The Best Patisseries In Paris

By Suz Pathmanathan

Picture the scene. You’re in Paris, soaking up the city with your partner. And let’s be honest, they’re a little out of your league aren’t they? So you take them out to a nice restaurant, hoping they’ll be distracted by the fine dining to notice the discrepancy. You share a starter and the conversation’s flowing. Their eye’s light up when the main arrives. You’ve nailed it. Then they bring the dessert menu out, and your heart sinks. It’s dire. Cheese or sorbet. That’s your lot. You see it in your partner’s eyes too. The illusion is shattered. It’s only a matter of time before all your “cute” start becoming insufferable. You’ve blown it. But WAIT. Back up to when the waiter brought over the dessert menu. Before he even speaks you raise your hand. “Just the bill please”. You smile to your partner. A twinkle in your eye. You know exactly where to take them for the very best desserts that Paris has to offer. Because you read this blog. Good for you. Here are the best patisseries in Paris.

Carl Marletti

Dazzle your partner with outstanding pastries at Carl Marletti’s. It’s unassuming on the outside, so you’re sure to surprise them with your local knowledge. Truly one of the best pasty places in Paris. Their Lily Valley is to die for.

Sadaharu Aoki

Legendary Japanese chef Sadaharu Aoki fuses Japanese flavours with classic French recipes at one of Paris’ most renowned patisseries. You know it’s gonna be good when it’s got his name above the door. Expect tarts, cakes, and the like with a little Eastern twist. They even have a wasabi macaroon, which may be more of an acquired taste. Either way, it’s sure to impress your partner. If it doesn’t, dump the uncultured swine.

Laduree

If you’re mad for macaroons, you may have already seen Laduree’s rainbow selection on Instagram. They even have a branch by the Champs Elysee, which is the perfect backdrop to prove to your beau that you’re a high 6/low 7 at the very least. There’s plenty of room too, so you can take your time while you dine on some of the best and brightest desserts in Paris.

Des Gateaux et du Pain

Another Parisian favourite is Des Gateaux et du Pain, chef Claire Damon’s shop. If you don’t know, she’s one of the best in the biz. And if your partner doesn’t know, you can pretend you knew all along. With more desserts than you can shake a sugar cane at, and a charming locale to boot, this is definitely one of the best patisseries in Paris.

Aux Merveillex de Fred

Does your partner think mervelliex are marvellous? Aux Mervelliex de Fred has got to be top of your list. If you’re wondering what mervelliex is, imagine a cream sandwich with meringues as the bread. Sounds pretty great, right? While originally a Belgian dessert, it’s now commonly found in France too. Want the best? Go to Aux Mervelliex de Fred.

L'eclair de Genie

If an éclair is the perfect dessert to keep the dream alive, take your partner to L’eclair de Genie. And don’t just expect your average run-of-the-mill éclairs. Expect inventive fruit infusions, and decadent fillings like salted caramel to hit the spot. Their menu also changes all year round, so a second visit should still impress the most unimpressed of partners. This could well be one of the best patisseries in Paris.

Jacques Genin

The eponymous Jacques Genin is owned by, you guessed it, chef Jacques Genin. Well known for curating the dessert menus of some of Paris’ finest restaurants, he decided to cut out the middle man and sell his sweet delights straight to the public. You’ll like see some interesting fusions and exciting takes on classic desserts. Prove to your partner that your taste buds aren’t milquetoast by ordering something more adventurous than milk and toast.

Pierre Herme

Any discerning macaroon fan worth their salt will already know about Pierre Herme. It’s one of the most famous patisseries in Paris, nay the world! The colourful delights within this inviting macaroon-ery will have you and your partner dancing the macarena. Probably. Well, maybe not, but they’re still brilliant.

There you have it. The best patisseries in Paris that are sure to impress every sweet-toothed partner. You are very, very welcome. Of course, Paris is brimming with dessert dineries, so if we missed any, be sure to shame us in the comments below.

And if you need any more inspiration on things to do in Paris, why not check out our blog on the best rooftop bars?

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Top 10 attractions outside Paris

