Paris boasts outstanding restaurants, patisseries, and boulangeries. Whether your desire leans towards a buttery pastry, a rich cake, or a vibrant confectionery, the city offers an array of famous French desserts. The challenge lies in selecting which desserts to savor and where to relish these sweet delights. To simplify your decision-making, I’ve curated a list of beloved Paris desserts that are an absolute must-try! If you have a sweet tooth and find yourself wandering the charming streets of Paris, be sure to indulge in these must-try desserts that capture the essence of French culinary excellence. Head to the end of this article to access the interactive map and locate all the best spots around you.
Best Paris Desserts (With A Map)
Macarons: Pierre Hermé
Macarons stand out as among the finest desserts in Paris. These delicate almond meringue cookies, embracing a variety of creamy fillings, represent the epitome of French desserts – not to mention their exquisite appearance. While Ladurée boasts beautiful shops and gift-worthy boxes, Pierre Hermé takes the crown for artisanal macarons. With classic flavors like chocolate, caramel, and raspberry, his creations are failsafe. Yet, venture into more adventurous options like the for a delightful experience. The impeccable texture, coupled with delectable fillings, ensures each bite is a perfect harmony of softness and just the right amount of delicately crackling shells.
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Location: 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
Crêpe: La Crêperie Mon Ami
In Paris, there’s another dessert that’s no secret, and that’s the crêpe. Originating from the French region of Brittany, this ultra-thin pancake has gained popularity worldwide. While crêpes were traditionally filled with lemon and sugar, nowadays, you’ll encounter an endless array of fillings. Favorites include Nutella, honey, jam, salted caramel, and various fruits. For the best crêpes in Paris, make your way to La Crêperie Mon Ami.
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Location: 7 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris
Crêpes Suzette: Breizh Café
In addition to the diverse crêpe fillings highlighted earlier, Crêpes Suzette stands out as another fantastic Parisian dessert to savor. This dish features crepes adorned with a delectable sauce made from caramelized sugar, butter, orange juice, and Grand Marnier liqueur, often flambéed tableside. For the finest Crêpes Suzette in Paris, head to Breizh Café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
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Location: 1 Rue de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
Flan Pâtissier: Cyril Lignac
Flan pâtissier is a simple yet elegant French dessert that’s a must-try in Paris. Crafted from shortcrust or puff pastry, it encases a smooth, creamy custard infused with a rich vanilla flavor. The flan is expertly baked in the oven to create a glossy, caramelized top. A well-executed flan pâtissier strikes the perfect balance, avoiding excessive sweetness, ensuring the delicate flavors of the custard shine through. For the best Flan Pâtissier in Paris, head to Cyril Lignac!
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Location: 133 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris
Soufflé: Le Soufflé
The soufflé stands as another emblem of French culinary expertise. This airy and fluffy cake, crafted from eggs, can grace your table as either a main course or a dessert. Head to Le Soufflé in Paris, right between the places Vendome, Madeleine, and Concorde, to try some of the best soufflés in the city! During your visit, I highly recommend indulging in both savory and sweet soufflés if time allows. For dessert soufflés, the most beloved flavors include chocolate, vanilla, or those featuring seasonal fruits. A visit to Le Soufflé in Paris introduces you to the Grand Marnier Soufflé, a crowd-favorite made with orange liqueur.
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Location: 36 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 Paris
Choux à la Crème: Odette
Choux à la Crème, also known as Profiteroles, is a must-try among the delightful sweets in Paris. The airy and crispy choux pastry is generously filled with whipped cream, available in various flavors, creating the perfect bite-sized treat. Additionally, don’t miss out on Chouquettes, a delightful variation of choux with a pearl sugar coating that adds a delectable textural crunch. For an exquisite experience, make your way to Odette!
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Location: 77 Rue Galande, 75005 Paris
Tarte Tatin: Des gâteaux et du pain
Tracing its roots back to the 19th century at the Hotel Tatin, this caramelized apple tart turned upside-down is a divine treat. Picture warm, gooey apples crowning a buttery pastry – it’s pure heaven! For an exquisite Tarte Tatin experience, head to Stohrer, Blé Sucré, or Des Gâteau et du Pain. Keep in mind that this Parisian delight graces patisseries in autumn, making it a seasonal gem rather than a year-round find.
