It’s impossible to explore the streets of Paris without being bombarded by the city’s abundance of bakeries and pâtisseries. These institutions of Parisian culture serve freshly baked goods to grab and go, sometimes providing bistro seating to sit out on the street and delicately devour your sweet treats while watching the world go by. Whether you have a penchant for syrup and sugar or prefer a savoury snack, sampling a variety of pastries, tarts and baguettes is an essential part of any trip to the French capital. Here is our essential address book for sweet-toothed flâneurs.
1. Maison Aleph
For something a little different to your usual croissants, Maison Aleph’s two blue-tiled pâtisseries (one located in Montmartre and the other in the heart of the Marais) offer Levantine pastries unlike anything else you’ll find in the city. Pastry chef Myriam Sabet brings inspiration from the flavours of her childhood in Syria, with two staple bakes in a variety of flavours: delectably light and beautifully decorated tarts with seasonal ingredients (the lemon tart was heavenly, with a delicate yet appeasing taste) and ‘Nids’ — bite-sized angel hair nests filled with flavoured creams.
2. Carl Marletti
Possibly the prettiest pastries in Paris can be found at Carl Marletti’s Latin Quarter bakery. Each cake, from flavoured éclairs to innovative millefeuille and his wide array of unique creations is a miniature work of art, almost too beautiful to eat. Although you will want to tuck into these treats, as they are just as delicious as they look. If you’re in search of an extraordinary sweet treat that belongs as much on your Instagram feed as in your belly, place this exquisite bakery at the top of your list.
3. Gilles Marchal
Madeleine lovers will rejoice when they discover this small yet delightful pâtisserie located on the winding streets of Montmatre. Gilles Marchal offers an array of traditional bakes, fine pastries and tasty chocolate, but it is his madeleines for which he is best known. Madeleines were originally created in Machal’s hometown of Lorraine, hence his fascination with the sweet treat which has become the emblem of his shop. Available in an array of interesting flavours (such as glazed in lime zest and thyme, filled with pistachio paste, or dotted with chocolate chips) there is a madeleine here for everyone.
4. Yann Couvreur
Despite having an array of locations around the city (including inside Galeries Lafayette), always expect to queue for your bread and pastries at this iconic Parisian bakery. If you’re still to be convinced, Yann Couvreur’s half-a-million Instagram followers should clue you in to the popularity of his bakes. Choose from traditional pastries (you’ll find particularly flaky croissants here) or a selection of tarts, logs, cookies and gâteaux, available in classic and more inventive flavours.
5. The French Bastards
Sustainability is at the forefront of The French Bastard’s vision — that and delicious, hearty cakes that you’ll want to fill up on. From flaky pastries such as almond croissants and chocolate babkas to more refined treats like éclairs and citron tarts, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Although they now have six bakeries around the city, they are committed to reducing waste and using local, seasonal ingredients in their bakes. We recommend their roulé pistache chocolat; perfect for anyone who likes a little saltiness with their sweet.
Fancy snacking on the same pastries that King Louis XV used to enjoy? Stohrer is the oldest pâtisserie in Paris, founded by Louis' beloved pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer in 1730.
6. Du Pain et des Idées
If you’re after something more traditional, Du Pain et des Idées is home to possibly the best bread in Paris. The bakery dates back to 1875, boasting an original painted glass ceiling that will momentarily distract you from the tasty treats on offer. With a focus on traditional baking, this is a go-to spot for baguettes, mini-pavés stuffed with savoury fillings, and their iconic friend’s bread. Save room for dessert — their chocolate-pistachio escargots, apple turnovers and orange blossom brioche are the house specialities.
7. Stohrer
Fancy snacking on the same pastries that King Louis XV used to enjoy? Stohrer is the oldest pâtisserie in Paris, founded by Louis’ beloved pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer in 1730. The ornate interior of the bakery is perfectly complemented by its display of dainty cakes. Expect to find an assortment of traditional French desserts, such as éclairs, tartes, flans and Stohrer’s own delicious invention, rum babas.
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