Paris, the enchanting city of love and lights, is a destination where sugary delights and freshly baked pastries await at every corner.
Choosing just one dessert becomes an exquisite challenge in a city known for its saccharine wonders. Paris offers a remarkable array of French desserts, each a work of art promising indulgence.
The selection of French desserts in Paris reflects the city’s commitment to culinary mastery, providing a utopia for those with a sweet tooth. From delicate tarts to ethereal pastries, the choices are diverse and mouthwatering.
To navigate this world of temptation, here are the top 10 Parisian desserts that deserve your attention. Embark on a journey through layers of flavors, each bite a taste of Parisian culinary heritage.
And if you have to eat more than one a day to get through them, ne te retiens pas!
This is the third installment in my 3-Part Series on Paris.
Part One: 5 Easy Travel Tips for Paris Newbies
Part Two: 10 Classic French Dishes You Have to Try
1. The Tartes Aux Fruits
Indulging in the heavenly delight of Tartes aux Fruits is like experiencing a summer breeze whispering through the streets of Paris. This timeless dessert has stood the test of time and captivated taste buds for centuries.
Imagine a delicate pâte sablée, a buttery layer of pastry enclosing an exquisite assortment of fresh fruit.
With each bite, the flavors of juicy strawberries, succulent peaches, vibrant kiwis, plump blueberries and luscious blackberries dance harmoniously on your palate. The vibrant hues of the fruits form a fascinating mosaic, an explosion of nature’s splendor on a canvas of golden pastry.
The beauty of Tartes aux Fruits lies in its adaptability to the changing seasons. As you wander through the charming streets of Paris, variations of these tantalizing tarts evolve to showcase the bounties of each passing season. Whether it’s the succulent sweetness of summer fruits or the earthy richness of autumn berries, each bite becomes a celebration of nature’s gifts.
You’ll discover these delectable treats in two enchanting sizes. The dainty miniature versions invite you to savor their petite delights in a single, blissful mouthful. The larger pie-sized tarts invite you to share the pleasure and embrace the essence of togetherness and indulgence.
2. The Éclair
With its name translating to “lightning,” the éclair truly does electrify your senses! This slender, ethereal pastry is gone in an instant, leaving you craving more of its ephemeral magic.
Crafted from delicate choux dough, baked to perfection and filled with luscious ganache, each éclair is a testament to French pastry mastery. Its elongated shape invites you to take that first bite, revealing a burst of flavors that ignites fireworks in your tastebuds.
As you savor the exquisite combination of textures and flavors, the sweet glaze caresses your lips, leaving a trace of decadence behind.
L’Éclair de Génie, a haven nestled in the lower Marais, stands as the epitome of éclair perfection. This whimsical eatery specializes in these divine delicacies and offers an ever-changing repertoire of classic and exotic flavors.
It is a sanctuary dedicated to the pursuit of éclair ecstasy, a haven for those seeking a taste of heaven on Earth
3. The Paris Brest
Like a true cycling enthusiast, the Paris-Brest dessert embodies the spirit of adventure and triumph. This circular pastry which imitates the wheel of a bicycle was conceived to honor the legendary Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race.
The Paris-Brest is an exceptional creation that combines the delicate choux pastry with a velvety praline-flavored crème. Each bite unfolds an enchanting dance between the airy pastry and the creamy filling that melts effortlessly in your mouth.
Its taste is indescribable and evokes a sensory journey that stimulates your imagination and leaves you yearning for more.
When you taste the Paris-Brest, you will immediately be transported to the world of culinary wonders, where passion meets pastry. It is a dessert that demands your attention and captivates your senses with its blend of textures and its harmonious symphony of flavors.
Order one on your next Parisian trip and you will understand why it has withstood the test of time.
4. The Macaron
In the realm of divine desserts, the macaron reigns supreme, a true masterpiece crafted by the ingenious Pierre Hermé. These petite confections may be small in size, but they possess a flavor that defies boundaries and will forever etch the memory of Paris on your taste buds.
Part cookie, part meringue, the macaron is a harmonious union of delicacy and decadence. It encases a velvety cream, a sumptuous jam, or a luscious ganache, binding the flavors together in perfect harmony.
From traditional favorites like chocolate, pistachio and coffee to innovative creations like rose, tea or vanilla with olive oil, the macaron showcases the boundless creativity of the pastry world.