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Location: 63 Bd Pasteur, 75015 Paris
Mille-Feuille: Carl Marletti
The mille-feuille is another timeless and iconic French dessert. Typically comprising three caramelized puff pastry layers and two layers of delectable fillings like pastry cream or chocolate mousse, it’s a symphony of flavors. While numerous establishments in Paris offer this pastry delight, the epitome can be experienced at Carl Marletti Patisserie in the 5th arrondissement. Carl Marletti’s expertise extends to every dessert, and his mille-feuille impeccably embodies the essence of this classic. It’s undeniably one of the finest desserts Paris has to offer!
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Location: 51 Rue Censier, 75005 Paris
Crème Brûlée: Le Petit Cler
Crème brûlée is obviously one of the most famous French desserts, featuring vanilla custard beneath a caramelized sugar crust, can be savored at excellent restaurants throughout the city. Indulge in the delicious version at Le Petit Cler café, located on the charming Rue Cler—one of the city’s most adorable pedestrian streets. Served in a shallow dish, this renowned Parisian treat achieves the ideal harmony between its crispy crust and creamy vanilla custard, delivering an irresistibly delightful experience!
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Location: 29 Rue Cler, 75007 Paris
Éclair: L’éclair de Génie
Don’t miss the chance to savor an éclair during your time in Paris. Crafted from choux pastry, these oblong delights are filled with crème pâtissière and adorned with fondant icing. While chocolate éclairs are a classic, the patisseries in Paris offer an array of flavors. Whether you fancy pistachio, salted caramel, coffee, or raspberry, you’re sure to find an éclair that caters to every palate. When exploring Le Marais, head to L’éclair de Génie’s branch in the area to try some of the best in town!
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Location: 14 Rue Pavée, 75004 Paris
Entremet: Christophe Michalak
An entremet, a refined layered dessert comprising cake, mousse, various fillings, and a glaze, stands among the pinnacle of sophisticated treats in Paris. The exquisite experience is unmistakable once you indulge. For a taste of the finest entremets after dining in one of the amazing restaurants in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, make sure to visit Christophe Michalak Patisserie.
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Location: 8 Rue du Vieux Colombier, 75006 Paris
St. Honoré: Stohrer
Stohrer embodies the essence of Parisian charm, tracing its roots back to 1730 as the city’s oldest patisserie. Renowned for offering some of Paris’s finest pastries and desserts, Stohrer is a culinary gem. Among their exceptional creations, the St. Honoré stands out. Comprising puff pastry, choux pastries, pastry cream, chantilly cream, and hard caramel, this dessert exhibits variations across patisseries, but Stohrer has perfected it. A bite into this delicacy will leave you questioning how you ever lived without it. The irresistible combination of crackly caramel, vanilla cream, and puff pastry at Stohrer is undeniably swoon-worthy.
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Location: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris
Tarte au Citron: Jacques Genin
A tarte au citron typically features a delicate, slightly sweet crust paired with creamy, silky lemon curd. None surpasses the excellence of Jacques Genin Patisserie’s rendition. Despite its distinct appearance from a traditional tarte au citron, it excels in every aspect. The crust is both delicate and flavorful, while the lemon curd strikes the perfect balance between slight sweetness and a touch of tartness. If you’re a lemon enthusiast, make sure to include Jacques Genin on your itinerary of Paris desserts and don’t forget to also buy their chocolates when visiting!
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Location: 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
Profiteroles: Grande Brasserie
No compilation of the finest Paris desserts is complete without a nod to profiteroles. These petite, circular choux pastries are filled with ice cream and generously drizzled with warm chocolate sauce. Indulging in profiteroles in Paris holds a unique charm, perhaps attributed to the locally sourced ingredients, the richness of cream and butter, or the top-notch chocolate. Whatever the secret, the French have perfected this dessert. In many establishments, the profiteroles arrive at your table accompanied by a small pitcher of chocolate sauce, theatrically poured over the pastry right before your eyes. It’s an entertaining spectacle and an even more delectable experience. For a decadent treat, head to Grande Brasserie. Alternatively, you’ll find profiteroles featured on the menus of other notable restaurants like Chez René (a favorite among locals) or Café de la Païx.
