Bring on the butter with our guide to the best patisseries in Paris.
On a quest for the perfect éclair? There’s no better place to look than the French capital. The birthplace of many of the world’s favourite sweet creations and revered pastry chefs, Paris is the crème de la crème of patisserie-hopping destinations. Treat your palate to a classic pain au chocolat, experimental mille-feuille or flavour-filled macaron at the best patisseries in Paris.
Ritz Paris Le Comptoir
Helmed by esteemed chef François Perret, who was named the “World’s Best Restaurant Pastry Chef” in 2019, the Ritz Paris Le Comptoir is undoubtedly one of the best patisseries in Paris. From molten madeleines to marble cakes, Perret’s creations are as easy on the eye as they are on the tongue. Don’t skip out on the signature Ritz au lait, a crunchy shortbread rectangle filled with a creamy interior that comes in a variety of flavours.
Address: 38 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris
Carl Marletti
A tour of Paris’ best patisseries isn’t complete without a visit to Carl Marletti. Come for the signature fraisier, a strawberry cake with Madagascan vanilla mousseline cream and an almond base, and linger for the salted caramel éclair. Marletti’s elegant designs, rich flavour profiles and attention to detail make this patisserie a Parisian favourite.
Address: 51 Rue Censier, 75005 Paris
Gilles Marchal
When wandering the quaint streets of Montmartre, make sure to follow the Parisians and stop by the patisserie of Gilles Marchal, one of the world’s leading pastry chefs. Marchal is renowned for his madeleines, which come in a suite of flavours ranging from fresh lime to decadent chocolate. The classic Saint-Honoré and chocolate fondant are equally as delightful.
Address: 9 Rue Ravignan, 75018 Paris, France
Tapisserie
There’s no better way to start the day than a morning coffee and croissant from Tapisserie, one of the best artisanal patisseries in Paris. The café is run by the owners of beloved Parisian restaurants Septime and Clamato and serves up delectable seasonal pastries using organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. Take your pick from the assortment of fluffy brioches or treat yourself to the strawberry tart with rhubarb and thyme.
Address: 65 Rue De Charonne, 75011 Paris
Pierre Hermé
For those who dream of baked goods – and those sumptuous macarons that France is so famous for – Pierre Hermé needs no introduction. The pastry chef is a living legend, known for experimenting with flavours and textures, as well as his impeccable presentation. With numerous boutiques scattered across Paris, there are plenty of opportunities to sample his signature macarons, but don’t ignore the classics such as chocolate pralines and the Kouign-amann, a Breton butter pastry rarely found outside France.
Address: multiple locations
Ladurée
It is said that Parisians fall into two camps: those who favour the macarons of Hermé, and those who prefer the original Ladurée creations. While Ladurée has expanded globally, there is nothing like jostling with locals and tourists at the gilded Champs-Élysées boutique – widely seen as one of the best patisseries in Paris. Decide which side of the macaron fence you are on after an afternoon coffee or tea within its wood-panelled salon de thé. You can’t go wrong with a fruity tart or a traditional vanilla flan, either.
Address: 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris
Yann Couvreur Pâtisserie
Yann Couvrer’s namesake patisseries are the essence of haute gastronomy. Dainty desserts and refined meringue inventions are found in glorious rows inside the stylish boutiques. While any of his pastries will have you coming back for more, it’s the award-winning vanilla mille-feuille that earns Yann Couvreur a place among the best patisseries in Paris.
Address: multiple locations
Cédric Grolet Opéra
Cédric Grolet is one of the best patisseries in Paris for discovering perfectly executed cakes and reinterpreted classics. Indulge in the pistachio Paris-Brest, a choux pastry with praline cream, before dipping your spoon into the eye-catching lemon flower tart. While Cédric Grolet has three locations in Paris, the Opéra boutique is the most well loved by visitors.
Address: 39 avenue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris
Jacques Genin
Stepping into Jacques Genin’s laboratory is an experience like no other. While Genin is most celebrated for his chocolates and fruit paste, you don’t need to be in his loft-like haven for long to realise that the pastries are just as special. Made-to-order mille-feuille, spectacular tarte au citron (lemon tart) and hazelnut Paris-Brest are just a few of his specialties.
Address: 133 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris / 27 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Des Gateaux et du Pain
Claire Doman’s Des Gâteaux et du Pain is a must-try Paris patisserie that doubles as a boulangerie. Don’t be surprised if the buttery aromas and warmed-toned interiors lure you inside. Whether you’re after the exquisite layers of a grapefruit and rose flavoured entremet cake or the comfort of a crusty baguette, you’ll find it here.
Address: 89 Rue Du Bac, 75007 Paris / 63 Boulevard Pasteur, 75015 Paris
Hugo & Victor
The library-like setting and novelistic packaging found in patisserie-chocolaterie Hugo & Victor are nods to chef Hugues Pouget’s literary inspirations. Describing the art of pastry “a sensory adventure”, Hugues imbues each one of his cakes and chocolates with emotion and technical precision. While his pastries are innovative and boundary-pushing, his chocolate morsels recall a nostalgic Parisian childhood. Choose your side or indulge in both. We won’t judge.
Address: 40 Boulevard Raspail, 75007 Paris
La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac
With flavours so irresistible and designs so divine, it’s no surprise that the creations of Cyril Lignac and Benoît Couvrand are coveted by gourmands all over Paris. Head to La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac to find flawless French classics such as the baba au rhum that solidify the boutique as one of the best patisseries in Paris. The signature star, however, is the Equinoxe, an entremet layered with bourbon vanilla cream, speculoos biscuit and a caramel centre.
Addresse: multiple locations
