Let’s face it, you can’t visit Paris without indulging in its legendary pastries. But with so many options, it’s hard to know where to start.
This is a city where the art of pastry reaches its peak. Paris is a place where simple ingredients are transformed into masterpieces. It’s a place where a croissant isn’t just breakfast, it’s a culinary experience.
Unveiling the Masters of Pastry
But this list isn’t about croissants, baguettes, or trendy treats. We’re diving into the heart of classic French pastry, exploring the timeless delights that have captivated Parisians for generations.
Instead, we’ll journey through the world of traditional French pastries, showcasing those that stand the test of time. We’ll be exploring pastries that have been perfected over generations and are available at some of the most prestigious pastry shops in France.
A Madeleines Transformation
The humble madeleine, often overlooked, is a revelation in the hands of pastry chef François Perret at the Ritz Paris Le Comptoir.
Before tasting the Ritz Paris’ madeleines, I, like many others, saw them as unassuming and boring. But then I tasted Perret’s version, and I was transported back to the world of Marcel Proust. Perret has elevated this simple cake into a symphony of flavors and textures. He has created a molten madeleine with a choice of flavor glazes – lemon, raspberry, caramel, passion fruit, and chocolate – and equally intense fruit compote, chocolate, or caramel centers. These madeleines are moist, aromatic, and visually stunning. My favorites are the raspberry and caramel, but be sure to keep an eye out for seasonal flavors.
A Lemon Tart with Bite
If you’re a fan of citrus, then a visit to Stohrer, Paris’ oldest pastry shop, is a must.
Although Stohrer is famous for its baba rhum, their lemon tart is a revelation for those who love a balanced tartness. The lemon tart is made with a shortbread crust, lemon confit, yuzu cream, and a lemon-lime cream that delivers a subtle bitterness. This tart is a perfect balance of tart and sweet, refreshing and smooth.
The Ispahan Macaron: A Floral Symphony
Pierre Hermé, the renowned pastry chef, is known for his exquisite creations, and the Ispahan macaron is no exception.
Pierre Hermé’s macarons are a testament to his talent. They are works of art, but the Ispahan macaron stands out. This macaron is a delightful combination of litchi, raspberry, and rose. The delicate flavors blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of taste that lingers in your memory. There’s a reason he’s been called the Picasso of pastries!
A Saint-Honoré with a Twist
The Saint-Honoré, a traditional Parisian pastry, gets a modern makeover from celebrity chef Philippe Conticini.
The Saint-Honoré is a classic pastry, but Conticini has elevated it to a new level of elegance. His tart version offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors: vanilla-scented cream, soft pastry cream, caramelized choux, and crispy puff pastry. The layer of caramel with fleur de sel adds a delicate touch of saltiness that prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming.
A Chocolate Éclair That’s Worth the Hype
When it comes to chocolate éclairs, La Maison du Chocolat is the gold standard.
In a city brimming with éclairs, La Maison du Chocolat stands out. Their éclairs are made with rich, dark chocolate and have a hint of fruitiness, while the choux pastry is light and airy. These éclairs are a bit pricey, but the quality is unmatched.
The Equinox: A Parisian Mystery
Cyril Lignac, a celebrated pastry chef and TV personality, has created a pastry that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Lignac’s Equinox is a masterpiece of entremets. This pastry is a symphony of textures and flavors, with a bourbon vanilla cream, caramel center, and Speculoos praline crunch. The Equinox is a visual feast as well, making it one of the most fashionable pastries on our list.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pastry connoisseur or a first-time visitor, these Parisian gems are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
