There are few places in the world more enchanting than Paris. The city is a dreamscape of cobblestone streets, iconic landmarks, and effortlessly stylish Parisians. It’s no secret that Paris is revered for its fashion scene, storied history, and architectural marvels. However, let’s not forget one of its most divine offerings—its world-renowned pastries.</p>
<div>As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I have helped hundreds of people plan a trip to Paris via Rêverie in Paris and eaten my fair share of French pastries over the course of my dozens and dozens of trips to the City</p>
of
Light.</p>
<div> </div> <div>In my opinion, no day in Paris is complete without indulging in at least one sweet treat from a local <
;em>pâtisseri
<p><p>e. Whether you’re strolling along the Seine, people-watching in a charming café, or heading off on your next grand Parisian adventure, a pastry in hand is a must.
</p&gt;
I think we can all agree that, if there’s one thing Paris is known for (aside from the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, of course), it’s
the
pa
<p>stries. The city is home to some of the best bakeries in the world, where award-winning pastry chefs craft layers upon layers of delicate, flaky, buttery go
odness.</p>
From the iconic croissant to the more complex Saint-Honoré, French pastries have a reputation for being almost too beauti
ful to ea
t –
almost.
9 Best Pastries in Paris
Why Are French Pastries So Good?
French pastries are an art form, perfected over centuries. What sets them apart? It all comes down to technique, high-quality ingredients (that French butter with its high fat content!!, and, of course, the meticulous craft of a skilled pâtissier.</p>
French pastry chefs train for years to master the delicate layers of puff pastry, the perfect balance of sweetness, and the rich, buttery flavors that make these treats u
nfo
<p>rge
<p>ttable. Many of Paris’s boulangeries and pâtisseries use time-honored methods passed down through generations, ensuring that every bite you tak
e is as authentic as it gets.
The magic also lies in the diversity of offerings. From a warm pain au chocolat with its layers to the exquisite architecture of a Saint Honoré, Paris is a treasure trove of indulgence.</p>
The city is home to no shortage of award-winning bakeries on nearly every corner so it’s no wonder that visitors come from all over the world just to taste thes
e d
eli
cacies.</p>
Now, onward to (some!) of the best French pastries you need to try (and where to find a few o
f t
hem)…
1. Pain au Chocolat: A Flaky, Chocolate-filled Delight</h3>
One of the most beloved French pastries of all time, the pain au chocolat (chocolate croissant) is a must-try for any
pas try
lover. This buttery, flaky pastry filled with rich dark chocolate is the epitome of a breakfast treat – or really,
any time of day treat.</p>Whether you’re strolling through a market or popping into a café, you’ll find pain au chocolat in every corner of
Paris. But if you’re after one that’s truly exceptional, head to Du Pain et Des Idées, locat
ed on 34 rue Yves Toudic, 75010Paris. Their pain au chocolat is a pastry chef’s dream: the layers are perfectly flaky, the chocolate filling is rich without being too sweet, and it’s all made with the finest ingredients. </div><em>Why You Should Try It: The pain au chocolat at Du Pain et Des Idées is the definition of pa
stry perfection. The layers are light and crisp, and the chocolate inside is luxuriously melted, creating an irresistible contrast of textures. Every bite is pure bliss, and it’s worth waking up early for a taste of this perfection.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a café crème (a French-style coffee with steamed milk) for the full Parisian experience.
Related: How to Order Coffee in Paris
2. Saint-Honoré: A French Classic You Can’t Miss
The way I love a Saint Honoré!</p>
Named after the French patron saint of bakers, the Saint-Honoré is one of the most intricate and beautiful pastries you’ll encoun
terin
Paris. A combination of puff pastry, choux pastry and caramel, this dessert is both visually stunning and unbelievably delicious.
The Saint-Honoré is typically topped with small cream puffs filled with pastry cream and caramelized sugar. Underneath, a rich, buttery puff pastry base anchors the creation. The combination of textures – from the soft, pillowy choux to the crisp puff pastry and the sweet caramel – makes each bite a true delight.
Where to Find It: One of the best places to try a Saint-Honoré is the famed Pierre Hermé. They have several locations but I enjoy the small one on Rue Bonaparte.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out Pierre Hermé’s macarons as well – they’re another must-try from this award-winning pastry chef.
3. Éclair: A Perfectly Sweet Pastry for All Occasions
The éclair, with its light choux pastry shell and silky-smooth filling, is another iconic French pastry that’s worth every calorie. The classic éclair is filled with pastry cream, often flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or coffee, and topped with a glossy icing. In recent years I have been loving the coffee version!</p>
You can find éclairs in nearly every bakery in Paris, but for some fun and inventive ones, head to L’Éclair de Génie, located at 14 rue de l
a Pari
sienne. (They have a few locations now!) This pastry shop is known for its innovative éclairs, where the classic pastry is reimagined with unique fillings and toppings.</p>
Pro Tip: While you’re at L’Éclair de Génie, try their éclair glacé (ice cream éclair) for a truly unique twist on
this c
lassic.
