Croissant robber on the loose

French police are on the hunt for a man who has held up a series of bakeries to steal croissants and other baked goods.

Since December 9, the middled-aged man has robbed five bakeries in the western suburbs of Paris, police said, each time using the same modus operandi.

After placing an order, the man holds up what appears to be a fake revolver, points it at the person behind the cash register and takes his pastries without paying.

Police say no body has been injured in the robberies and in each case the value of the goods stolen has been low, at between eight and 20 euros ($A11 and $A26).