You’re coming to Paris and you know what’s in store; the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum... but do you know what else there is to do aside from the obvious? Paris isn’t short of a few monuments or museums; in fact some of its best are actually outside central Paris itself. People often overlook those famous Paris attractions on the outskirts of the city, or some don’t even know about them, full stop. It’s not surprising; but we’re here to make sure you know about it all so that you can plan the perfect trip – even making the effort to go that extra mile. Literally. In no particular order... National Museum of Port Royal des Champs Les Granges de Port-Royal, Magny-les-Hameaux 78114 An old teaching abbey, Port-Royal des Champs was founded in 1204 and it became famous for its high quality education, schooling the likes of Pascal and Racine. The abbey and school played an important part in educating those who were to have an influence in high thought and intellect – which was prevalent in the the politically charged wars of the middle ages, inspiring the Jansenism movement. Now, you can explore the museum which stands opposite the old abbey and learn about the history of some of France’s more political battles through old paintings, engravings and books to take you into the monastic life of some of the most intellectual men of their time. Villa Savoye 82, rue de Villiers, Poissy 78 300 From old to new, Villa Savoye is a masterpiece of 20th century design and one of the most famous houses of the modern movement in architecture. The pièce de resistance, by Swiss architect Le Corbusier, is very futuristic in its style and you can imagine the controversy it provoked when it first opened in 1931. Built originally as a country retreat for the Savoye family, the family were then seized by the Nazis during the Second World War, who used their house for storage instead. Later after passing through the hands of the French State, it was granted status as a Historic Monument in the 60s. After undergoing several years of renovation, it is now open to visitors to explore the Savoye family’s old home. Maurice Denis Museum 2 bis rue Maurice Denis, Saint-Germain-en-Laye 78 100 Maurice Denis was one of the most influential painters of the Nabis movement, of the Nabi School. A French symbolist painter and theoretician, he believed in God and mysticism together with artistic methodology. Influenced by the style of Gaugin, the Nabis tried to deal with the struggle between the representation of resemblance and other intellectual movements presented through art. Maurice Denis moved out to the building out in Saint-Germain-en-Laye and worked and lived there until his death. Now, turned into a museum, it holds some of the most influential pieces from the Nabis school, including works from his contemporaries, Paul Sérusier, Paul Ranson, Pierre Bonnard, Édouard Vuillard and Félix Vallotton, as well as sculptures by Paul Gauguin. Palace of Versailles Place d'Armes, Versailles 78000 One of the most opulent castles in France – if not in the world – the Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous examples of 18th century French architecture there is. Deep rooted in Paris’ royal past, it’s hosted some of the most famous figures of Paris’ history. A huge testament to post-Renaissance architecture, the building boasts 2,143 windows, 1,252 fireplaces, and 67 staircases – not to mention the individually themed rooms, such as the Hall of Mirrors and the Grand Apartment of King Louis XIV. Wander through the decorated rooms and step back in time. Take a walk outside too and admire the sheer scale of their manicured gardens which stretch over 250 acres. The Condé Museum at Château de Chantilly Château de Chantilly, Chantilly 60500 The Condé Museum is one for the art buffs, with a collection to rival the Louvre it holds over 1,000 paintings, 2,500 drawings, and 2,500 engravings – not to mention a huge library of over 30,000 books. It's also one of the most important collections of the old masters, predominantly French and Italian, The château itself is well worth a visit and visitors can admire the 18th and 19th century styled rooms and landscaped gardens for as far as the eye can see; complete with waterfalls, canals, fountains as well as English and Chinese style gardens. Floating amidst its own moat, it’s a fairy-tale palace waiting to be explored, just 40kms outside Paris. Who knew? Château Fontainbleau Château de Fontainebleau, Fontainebleau 77300 This summer retreat was favoured by the French monarchy for centuries – and it’s no surprise. A stunning palace on the site of a 12th century hunting lodge, Napoleon was famed for calling it “the true home of kings”. With over 1,500 rooms it has been inhabited for over seven centuries. Take a step back in time and learn about the luxurious past of the French monarchy, from Marie Antoinette’s Turkish chamber to the Renaissance Francis I Gallery. The style and décor will blow you away with the elaborateness and exquisiteness. Make sure you bring your camera because it’s a side of French history you will be hard pushed to see anywhere else. House of Auguste Rodin at Meudon Villa des Brillants, 19 avenue Auguste Rodin, Meudon 92190 Home and workshop to the 19th century sculptor Auguste Rodin, this house was built in the style of Louis XIII and was where Rodin created some of his most famous works. Supporting his family through his art alone, he was a dedicated and talented sculptor. He is famed for his realism and expressiveness – so make sure you admire the detail in his works, when you go. The Museum within the house grounds holds Rodin’s plaster studies of some of his most famous sculptures – including Balzac, the Gates of Hell and Kiss. If you want to learn more about one of the most influential artists and sculptors of the 20th century, this house is worth a visit. Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis 1, rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Saint-Denis, Paris 93200 The crème-de-la-crème of all cathedrals, the Cathedral of Saint-Denis is one of the most important in Paris because of its significance. As the burial place of the French royalty this cathedral is hugely important as a tomb and shrine to the dead. Visitors can see the dessicated heart of King Louis XVIII; as well as the graves of 42 other kings, 32 queens and 63 princes and princesses. A stunning necropolis, it’s not as gloomy as it sounds; the architecture of the building dates back to 1144 making it one of the oldest – if not the oldest – Gothic churches ever. It has since become a place of pilgrimage. While you’re there look at the stained glass windows as they are some of the best medieval stained glass examples in the world. Museum of Air and Space Aeroport de Paris-Le Bourget, Le Bourget cedex 93 352 A great one for the kids, the Museum of Air and Space comes with hangers and aircrafts and everything an aviation fanatic would love! Over 150,000m2 it’s one of the oldest aviation museums in the world, displaying themed paraphernalia back to the 16th century. The departments look at everything from Ballooning, up to the high-speed Concorde, and even some Swiss and Russian rockets, too. Indulge in your inner geek and lean about the history of the skies – you can’t fail to be impressed. National Museum of the Renaissance National Museum of the Renaissance, Ecouen 95440 Hidden in the Château d’Écouen, the National Museum of the Renaissance looks at one of the most important movements in French history. To this day the Renaissance is hailed as one of the most revolutionising periods in European culture – influencing everything from art, dress, architecture and even the way of life. Explore the enlightenment and those who supported it, at this museum of both interior and exterior arts. Make sure you see the famous tapestries David and Bethsabée before you leave, too.
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