4. Tarte Tatin: An Upside Down French Apple Pie
The Tarte Tatin is a classic French dessert that’s beloved for its caramelized apples and buttery crust. This upside-down tart is made by cooking apples in butter and sugar before placing them on top of a pastry base and baking until golden and caramelized.
<p>Consider enjoying a Tarte Tatin at Café de Flore, located on 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain. This iconic café has a storied past, great people watching and you can get a big scoop of cream aside to enjoy with your tarte.</p>
Pro Tip: Order a café au lait to go alongs
ide your Tarte Tatin and sit back to enjoy the charming atmosphere of one of Paris’ most ico
nic
cafés. It’s the perfect end to a cozy meal – particularly, I think, in winter.
Related: What to order in France in Winter
5. Baba au Rhum: A Boozy Pastry with History</h3>
<p>If you’re looking for a French pastry with a bit of a boozy kick, the baba au rhum is the
one
to try. This rum-soaked cake is light yet flavorful, and often topped with whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.</p>
It’s a bit booze-forward for my taste but it is a classic and you’ll see it all over on menus in Paris and some patisseries als
o carr
y them.
Pro Tip: Pair your Baba au Rhum with a glass of chilled Champagne for a celebratory treat.
6. Macarons: A Parisian Staple
No list of French pastries would be complete without the iconic macaron. These delicate, meringue-based cookies are filled with a variety of fillings, ranging from smooth ganache to fruit jams, and they come in a rainbow of colors.
One of the best places to get macarons in Paris is Ladurée. They have several locations but I like the one located on 16 rue Royale. Known for its delicate, flavorful macarons, Ladurée has been a Paris institution for over 150 years. Whether you go for the classic vanilla or chocolate or try something more adventurous like salted caramel or pistachio, you can’t go wrong with their macarons.
If you enjoy rose flavored things, definitely give their rose macaron a try!
<em>Pro Tip: Ladurée’s macarons seem like a good souvenir to bring home because of their beautiful packaging but know that they are very delicate and usually not good by the time you get off
the
plane. So, therefore, they are best eaten in-flight!
7. Chausson aux Pommes: The Apple Turnover with a French Twist</h3>
For a less sweet, but equally delightful pastry similar to the tarte tatin, try a chausson aux pommes, a French-style apple turnover filled with sweet apple compote and encased in flak
y puff
pastry.
8. Tarte aux Framboises</h3>
A personal favorite since I was a little girl, these delicate tartes are usually available featuring several fruits but I am partial to framboise
(rasp
berry). When available during raspberry season, these tarts are a true celebration of fresh, seasonal fruit. The fruit sits atop a buttery, crisp tart shell filled with a layer of rich, velvety pastry cream. It is often finished with a light glaze and when I tell you I can devour one in record time…</p>
Pro Tip: Pair the tart with a refreshing glass of rosé or a light, citrusy sorbet to complement the frui
t f
lavors. Prefer lemon or strawberry? Most patisseries should have those options available as well. Look for fraise or citron.
9. Mille-feuille: A Layered Masterpiece
The Mille-feuille (which translates to “a thousand sheets”) is a French pastry that’s as impressive as it is delicious. It was my pastry of choice all of my childhood going to France.</p>
This, flaky, delicate pastry consists of multiple layers of crispy puff pastry stacked high, interspersed with rich layers of pastry
cream. It is often topped with a delicate glaze or powdered sugar.
The above is a less traditional take on the pastry as served at the iconic Ritz Paris.
Pro Tip: Be sure to enjoy your Mille-feuille at its freshest. This pastry is best eaten shortly after it’s made, when the layers are still crispy and the cream is perfectly set otherwise you run the risk of it getting soggy.
. . .
Ready to Plan Your Own French Pastry Adventure?
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Whether you’re going on a girls trip to Paris, on a solo trip or with another loved one – make sure to carve out time for pa
stry h
opping. With so many incredible bakeries in Paris, it’s impossible to try them all in one visit. But that’s just another reason to come back…right?!</p>
And if you’re wondering what to wear in Paris at night, be sure to check out my guide to help you dress the part while indulging in the city’s sw
eetest
treats.
Which of these pastries are you most excited to try on your next trip to Paris? Let me know in the comments below!</p>
It’s hard to go wrong (although not impossible!) with French pastries, but we always save our very, very favorites to our share with our En Route to Rêverie Rêverie in Paris<
;/a> c
lients.
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