Sithamparappillai Jegatheepan, a 43-year-old Sri Lankan-born baker working at Fournil Didot in Paris’ 14th arrondissement, has won the Grand Prix for the Parisian Traditional Baguette 2026 one of the most coveted awards in French baking.

Competing against 143 baguettes, Jegatheepan secured the top prize, which includes €4,000 and the honour of supplying bread to the Élysée Palace for one year.

The award recognises excellence in traditional French baguette-making, with judges assessing taste, appearance, baking quality, crumb structure, size and salt content.

The jury, made up of professionals, journalists and members of the public, praised his baguette for its exceptional craftsmanship and impeccable quality.

Arriving in France in 2003, Jegatheepan initially worked in restaurants before turning to baking in 2008. Without formal training, he learned the craft entirely on the job — making his victory on his very first attempt even more remarkable.

“I never thought I would win the competition,” he said, describing himself as “happy, happy, happy.”

Customers and colleagues gathered to congratulate him at his bakery, celebrating a win that brings pride not only to his workplace but also to the Sri Lankan community abroad.