There are few things more iconic to Paris than its pastries. From classic tarts to delicate macarons, these sweet treats are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Here are 10 of the most popular Parisian pastries and where to find them.
1. Croissant: Le Pain Quotidien
A favorite among many, the croissant is a type of bread that is made from dough that is yeast-leavened and laminated. Lamination is a process in which butter is rolled into the dough, creating layers. Croissants are usually shaped into crescent moons, but they can also be found in other shapes such as rectangles or triangles.
The origin of the croissant is often thought to be Austria, but it is more likely that it was created in France during the early 19th century. Today, croissants can be found all over the world and come in a variety of flavors. Whether you like your croissants plain or filled with chocolate, there’s sure to be a type that you’ll enjoy.
If you’re looking for a delicious croissant, head to Le Pain Quotidien. This bakery offers fresh, handmade French pastries that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With locations all over the world, you’re bound to find one near you. Bon appetit!
Le Pain Quotidien: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
2. Pain au chocolat: Ladurée
Pain au chocolat, or chocolate bread, is a French pastry that is made by wrapping a piece of chocolate in dough and then baking it. The origin of pain au chocolate is disputed, but it is thought to have originated in France in the 19th century. Pain au chocolate quickly became a popular breakfast item in France, and today it can be found in cafes and bakeries all over the world.
Ladurée, a French pastry shop that was founded in 1862, is credited with popularizing the pain au chocolate. Ladurée’s pain au chocolat is made with dark chocolate and the dough is flavored with orange blossom water. The pastries are delicate and fluffy, and they have a slight crunch from the chocolate bits.
Ladurée: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
3. Macaron: Pierre Hermé
Macarons are a quintessential French pastry, and Pierre Hermé is one of the world’s most renowned macaron makers. Hermé’s macarons are characterized by their delicate, light-as-air texture and unique flavor combinations. While Hermé has many signature flavors, some of his most popular include rose petals, dark chocolate ganache, and salted caramel.
Hermé’s macarons are available at his boutiques in Paris, London, Tokyo, and New York. For those who can’t make it to one of Hermé’s shops, his macarons are also available online.
Pierre Hermé: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
4. Eclairs: L’Éclair de Genie
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, why not try an éclair? These French pastries are made with light, airy choux pastry and filled with delicious cream. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a special treat.
L’Éclair de Genie is a popular spot for éclairs in Paris. The shop offers a wide range of flavor options, including classic chocolate and coffee éclairs as well as more adventurous flavors like pistachio and raspberry. The éclairs are made fresh throughout the day, so you’re guaranteed to get a delicious pastry.
L’Éclair de Genie: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
5. Tarte tatin: La Pâtisserie des Rêves
La Pâtisserie des Rêves, or “The Patisserie of Dreams”, is a Parisian institution known for its beautiful and delicious desserts. The Tarte Tatin is one of their signature dishes, and it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the city. The Tarte Tatin is an upside-down apple tart made with caramelized apples and a flaky puff pastry crust.
It’s a simple but stunning dessert, and the perfect way to end a meal. La Pâtisserie des Rêves has locations all over Paris, so it’s easy to find one near you. They also have several shops in other cities around the world, so if you can’t make it to Paris, you can still enjoy their delicious pastries.
Address: La Pâtisserie des Rêves Address: 93 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France
6. Mille-feuille: La Maison du Pain
The French have a long and rich tradition of baking, and one of the most popular and iconic French pastries is the mille-feuille. Also known as the vanilla slice, cream puff, or Napoleon, the mille-feuille is a light and airy pastry made from layers of puff pastry filled with vanilla custard or whipped cream. While the origins of the mille-feuille are unclear, it is thought to have first appeared in France in the early 19th century.
La Maison du Pain is an authentic French bakery known for its fresh-baked bread and pastries. The mille-feuille here is made with traditional puff pastry and vanilla custard filling, giving it a classic flavor that is sure to please.
La Maison du Pain: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
7. Religieuse: La Maison du Chocolat
The religieuse is a French pastry that consists of two choux buns, one smaller than the other, filled with flavored cream, and often topped with fondant or ganache. The name of the pastry, which means “nun,” is thought to refer to the resemblance of the two buns to a nun’s habit. Religieuse can be found at many French bakeries, but they are especially popular at La Maison du Chocolat.
Founded in 1977 by Robert Linxe, La Maison du Chocolat is a luxury chocolate company with locations in France, Japan, and New York City. In addition to religieuse, La Maison du Chocolat offers a wide variety of chocolates, pastries, and desserts. If you’re looking for a truly indulgent treat, make sure to stop by La Maison du Chocolat the next time you’re in France.
La Maison du Chocolat: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
8. Chocolate éclair: Les Deux Gares
For those with a sweet tooth, few things are more tantalizing than a chocolate éclair. This classic French pastry is made with a light, airy dough that is filled with rich custard and covered in a thick layer of chocolate. While éclairs are widely available, not all are created equal. For the best possible experience, head to Les Deux Gares in Paris.
This beloved bakery is known for its delicious pastries, and its éclairs are no exception. Made with only the finest ingredients and baked fresh daily, they are truly a treat for the senses. If you can’t make it to Paris, don’t worry – Les Deux Gares offers to ship worldwide. So whether you’re near or far, you can enjoy a taste of the City of Light.
Les Deux Gares: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
9. Paris-Brest: Carl Marletti
The Paris-Brest is a choux pastry that is filled with flavored cream and shaped into a ring. It was originally created in 1891 to celebrate the Paris-Brest bicycle race, and it has since become a popular dessert in France. The popularity of Paris-Brest quickly spread beyond France, and today it is enjoyed by pastry lovers all over the world.
If you find yourself in Paris craving a Paris-Brest, there are plenty of great places to get one. Carl Marletti’sshop is still open for business and offers a delicious selection of pastries, including the iconic Paris-Brest
Carl Marletti: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
10. Baba au rhum: Stohrer
In France, there are many iconic desserts that are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. One of the most beloved French pastries is the baba au rhum. This rum-soaked cake is thought to have originated in the 18th century, and it remains a popular treat to this day.
If you’re craving a taste of France, you can find excellent baba au rhum at Stohrer. This renowned pastry shop is located in the heart of Paris and has been serving up delicious desserts for over 250 years. Whether you enjoy your baba au rhum with coffee or tea, Stohrer is the perfect place to indulge in this classic French treat.
Stohrer: For pictures, booking, and more information, click here.
In conclusion
Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or something a little more indulgent, there’s sure to be a Parisian pastry that satisfies your sweet tooth. With so many delicious options to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to start. But with this list of 10 must-try French pastries, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the best of what Paris has to offer. Bon appétit!