In the vibrant landscape of Paris, two names shine brightly – Ladurée and Pierre Hermé. These iconic establishments hold the key to macaron paradise. Step into any of the two famous patisseries, and you’ll find rows of luminous, delicate pastries beckoning you closer.
Each macaron, meticulously handcrafted, reveals a symphony of flavors and colors, a testament to the artistry that goes into creating these miniature masterpieces. This is truly where dreams and desserts intertwine.
5. The Tarte Au Citron
Tarte Au Citron is an exquisite creation that will tantalize the taste buds of any foodie visiting Paris. This lemon tart is an enchanting treat that embodies the delicate balance of flavors that defines the art of French pastry.
When you combine a buttery, crisp pastry crust and a lemony filling, the result is a harmonious balance that leaves you craving just one more bite.
The zesty lemon juice, fragrant zest, and delicate embrace of eggs and sugar create a filling that offers a perfect balance of tanginess and creaminess. –
Tarte Au Citron is more than just a dessert, it is an emotional experience. It evokes feelings of joy, contentment, and a deep appreciation for the art of French pastry making.
6. The Mille Feuille
Translated to English, mille-feuille (pronounced meel-foy) means “one thousand sheets” or “petals,” a name that carries a hint of poetic beauty. This pastry combines three layers of puff pastry with two layers of vanilla pastry crème nestled in between.
The mille-feuille comes in various forms, each showcasing the creativity of its creators. One version is sprinkled with icing sugar, resembling a gentle snowfall atop its regal form. Others may feature cocoa powder, pastry crumbs, or crushed nuts, providing a symphony of textures.
Some mille-feuille pastries are coated with chocolate and vanilla icing or fondant, concealing the pleasures within. Its glossy exterior invites the curious epicurean to explore its layers of delight.
While the flavors of the mille-feuille may appear simple, it’s the interplay of textures that makes this dessert truly special. The delicate pastry shatters with each bite, revealing a creamy core that envelops the senses in indulgence.
7. The Tarte Tatin
The Tarte Tatin is a classic dessert born from a fortuitous mishap at the Hôtel Tatin in the 1880s. This iconic creation defies convention with its inverted presentation.
To create this magical tart, a shallow baking dish is lined with a blend of butter and sugar, creating a caramelized base. Succulent apples are arranged on this canvas, and a delicate pastry crust covers the fruit.
During baking, sugar and butter meld to create a seductive caramelization, crafting a symphony of flavors. When ready, the tart is inverted onto a serving plate, revealing a captivating tableau of golden apples beneath a shimmering caramel glaze.
A dollop of tart crème fraîche serves as the perfect accompaniment, harmonizing with the warm caramel for a sensory journey of comfort and joy. This dessert is best enjoyed warm, allowing the cream to melt upon contact with the tart.
8. The Choux à La Crème
Choux à la Crème is a classic French dessert, often referred to as the “French cream puff.”
This delicate dessert features a choux pastry bun with a crisp exterior that yields beneath the slightest touch. The shell encapsulates a decadent filling of pastry cream, creating a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Choux à la Crème allows for personal expression and customization. It can be enjoyed in its simple form, highlighting the essence of the cream puff, or adorned with various toppings, such as ice cream, chocolate ganache, fresh fruit, or spun caramel.
With each bite, you partake in a piece of culinary history, as this dessert has been a staple of French bakeries since the sixteenth century, showcasing the timeless appeal of this delicate treat.
9. The Croissant
Ah, the croissant—a deceptively simple creation that conceals a world of artistry and skill. The French croissant stands alone, unmatched by any imitation that may grace distant shores.
With a buttery embrace and a tender crumb, the French croissant strikes a delicate balance, never veering into the realm of mushiness or excessive moisture.
Its flaky layers are a testament to the mastery of the baker, each one contributing to a harmonious ratio of flakiness and chewiness that tantalizes without overwhelming.
And oh, the crust—a golden testament to the alchemical transformation that occurs within the oven. It holds its crispness with confidence, providing the perfect vessel for the delights within.
Indeed, the French croissant is a work of art, lovingly crafted by skilled hands and honed through generations of expertise. Where better to indulge in its splendor than the romantic streets of Paris? In this enchanting city, a fierce competition known as the Concours du Meilleur Croissant de Grand Paris unfolds each year, a battle to crown the ultimate champion of croissant perfection.
