10 Must-Try Pastries in Paris for Foodies

Paris is not just the city of lights — it’s a paradise for foodies. These aren’t just desserts; these are edible works of art.

I can recall my first visit to Paris, standing in front of a patisserie, utterly mesmerized by the display. Each pastry appeared to have been sculpted by a master artist.

I’ve also devoured countless buttery, flaky and sweet creations over the years throughout the city.

Whether it’s a classic croissant or a lesser-known treasure such as a Paris-Brest, each bite is a mini homage to a great deal of a French culinary tradition.

So whether you’re a lifelong foodie or someone who just loves a good pastry, here are the 10 must-try pastries in Paris, which are better than ninety-nine percent of the pastries you will eat in your lifetime.

1. Croissant

No visit to Paris is complete without indulging in a perfectly baked croissant. The croissant is the pinnacle of French baking — light, flaky and buttery.

Every morsel makes a meltingly magical impression with a hint of nutty perfume from beurre d’Isigny (you know, fancy French butter) on the tip of your tongue.

Try This at: Blé Sucré has a cult following for its crispy, caramelized croissants.

2. Pain au Chocolat

Imagine the croissant’s chocolate-stuffed sibling. Chocolate lovers will want to order the pain au chocolat.

The rich, dark chocolate bars are cradled by the golden, flaky layers, creating a balance of sweet and savory that makes it hard to choose between them.

Where to Try: Du Pain et des Idées has a legendary pain au chocolat.

3. Éclair

The éclair is a long protein dough, filled with custard or cream and covered with a shiny layer of icing.

Be it the classic chocolate one or the likes of pistachio or coffee, this confection is nothing short of indulgence.

Where to Try: L’Éclair de Génie specializes in gourmet éclairs, with bespoke flavors and stunning pastry designs.

4. Macarons

Delicate, colorful, and all-flavor things, macarons are eye candy as much as palate pleasure.

These meringue-style cookies have a creamy filling sandwiched between, filled with classic flavors such as vanilla and raspberry, or adventurous ones such as rose and matcha.

Where to Try: Ladurée or Pierre Hermé for an authentic Parisian macaron experience.

5. Paris-Brest

Modeled on a wheel for a bicycle race between Paris and Brest (the route is still run every four years), this puff-pastry pastry is filled with cream flavored with praline.

It was nutty and sweet and creamy, unforgettable.

Where to Try: La Pâtisserie des Rêves specializes in reinventions of the classic.

6. Tarte Tatin

This French classic upside-down caramelized apple tart is a sweet, relaxed balance of flavors.

The flaky, buttery crust contrasts the rich, caramelized apples, making for a straightforward but divine dessert.

Where to Try: Chez Michel serves a rustic version of this pastry.

7. Mille-Feuille

Translated to “a thousand layers,” the mille-feuille is a decadent pastry made with layers of puff pastry and pastry cream, typically topped with a layer of fondant icing.

All is crispy layers backed with creamy sugar in every bite.

Where to Try: Carette is renowned for its classic mille-feuille.

8. Canelé

This small, fluted pastry has a crisp, dark caramelized crust and a tender, custardlike center flavored with vanilla and rum.

Its chewy texture and complex flavor make it an unusual treat.

Where to Try: Some of the best canelés in Paris are from Le Moulin de la Vierge.

9. Chouquette

Chouquettes are small, beignet-size choux pastry puffs, topped with pearl sugar.

Light and airy, they’re a great snack to nibble on as you wander the streets of Paris.

Where to Try: Most neighborhood boulangeries will have fresh chouquettes each day.

10. Saint-Honoré

It’s a creamy, caramel celebration of a show-stopping pastry.

It consists of a puff pastry base, choux buns filled with cream, and swirls of whipped cream. Named after the patron saint of bakers, it’s an absolute masterpiece.

Where to Try It: La Maison Lenôtre is famous for its Saint-Honoré.

How To Enjoy Your Parisian Pastries

Timing is Everything: Visit bakeries in the morning when pastries are at their freshest.

Local Boulangeries: Small bakeries in your neighborhood are not to be missed — they often serve out-of-this-world pastries at lower prices.

Coffee Pairing: A café crème or espresso matches most pastries perfectly.

And Take Time to Savour: You must break, find a neighbourhood café, and nibble at your pastry, whilst indulging in a Parisian scene.

Conclusion

The French capital is full of tempting pastries; discover them as you explore. With every bite, you taste tradition, passion, and innovation.

Whether you’re enjoying a plain croissant or marveling at the exquisitely complex layers of a mille-feuille, the pastries you taste at here attest to why Paris is the world’s culinary capital.

Next time you are in Paris, let these 10 pastries lead you on a food adventure. Believe me, your taste buds will appreciate it!