The French sure know how to embrace la joie de vivre, even at brunch. These bistros are prime weekend destinations for celebratory champagne-fueled affairs where buttery pastries, seafood, pates, and eggs can all find themselves on the table at once.

Here are my picks for the top French brunch in Toronto.

Le Select
The brunch menu at this French bistro on Wellington opens with champagne by the bottle or by the glass with fresh squeezed juice. A morning toast might just be in order before moving on to plates like the omelette au chèvre et aux champignons or oeufs Benedicte. Fresh fluffy croissants from Rahier, and sides including rosti potatoes seal the deal.

La Palette
This bistro on Queen West does an $18 prix fixed at brunch which pairs apps like paté de campagne or escargots with choices like the crepe nicoise, eggs Benedict, or the omelette du jour.

Cluny
Fresh shucked oysters and a bottle of Veuve Clicquot are not out of place on the brunch table at this boulangerie and bistro in the Distillery. The weekend menu features classic French foods with a twist like the tuna tartare nicoise and the bourguignon poutine, plus familiar morning foods including fried eggs served on house baked baguette with maple chili bacon.

La Société
Seafood towers, foie gras terrine, and a butter poached lobster Benedict are among the splurge-worthy brunch time offerings at this French bistro in Yorkville. It might not be Paris, but it's about as close as you can get in Toronto.

Le Paradis
The Parisian brasserie on Bedford only offers brunch on Sundays drawing sleepy patrons to its sunny front patio with promises of viennoiseries, sweet crepes, pain perdu, and croque madame sandwiches. Expect to find sparkling cocktails gracing every table, including Bellinis and Kir Royale.

What did I miss? Add your favourite French brunch spots to the comments.

Lead photo of Cluny.