Paris, the city famous for love and sparkling lights, is also renowned for its delicious pastries. From sweet macarons to fragrant croissants, the French capital is home to a plethora of pastry shops that will surely tantalize your taste buds. So, if you're planning a vacation to Paris and want to indulge in the best pastries there, here are five must-visit pastry shops to add to your list: (my version!)
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| Relaxing in the park, 2019 |
1. Ladurée: Maison of Macarons
No list of Parisian pastry shops is complete without mentioning Ladurée. Renowned for its pastel-colored macarons, Ladurée is a pastry shop in Paris with a long history dating back to 1862. In addition to macarons, don't miss out on their delicious éclairs and light croissants. Interestingly, Ladurée served as my inspiration when creating my own cafe, Miam Miam! :) Funny story, the first time I tried Ladurée wasn't in Paris, but rather in Tokyo. What's even funnier is that I didn't get the chance to visit the Ladurée store I wanted to, so I ended up buying their macarons at the airport instead. Now, I can't even find the photo of them.
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| Date with husband - Pierre Herme, Paris |
Recognized as the "Picasso of Pastry," Pierre Hermé is known for his penchant for experimenting with flavors and textures of traditional French pastries. His innovative flavor combinations and unmatched pastry skills have earned him a fanatical following worldwide. Be sure to try his Ispahan macaron, made from a blend of rose, lychee, and raspberry. Unfortunately, when we went there to relax, they were out of Ispahan macarons. So we only bought some of their other macarons, and it turns out they taste quite similar to the ones I make at Miam Miam. They're not too sweet and have a nice texture.
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I made this post while reminiscing about my time there, feeling the urge to return to Paris soon. :) |
Established in 1730, Stohrer is the oldest pastry shop in Paris and a favorite among locals. With its classic store design and tantalizing pastry layout, stepping into Stohrer feels like stepping back in time. Don't leave without trying their famous baba au rhum, a cake soaked in rum that has been captivating customers for centuries.
We bought some pastries there, and to be honest, I now forget many of their names. Unfortunately, I'm writing this post 5 years later. At that time, I was struggling with my mental health, so I wasn't in the mood to write a blog. Now I'm doing better and can manage my bad times. I'm feeling nostalgic about the moments my husband and I spent in Paris, so I'm making this post. It's good to reminisce so I don't forget things too quickly. Hehe.
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| Not just hearsay, but we got recommendation from the local. She said, "You have to come in the morning, or it will sell out!!" |
Hidden in the historic Marais district, Colin Regis is a hidden gem renowned for its traditional French pastries made with the finest ingredients. From layered croissants to delicious tarts, every bite at Colin Regis is a perfect Parisian culinary experience. Honestly, after being told by our French friend, we immediately noted it down and stopped by when we were in Marais. Turns out, it's really delicious! We didn't go back to buy more because we felt satisfied with just tasting this legendary croissant.
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| The baguettes at La Parisienne are truly impressive! |
If you're craving the perfect baguette, La Parisienne is the place to go. This award-winning bakery is renowned for its crispy, golden-brown baguettes, which have become an icon of French bread. Pair your baguette with one of their pastries for the perfect Parisian breakfast. Personally, I absolutely love baguettes, and the ones from La Parisienne have a distinct texture compared to those from other places. Even my husband, who isn't a fan of baguettes, ended up enjoying them.
While not making it to the top five, PAUL is another bakery worth mentioning. With numerous locations throughout Paris, PAUL is the go-to place for fresh bread, viennoiseries, and pastries. Plus, I really enjoy their baguettes. I find them quite tasty for everyday consumption. And, don't miss out on their pain au chocolat or éclair au chocolat for a truly indulgent treat! Whether you're a pastry connoisseur or just a fan of sweet treats, exploring Parisian bakeries is a delicious experience that shouldn't be missed. If you ever find yourself in Paris, jot down a few of these pastry shops for a visit! :)
