There are so many French pastries to try in Paris. One of the things I really appreciate in Paris is the variety of options in patisserie. In every corner, you can reach a bakery (boulangerie) that offers delicacies that you would not be able to resist.
France has one of the best and refined cuisines in the world and patisserie is not an exception. Many pasty chefs open their boutiques sharing their unique touch and original creations. I will share with you some of the best French pastries to try in Paris.
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1. Macarons
This is an undeniable favorite. If you come to stay in Paris, trying a macaron is a must. They are on offer everywhere in the shops and even supermarkets. However, a glamorous selection is to be found in few renowned boutiques: La durée, Fauchon and Pierre Hermé.
La durée is an expert in the subject. The house is a success story with a classical collection of flavors such as pistachio, caramel, coffee or raspberry. The packaging is chic and their boutiques are well designed.
Fauchon is another house that built its reputation on chocolate. They offer a variety of choices of macarons as well.
Pierre Hermé is a topper in the list of macarons boutiques. I personally love this brand. They offer creative and classic flavors that change throughout the year. I highly recommend this one.
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Macarons are a classic French pastry that are incredibly popular in Paris. They are made from almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, and are usually filled with a buttercream or jam. Macarons are usually small, round, and come in a variety of colors and flavors. La Durée, Fauchon, and Pierre Hermé are some of the most well-known macaron boutiques in Paris, each offering their own unique selection of flavors and packaging. La Durée is known for its classical flavors like pistachio, caramel, coffee, and raspberry. Fauchon is well known for its variety of chocolate-flavored macarons. Pierre Hermé is known for its creative and ever-changing flavors.
2. Paris Brest
Another typical French dessert is the Paris Brest. The Paris Brest was created by Louis Durand at Maisons Lafitte, a suburban castle, in 1910. He was inspired at the time by the cycling race Paris to Brest and back. It takes the shape of a crown as a reminder of the cycling event and is made of puff pastry filled with praline mousseline and decorated with flaked almonds and powdered sugar.
You can try the original version at the Durand Pâtisserie, 9 avenue de Longueil, 78600 Maisons-Laffitte a modern one at La Pâtisserie des rêves, 93 rue du Bac Paris 75007
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Paris is known for its exquisite pastries and desserts, and the Paris Brest is one of the most iconic. It was created in 1910 by Louis Durand at Maisons Lafitte, a suburban castle. He was inspired by the cycling race Paris to Brest and back, and the pastry takes the shape of a crown as a reminder of the event.
The Paris Brest is made of puff pastry filled with praline mousseline and decorated with flaked almonds and powdered sugar. It is a popular dessert item in France, and you can find it in many of the traditional pastry shops.
If you're looking for a modern take on the Paris Brest, you can try it at La Pâtisserie des rêves, 93 rue du Bac Paris 75007. Here, you can find a variety of pastries and desserts, including the classic Paris Brest. The shop also offers lunch and dinner items, making it the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat.
3. Religieuse
An intriguing name as you may expect: “Religieuse” means the religious. This dessert was the creation of a Parisian café called Frascati in 1856. The first version was different from the actual patisserie. It evolved from a puff pastry filled with custard to a round shaped pastry filled with custard and flavored with caramel, vanilla or chocolate.
Savour one of the best Religieuse at the house of Rollet Pradier, 6, rue de Bourgogne 75007 Paris.
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The Religieuse is a classic French pastry that is a must-try when visiting Paris. It is made of two choux pastry puffs, one on top of the other, filled with a creamy custard. The top choux is often topped with a chocolate glaze and a dusting of powdered sugar. The pastry is said to have originated at the Parisian café Frascati in 1856.
The name Religieuse, which means “religious” in French, is thought to have originated from the shape of the pastry, which resembles a nun’s habit. The pastry is also sometimes referred to as religieuse à l’ancienne, which translates to “old-fashioned religious”.
The Religieuse is a popular pastry in France and can be found in many patisseries and cafés. One of the best places to try the Religieuse is at the House of Rollet Pradier, located at 6, rue de Bourgogne 75007 Paris.
4. Saint Honoré
Created by Chiboust in 1840, this rich dessert is named after the street where the Chiboust bakery was located, Saint Honoré Street in Paris. Round or rectangular shaped, I love the sophistication that the visual gives and the complexity of taste it offers. This is a must to pamper yourself with or to share.
I suggest Dalloyau, 6 rue de Lota - 75016 Paris, for a version of the Saint Honoré that is close to the original recipe or Mandarin Oriental, 251 rue Saint-Honoré 75001 for a refined one.
This is not an exhaustive list and the city is fusing with creative and original delicacies from talented pastry chefs.
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This is an undeniable favorite. If you come to stay in Paris, trying a macaron is a must. They are on offer everywhere in the shops and even supermarkets. However, a glamorous selection is to be found in few renowned boutiques: La durée, Fauchon and Pierre Hermé./filters:quality(70)/content/e4/ak/soqxypf45acda4abf1249737763065_600x400.jpg)
Another typical French dessert is the Paris Brest. The Paris Brest was created by Louis Durand at Maisons Lafitte, a suburban castle, in 1910. He was inspired at the time by the cycling race Paris to Brest and back. It takes the shape of a crown as a reminder of the cycling event and is made of puff pastry filled with praline mousseline and decorated with flaked almonds and powdered sugar./filters:quality(70)/content/kx/f6/ly3bcya85acda4ae1c8e7922289285_600x750.jpg)
An intriguing name as you may expect: “Religieuse” means the religious. This dessert was the creation of a Parisian café called Frascati in 1856. The first version was different from the actual patisserie. It evolved from a puff pastry filled with custard to a round shaped pastry filled with custard and flavored with caramel, vanilla or chocolate./filters:quality(70)/content/y9/r3/nndqenzl5acda4ae7ba42862814785_600x598.jpg)
Created by Chiboust in 1840, this rich dessert is named after the street where the Chiboust bakery was located, Saint Honoré Street in Paris. Round or rectangular shaped, I love the sophistication that the visual gives and the complexity of taste it offers. This is a must to pamper yourself with or to share.
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