For the true connoisseur, the experience is not complete without procuring this delectable delight from a venerable Boulangerie. There, amidst the warmth and aroma of the oven, you can witness the croissant’s metamorphosis from a creation of dough to a golden masterpiece.
Graced with the privilege of savoring it fresh and warm, straight from the hands of the artisans, you become a participant in the rich tapestry of French culinary heritage.
10. The Petits Four
The name “petit four” hints at a fascinating history, translating to “small oven.” In the nineteenth century, French bakers made ingenious use of these smaller, cooler ovens within massive stone hearths, which were referred to as the “petit four.” These gentler ovens were perfect for crafting individual pastries and bite-sized delights.
Among the various variations of petit fours, the Petit Fours Glacé is a standout. It features a delicate sponge mini cake layered with raspberry jam and buttercream, crowned with a white chocolate garnish. Its elegance and indulgence make it a sought-after addition at weddings, parties, bridal showers, baby showers, and, most notably, at traditional afternoon tea.
When you embark on your Parisian adventure, allow this petite marvel to transport you to a world where time slows down, and each delicate bite promises sweet respite amid life’s hustle and bustle.
What are some of your favorite Parisian treat? Leave a comment below.
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PLANNING A TRIP TO PARIS?
TRAVEL HACK: THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND
What’s the best way to get around Paris? The Paris Metro, hands down!
The underground system has 16 interconnected lines, which offer the fastest way to move around Paris. With over 300 stations, almost any part of Paris, it’s only a short walk to the nearest Metro station.
Each line has its own schedule, but trains usually start at around 5.30 am, with the last train beginning its run between 12.35 am and 1 am (2 am on Friday and Saturday).
After settling into your hotel, head to the nearest Metro station and grab yourself a rechargeable plastic card called Navigo Easy. It costs a one-time €2 to purchase the card, which you can then load with Metro “tickets” at machines or ticket counters at every station across the Paris region.
A one-way ride costs €1.90 for up to 2 hours. You may purchase a single-ride ticket (Ticket t+), day ticket (Ticket Mobilis), multi-day ticket (Paris Visite), or week-long ticket (Navigo Decouverte Pass) for Monday through Sunday travel.
If you’re staying in Paris for longer than a few days, the cheapest and easiest way to use public transport is to get a combined travel pass that allows unlimited travel on the Metro, the RER and buses for a week, a month or a year.
The Metro is not the only way you can get around Paris. Read our article: 5 Easy Travel Tips for Paris Newbies to learn why sometimes walking might be the best option.
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Make Your Next Trip To Paris Truly Special
Paris; the city of love, art, and croissants! It’s no surprise that it’s the most famous European destination, but did you know that it attracts over 30 million visitors each year? Yes, you heard that right! It’s a city that has captivated the hearts and imaginations of people from all corners of the globe.
In fact, many of my clients have turned to me for guidance when planning their second, third, or even fifth trip to the City of Light. And you know what they always ask? They yearn for something different, something extraordinary.
As a travel concierge, I have the privilege of being their go-to person, their passport to unique experiences. They come to me, seeking a glimpse behind the hidden doorways of Versailles, where they can explore the secrets that lie within its majestic walls. Or perhaps they crave an unforgettable gastronomic feast at a restaurant helmed by a celebrity chef, where each bite is a symphony of flavors.
But it doesn’t stop there. Some seek solace in the traditions of the past, desiring a rejuvenating experience at a traditional Hammam spa, where steam and ancient rituals transport them to a world of serenity and tranquility. Others are drawn to the vibrant energy of the city, yearning to immerse themselves in the art, music, and culture that permeates its streets.
And this, my friend, is where I come in. I am the curator of extraordinary adventures, the architect of unforgettable memories. It’s my passion to meticulously plan and craft personalized journeys that surpass the ordinary, offering my clients experiences that are simply unparalleled.
You see, the true beauty of Paris lies not only in its iconic landmarks but in the hidden gems that lie beneath its surface. It’s a city that reveals itself to those willing to venture off the beaten path, to explore the cobblestone alleys, and to engage with its vibrant inhabitants. And I am here to guide you, to unlock the secrets that Paris holds, and to help you discover the magic that lies in its every nook and cranny.
So, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, let me be your compass. Together, we can create a journey that is as unique as you are, a trip that transcends expectations and leaves you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Paris is just the beginning. With my expertise and passion, we can unlock the hidden wonders of any city, revealing a tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your next trip truly special. The world is your playground, and there’s no limit to the new adventures that await you.