Paris, the city of lights, is also the pastry capital of the world. Over time, you develop a keen eye for what makes a pastry mediocre and another masterful.
This article will highlight some of the best classic French pastries in Paris, showcasing the artisanship and creativity that makes Parisian pastry so exceptional.
This article will focus on traditional French pastries, excluding popular breakfast items like croissants and pains au chocolat, as well as breads and baguettes. It will also exclude trendy desserts with short shelf lives. This list reflects my personal taste preferences and will feature some of my favorite pastries from renowned Parisian pastry shops.
Exquisite Madeleines at Le Comptoir
I used to think madeleines were uninspired compared to the glamorous macarons and fairytale tarts adorning Parisian pastry shop windows. However, my perception changed after trying François Perret’s madeleines at Le Comptoir, the Ritz Paris hotel’s takeaway pastry shop.
His modernized version of the classic madeleine is a revelation. Molten madeleines are glazed in flavors like lemon, raspberry, caramel, passion fruit, and chocolate, and have equally intense fruit compote, chocolate, or caramel centers. They are moist, fragrant, and visually stunning. My favorites are raspberry and caramel, but you can also find seasonal flavors throughout the year.
This is just one example of how a simple pastry can be elevated by a skilled pastry chef. François Perret’s madeleines at Le Comptoir are a testament to the creativity and innovation that exists in the world of French pastry.
A Tart with a Tang: Stohrer’s Lemon Tart
Stohrer, the oldest pastry shop in Paris, is known for its baba rhum, but their lemon tart is a true gem.
This tart is perfect for those who appreciate a bold citrus flavor. With a shortbread crust, lemon confit, yuzu cream, and a lemon-lime cream, it has a subtle bitter note that perfectly balances the sweetness.
This tart is a refreshing and smooth experience, providing a perfect balance between tartness and sweetness. Stohrer’s lemon tart is a must-try for anyone visiting Paris.
The Enchanting Ispahan Macaron by Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé, a true master of pastry, is known for his signature rose, litchi, and raspberry Ispahan macaron. This macarons is a symphony of flavors and textures.
The delicate rose aroma is balanced by the fruity litchi and raspberry flavors. The sophisticated finish is a true delight. This is a must-try for anyone seeking a refined and elegant dessert.
This macaron is a testament to Pierre Hermé’s skill and creativity. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be combined to create a truly exceptional pastry. There are several Pierre Hermé locations in Paris, but I recommend the one on Avenue de l’Opéra, near the Palais Garnier.
Philippe Conticini’s Saint-Honoré: A Pastry Masterpiece
The Saint-Honoré, a Parisian invention, is a classic pastry dating back to the 19th century. Celebrity pastry chef Philippe Conticini has elevated this traditional dessert with his tart version.
Conticini’s Saint-Honoré features a puff pastry base topped with cream puffs, hard caramel shell, and both Chiboust (pastry cream and meringue) and Chantilly whipped cream.
What makes this tart so special is the even distribution of flavors and textures in nearly every bite. The vanilla-scented cream, soft pastry cream, caramelized choux, crispy puff pastry, and layer of caramel with fleur de sel come together in a harmonious balance.
This Saint-Honoré is a true masterpiece, showcasing Conticini’s incredible skill as a pastry chef. The tart is elegant, visually stunning, and a true delight for the senses.
A Chocolate Dream: La Maison du Chocolat’s Eclair
Chocolate éclairs are a classic French pastry, but finding a truly exceptional éclair can be difficult.
La Maison du Chocolat is a renowned chocolatier known for its rich and decadent éclairs. Made with full-bodied dark chocolate, they have a hint of fruity acidic finish. The choux pastry is light, fluffy, and flavorful.
This éclair is a truly indulgent treat. It’s worth the splurge, even at a higher price point, for the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each éclair. La Maison du Chocolat is a true chocolate lover’s paradise.
The Equinox: Cyril Lignac’s Signature Pastry
Cyril Lignac, a celebrity pastry chef and TV star in France, is known for his innovative and delicious pastries.
One of his signature pastries is the Equinox, a multi-layered dessert that is both dramatic and comforting.
The Equinox features a bourbon vanilla cream, caramel center, and Speculoos praline crunch.
The Equinox is a testament to Lignac’s creative genius. It’s a pastry that is both familiar and exciting, a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures.
This is just a small sampling of the incredible pastries that you can find in Paris. Whether you’re looking for classic French pastries or something more adventurous, there’s a pastry out there for everyone. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Paris and get ready to indulge in some of the world’s best pastries!