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Location: 6 Rue de la Bastille, 75004 Paris
Mont Blanc: Angelina
Mont Blanc, a spectacular dessert featuring sweet chestnut purée atop meringue and crowned with whipped cream, is a true showstopper. Resembling the majestic mountain in the French Alps, this delicacy is anything but petite. Angelina’s Mont Blanc stands as one of the most famous Paris desserts. At their tea salon, you can not only savor this exquisite dessert but also complement it with a serving of their renowned hot chocolate. While Angelina also offers the best-known ‘Mont Blanc and hot chocolate’ experience, Carette is the place to go if you prefer to avoid the crowds.
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Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Religieuse: Rollet Pradier
The religieuse, a French dessert, consists of two choux pastry cases brimming with crème pâtissière. These are delicately stacked on top of each other, separated by a layer of cream, and crowned with a decadent chocolate or coffee icing. The pastry earns its name, which translates to “nun” in French, owing to its purported resemblance. However, any notion of saintliness ends there, as this indulgent dessert is anything but holy! You can try a delicious Religieuse in Paris at Rollet Pradier.
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Location: 6 Rue de Bourgogne, 75007 Paris
Kouign Amann: Blé Sucré
Crafted from puff pastry, premium butter, and sugar, a kouign amann undergoes baking and caramelization, resulting in one side adorned with a tempting caramel-like glaze. The interior remains a delectable combination of buttery, flaky, and sweet layers. This pastry is not only sweet and delicious but also surprisingly light compared to some desserts. When it comes to the best kouign amann in Paris, Blé Sucré is the ultimate destination.
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Location: 7 Rue Antoine Vollon, 75012 Paris
Madeleines: Ritz Paris Le Comptoir
A Madeleine is a classic petite sponge cake recognized for its distinctive shell-like shape. Originating in Commercy, these traditional treats typically incorporate a hint of citrus, either lemon or orange, into the sponge recipe. While nowadays you can discover Madeleines in various flavors throughout Paris, the iconic shell shape remains a constant. For the finest Madeleines in Paris, make your way to Ritz Paris Le Comptoir.
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Location: 38 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris
Pain au Chocolat: Cedric Grolet
The Pain au Chocolat holds a special place in the hearts of pastry enthusiasts in Paris and worldwide. Crafted with the same layered dough as a croissant, this delectable pastry encases one or two pieces of dark chocolate in its center. Not all Pain au Chocolats are crafted with equal finesse, so while in Paris, ensure you savor a top-notch one. For an unparalleled experience, visit the renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet’s patisserie near the Grands Magasins area to indulge in one of the best Pain au Chocolats in the city.
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Location: 35 Av. de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris
Escargot à la Pistache: Du Pain et des Idées
While not a typical boulangerie offering, the Escargot à la Pistache is a pastry that you must try in Paris. Shaped like a snail, this delightful creation consists of flaky dough generously filled with chocolate chips and pistachio cream. For the ultimate Escargot à la Pistache experience, head to Du Pain et des Idées, a place renowned for not only this unique pastry but also one of the best croissants in Paris.
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Location: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris
Mousse au Chocolat: Chapon Chocolat
Mousse au chocolat is a French dessert familiar to most. Chapon’s chocolate mousse stands out due to its deep chocolate flavor and a light, airy texture that’s simultaneously creamy and smooth. Chapon Chocolat offers various chocolate mousse varieties to cater to different preferences for chocolate intensity. Served in small to-go cones, the experience becomes even more enjoyable. In essence, their chocolate mousse satisfies every craving, making it one of the best desserts in Paris and possibly the finest chocolate mousse you’ll ever taste. For a sit-down restaurant experience, Chez René and Chez Janou present decadent mousse au chocolat as the perfect conclusion to your meal.
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Location: 69 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris
Opéra: Dalloyau
For a refined dessert experience in Paris, indulge in the Opera cake. This classic French delicacy features layers of coffee-infused sponge, ganache, and coffee buttercream, all beautifully adorned with a chocolate glaze. Named for its resemblance to the tiers of an opera house, the Opera cake offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. For the finest Opéra in Paris, head to Dalloyau.
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Location: 101 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
Île Flottante: Fontaine de Mars
Ile Flottante is an iconic French dessert, with crème anglaise as its base and delicate floating meringues, adorned with slivered almonds and caramel. Best enjoyed at a brasserie or bistrot rather than a pâtisserie, this delightful choice caters to those who appreciate fluffy meringue, creating a palate-pleasing experience. The visual appeal of little mounds of meringue gracefully floating in the crème anglaise adds a touch of beauty and elegance. To savor this scrumptious Parisian dessert, consider heading to Restaurant Georgette or Fontaine de Mars.
