how a single pastry grew into the Northern Beaches’ favourite French bakery – Sacrebleu!
When Adrien and Cécile Bochel settled in Sydney, they brought with them a love for the French pastries that had shaped their own memories growing up. Adrien had trained at Ferrandi Paris, one of France’s most respected culinary schools.
What began with a small stall at local markets and the Bastille Festival in 2018 has since grown into one of the Northern Beaches’ most beloved French bakeries.
“The name Sacrebleu! is a cry of surprise or happiness,” Cécile explains. “You would say it when you are pleasantly surprised by something, which is hopefully what people experience when they come to Sacrebleu!.”
From the beginning, the couple was intentionally selective about what they produced. They started with just one pastry: the canelé.
Baked slowly in traditional copper moulds imported from Bordeaux, Sacrebleu!’s signature canelés showcase how simple ingredients, patience, and craftsmanship can create something truly exceptional. There are no shortcuts, and that philosophy continues to shape everything they do today.
Quality French Pastries, Baked Fresh on the Beaches
As the business evolved, madeleines joined the lineup, expanding the bakery’s offering.
The pairing was practical as much as it was delicious. Egg yolks were used for the canelés, while the leftover egg whites were made into madeleines, creating a no-waste approach that remains part of the bakery’s philosophy today.
The madeleine itself carries a deeper meaning. French writer Marcel Proust famously described how tasting a madeleine transported him back to long-forgotten childhood memories.
“A madeleine is a little time machine that brings back childhood memories,” says Cécile.
Made with almond meal, flour, fresh butter, sugar, and Australian organic honey, the small shell-shaped cakes continue to evoke that same sense of comfort and nostalgia.
Gold Medals, Loyal Locals, and One Essential Secret Ingredient
Croissants arrived in 2020 after months spent searching for the right butter. The team eventually chose Isigny Sainte Mère beurre de tourage from Normandy, prized for its flavour and ability to create beautifully flaky layers.
The result has earned a loyal following. On any given morning in Dee Why, locals gather over coffee and pastries while regulars enthusiastically recommend their favourite treats to first-time visitors.
And if you’re missing your Northern Beaches favourite while working in the city, there’s good news. Sacrebleu! also has a home in Barangaroo, where many loyal customers stop in for a second breakfast, coffee, or croissant break after starting their day in Dee Why.
“It’s the people who inspire us,” says Cécile. “We are always delighted to see many of the same faces every day because they inspire us to show up and try new things.”
That strong community connection is reflected in the bakery’s success. Since 2019, Sacrebleu! has collected multiple Sydney Royal Fine Food Show gold medals across its range and was named Champion in the Professional Bakery category in 2021.
Yet for Cécile, the awards tell only part of the story.
“We want people to understand how much work goes into earning awards,” she says. “Each one represents significant effort and commitment.”
Eight years after first sharing their pastries at markets and festivals, Sacrebleu! continues to grow while staying true to the values that started it all: quality ingredients, traditional craftsmanship, and a genuine passion for sharing French baking traditions with the Northern Beaches and wider Sydney community.
You can also find Sacrebleu! at:
- Good Food & Wine Show (ICC Sydney), 19 to 21 June
- Mosman WinterFeast Night Market, 25 June, 3:30 pm to 8 pm
- Bastille Festival (Circular Quay & The Rocks), 16 to 19 July
- Harris Farm, QE Foodstores, and select delis across Sydney.
Sacrebleu!
📍 Dee Why Address: 701 Pittwater Rd, Dee Why
📍 Barangaroo Address: 1 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo
🕒 Dee Why: Wednesday to Friday (6:30 am to 2 pm), Saturday (7:30 am to 2 pm), Sunday (7:30 am to 1 pm)
🕒 Barangaroo: Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday (7 am to 3 pm), Saturday & Sunday (8 am to 3 pm)
Story by Evie Scully
