If the bread will be eaten within 48 hours, keep the paper-wrapped loaf at room temperature.
Bread will stale more quickly in the refrigerator.

Bread kept in plastic will have a soft crust but will last 3 or more days. If you want to keep the crust nice and crisp, keep it in a paper bag.

Baguettes are meant to be eaten on the day that they are purchased. They can freeze for up to one week.

If your bread will not be used within 48 hours, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure that the bread is wrapped in an air-tight heavy plastic bag. Wrap in foil, then plastic,if you plan on reheating.

When thawing frozen bread, leave it in the closed bag until all the moisture has been reabsorbed.

To get the crust back on the day-old or thawed-out bread, place in a hot oven (375-400°F) for 5 minutes. Wrap in foil first for best results.

The crust is a natural protective cover, so slice it only as you need it.