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Location: 129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris
Paris-Brest: Philippe Conticini
Named after the renowned bicycle race from Paris to Brest, this dessert is a circular choux pastry filled with praline-flavored cream. As one of the most indulgent choux desserts in Paris, it not only captivates the eyes but also delights the taste buds. Philippe Conticini presents an irresistible Paris-Brest with delicate choux pastry and a flavorful yet not overly rich filling. A drizzle of praliné sauce over the elegantly piped cream adds depth, complemented by the crunch of slivered almonds, completing this dessert perfectly. Every bite of a Paris-Brest is worth savoring. For noteworthy Paris-Brest options, explore other patisseries and cafes like Jacques Genin, Carette, and Carl Marletti – a must-add to your Paris itinerary!
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Location: 37 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris
Hot Chocolate: Carette
Established in 1927, Carette holds a special place in the hearts of both tourists and locals. Boasting an art deco interior that exudes an old-school brasserie charm, this tearoom is ideally located just across the Seine from the Eiffel Tower. Its terrace offers a perfect setting to indulge in a delightful sweet snack or two. You can also find another branch in Le Marais facing Place des Vosges, one of the most beautiful squares in the city. Parisian hot chocolate distinguishes itself by melting dark chocolate into boiling cream, resulting in a thicker, creamier, and richer concoction compared to other variations. Carette’s chocolat chaud has gained viral acclaim, served alongside a generous bowl of freshly whipped cream. Despite its premium cost, experiencing Parisian hot chocolate is a must-try at least once, and Carette stands out as the ideal place to savor this treat.
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Location: 4 Pl. du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris,
25 Pl. des Vosges, 75003 Paris
Ice Cream: Une Glace á Paris
Surviving the sweltering Parisian summer requires a go-to essential: ice cream. Top contenders for a cool respite include Berthillon, Grom, and Une Glace à Paris. While all boast delicious offerings, Une Glace à Paris stands out as a literal haven for the best ice cream in the city. Emmanuel Ryon, one of the shop’s co-creators, clinched the prestigious M.O.F. (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) for ice cream, solidifying its reputation as the finest in the country.
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Location: 15 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
Caramels: Sébastien Gaudard
For enthusiasts of salted caramel, don’t miss the chance to indulge in these delights while leisurely strolling through Paris. Some of the finest options can be found at Sébastien Gaudard, where each piece is meticulously wrapped in cellophane and presented in their charming pastel blue packaging.
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Location: 3 Rue des Pyramides, 75001 Paris
Vanilla Waffle: Meert
Originating from Lille, Meert is the innovator behind the French paper-thin waffle. Stepping into this sweet shop feels like a journey back in time, immersing visitors in the ambiance of a traditional French confectionery. Glass jars filled with marshmallows, chocolate boxes adorned with ribbons, and the renowned vanilla waffles showcased in the cabinet complete the nostalgic experience.
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Location: 16 Rue Elzevir, 75003 Paris
Caramel Tart: Sadaharu Aoki
Frequently likened to a sophisticated Twix bar, the caramel tart from Sadaharu Aoki is not for if you dont have a sweet tooth. If your palate craves the combination of sweetness, richness, and a luscious caramel cascade, then this treat is tailor-made for you.
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Location: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
Pastéis de Nata: Comme à Lisbonne
If you’re looking to diversify your culinary experience of trying out the best Paris desserts beyond French offerings, step into the flavorful world of Portugal at Comme à Lisbonne. Situated in the heart of the Marais, this spot has earned acclaim for its exquisite freshly-baked pastéis de nata and premium coffee offerings.
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Location: 37 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris
Map Of The Best Paris Desserts
Need help finding all these must-try Paris desserts? Click on the interactive map below to locate these spots!
There you go! Paris caters to every mood and occasion with its diverse array of desserts. Whether you’re enjoying a relaxed moment at a sidewalk café, exploring the treasures of a pastry shop, or treating yourself to a decadent delight after a lavish French meal, each dessert reflects the city’s dedication to culinary excellence. Paris truly stands as a paradise for dessert enthusiasts worldwide.
