The best pâtisseries in Paris – la dolce vita the French way

Do you know how the popular rule of ‘Keep it Simple and Sweet’ is applied in practice? If not, the answer is to be found in many of Parisian pâtisseries offering some mouth-watering treats which, we believe, are the universe’s way of explaining us the definition of perfection – in many shapes, forms, tastes and styles.

A sweet course (through Paris)

There’s no doubt that the French are the masters of the trade when it comes to pastry making. If you’re looking for a lifelong culinary memory while visiting the City of Lights, you should definitely check out any of the pâtisseries included in our selection below. Note, however, that this is only a small representation of all the bastions of sweetness you may come across in the city, but we hope that you find our list handy nonetheless.

Jacques Genin (133 rue de Turenne)

Monsieur Genin used to target his sweet offer to hotels and restaurants exclusively, but now his heavenly treats are available to the general public in the area of Marais. The stylish, loft-like place provides a perfect background for his trademark made-to-order napoleons (mille-feuille) and chocolate tartlets, which are best enjoyed with a nice cup of tea. A must-try!

Pierre Hermé (72 rue Bonaparte)

Now this pâtisserie may look more like a gallery of pastries than a sweet shop, but don’t be intimidated by the setting – classy products require classy package, don’t they? What you will come across inside is something for both the eye and the palate. The selection of unusual flavours served in even more unusual forms is simply paralyzing, but some classics are available as well. Try the croissant, pain au chocolat, or the incredible vanilla flan.

Pain de Sucre (14 rue Rambuteau)

Run by a married couple of Didier Mathray and Nathalie Robert, this charming place boasts an impressive range of sweet temptations. Their pastries are well-known for being a perfect combination of taste and form. Especially noteworthy are their signature baba a rhum (with an additional pipette of rum to suit your individual preferences), and the classical mint éclair.

Jean-Paul Hévin (231 rue Saint-Honoré)

If you wish to witness the talent of a top-class chocolatier, head to the sweet shop of Jean-Paul Hévin and taste his brilliant chocolate macaroons or chocolate tartlets. If the classics are what you’re here for, reach the second floor to have some tea and traditional pastry. As a side not, Hévin has been awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France – the highest rank an industry professional can get. Judging by the treats served in this place, it seems the award is really well-deserved.

Sadaharu Aoki (56 boulevard de Port-Royal)

Are you in for something exotic? Then Sadaharu Aoki is the name to remember. Expect to be offered some truly surprising combinations like black sesame éclairs, green tea opéras, or sour yuzu tartlets – and all that served with the highest attention to detail of presentation. After all, this is the result of French imagination meeting Japanese precision. Alternatively, you may just as well go for the usual: gorgeous cream puffs or caramel tarts.