Paris is a city of dreams and romance. It is also a city of gourmands, lauded for its vast culinary delights. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros, the City of Lights has something to tantalize every taste. However, when it comes to the indulgent world of French pastries, Paris takes on a leadership role that surpasses all other cities. From macarons to croissants, the traditional French patisseries of Paris are a must-try while experiencing the culture of the city. Here, we’ll explore some of the best places to find indulgent desserts in the heart of Paris.
What Makes Paris the World’s Pastry Capital?
When it comes to food, France and particularly Paris is known for its reputation for excellence. This applies to their pastries as well, where the quality of the ingredients, traditional recipes, and the level of skill involved make for some of the most delicious treats in the world. To start with, Paris has an enormous number of patisseries and every neighborhood in the city has no shortage of incredible offerings. Furthermore, these patisseries specialize in all kinds of wonderful baked goods from brioches to eclairs and even signature creations like the Paris-Brest.
Types of French Pastries
The French have a wide range of pastries, ranging from the simple to the intricate. Here is a list of some of the most popular French pastries and brief descriptions of each.
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Macarons — Perhaps the most iconic of all French pastries, these are two delicate almond meringue shells sandwiching a creamy ganache and a wide range of flavors to choose from.
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Croissants —A flaky, buttery pastry with a unique crescent shape and a delicious golden-brown exterior.
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Eclairs — Long cream-filled pastries that are usually covered in chocolate icing and a dusting of confectioner’s sugar.
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Kouign-amann — A Breton specialty that combines a sweet, buttery dough that’s rolled around a center of butter and sugar and baked in a specific circular shape.
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Mille-feuille —Literally meaning “a thousand leaves,” this pastry is made up of thin layers of delicious puff pastry and vanilla cream.
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Gateau Opera — Considered by some to be the king of all French desserts, this exquisite pastry is made with layers of coffee-flavored sponge cake, ganache, coffee buttercream, and almond biscuit.
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Brioche —A slightly sweet pastry that is made with butter and eggs.
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Paris-Brest —a circular pastry that is filled with a light and airy praline mousseline cream.
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Tarte Tatin —A classic French tart that is made with thin slices of apples and a wonderfully caramelized sugar topping.
Cataloguing the Best Patisseries in Paris
Now that you know about the types of pastries you’ll find in Paris, it’s time to explore the top patisseries around the city. There are countless patisseries in the French capital, but these are the places to visit if you want a real taste of the quintessential French dessert.
- Ladurée
Found at multiple locations around the city, Ladurée is perhaps the most iconic patisserie in Paris. With a long history and an even longer list of famous customers, the macarons here are a must-try. From traditional flavors like rose and pistachio to the more modern varieties like pink grapefruit, there’s something for every taste.
- Pierre Hermé Paris
Another quintessential Parisian patisserie, Pierre Hermé is known for its signature macarons as well as its other pastry creations. The signature offerings here are mix of flavors, from chocolate-infused treats to pistachio-apricot.
- La Maison du Chocolat
This iconic patisserie is a favorite of the Parisian elite with the city’s elite flocking to its stores for the best in chocolate cakes, éclairs, macarons, and more. It’s particularly famous for its delicious chocolate and chestnut-filled éclairs.
- Angelina
Angelina is renowned for its traditional pastries, made with the same recipes they’ve used since the store first opened in 1903. Best known is their Mont Blanc Cake, which is made with meringue, chestnut cream, and silky ganache. Their signature hot chocolate is also worth a try.
- Gérard Mulot
Coming in at fifth place is the illustrious Gérard Mulot, a patisserie founded by Gérard Mulot in 1976. Known for its exquisite pastries, there are endless flavors of macarons, choux, caramel éclairs, and more.
- Hugo & Victor
A boutique patisserie located in the heart of the Latin Quarter, Hugo & Victor makes some of the most unique and delectable pastries in the city. The menu changes frequently, but signature creations include cardamom and citrus almond éclairs and blackcurrant teacakes.
- Du Pain et des Idées
Du Pain et des Idées is a charming patisserie located in the Marais quartier and it is famous for its traditional pastries such as croissants and tartes. However, what sets this place apart is its signature pain des amis, a sweet brioche that is made with a special blend of spices and honey.
- La Pâtisserie des Rêves
This chain of patisseries is widely acclaimed for its exquisite creations and limitless flavor combinations. From delightful fruit tarts to intricate opera cakes, a visit to La Pâtisserie des Rêves is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
- Maître Choux
For something a bit different, Maître Choux is the perfect place to go. A unique patisserie that specializes in choux pastry, this place serves up delicious cream puffs in flavors like salted caramel, chocolate and raspberry, and passionfruit.
- Jean-Paul Hévin
Founded in 1981 and now with multiple locations around the city, Jean-Paul Hévin is prized for its incredible creations including chocolate-themed desserts and its famous gianduja cake.
From macarons to croissants and everything in between, Paris is a famous destination for discerning foodies in search of the best desserts the city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for something traditional or unique and modern, this list has something to satisfy even the most discerning palate. So, the next time you’re in Paris, why not leave room for a little dessert? With so many incredible patisseries all around the city, you’re sure to find something you love!
