The 15 Top Patisseries in Paris
In Paris, where small family-owned shops compete with renowned patisseries, pastries are woven into daily life. It's common to see Parisians queuing for fresh tarts to enjoy at Sunday brunch or schoolchildren dashing to their favorite bakery for a goûter (a small snack). The city boasts a diverse range of beautifully crafted pastries that are as delicious as they are visually stunning: from classic viennoiseries like croissants and pain au chocolat to airy éclairs, buttery sablés, and a growing selection of both French and globally inspired cakes, tarts, cookies, and brioches.
These delightful pastries are primarily found in patisseries, establishments dedicated to sweet baked treats crafted from dough, unlike boulangeries that focus on bread. While it's rare to find a fantastic baguette at a patisserie along with your éclairs, some unique shops excel in both categories.
The city is saturated with pastry shops, leading to fierce competition. These 15 bakeries rank among the finest that Paris—and indeed the world—has to offer.
Note: This guide is arranged by arrondissement, radiating out from the 1st.
Lindsey Tramuta is a journalist, author, and podcaster who has called Paris home since 2006, contributing regularly to The New York Times, Dinogo, Condé Nast Traveler, Bloomberg, and various other international outlets. Her debut book, The New Paris, explored the changing landscape of the French capital, while her latest work, The New Parisienne, dismantled the myth of the Parisian woman, highlighting over 40 women shaping the future of Paris.
Ritz Paris le Comptoir
While enjoying the full tea-time experience at the Ritz Paris’s Salon Proust may come at a premium, you can indulge in head pastry chef François Perret’s creations at a more accessible price at the hotel’s pastry shop. His signature glazed madeleines come in seven flavors, including various fruit fillings. Additionally, you’ll find creamy entremets (layered mousse cakes), large cookies, tarts, and even drinkable versions of Perret’s best-selling pastries (essentially gourmet milkshakes) from the Salon Proust menu. Located in the 1st arrondissement.
Cédric Grolet Opéra
Lines often form outside the Cédric Grolet pastry shop near the Louvre, and it’s not just due to the tourist traffic. The sculpted fruit pastries resemble exquisite miniatures of the real thing, and their enchanting flavors do not disappoint. The menu also features an impressive array of breakfast items and viennoiseries, including Paris-Brests, croissants, and pain au chocolat. Located in the 2nd arrondissement.
Fou de Pâtisserie
If you’re pressed for time, make the most of your visit by sampling a variety of pastries from different pastry chefs at this innovative concept store. Operated by the creators of France’s premier pastry magazine, Fou de Pâtisserie (Crazy for Pastry), the shop features a rotating array of inventive sweets from the city’s finest talents. Here, you might discover Nina Métayer’s signature chocolate, praliné, and olive pastry, Christophe Michalak’s lime-basil cream puff, or the renowned baba au rhum from La Pâtisserie de Cyril Lignac. Located in the 2nd arrondissement.
Stohrer
You haven’t truly experienced pastry until you’ve tried a kouign-amann from Stohrer, a lovely bakery in the 2nd arrondissement where a variety of savory quiches and salads sit opposite a display case filled with sweet treats. Caramelized to a rich amber hue with a delicate crunch, the kouign-amann is the pinnacle of pastry perfection. Though they may not always have them available, opting for a choux pastry religieuse or a creamy eclair will still leave you delighted. Located in the 2nd arrondissement.
Christophe Louie
What pairs perfectly with exquisite flan, airy orange blossom madeleines, marble cakes, and flaky viennoiseries? Italian panettones, of course, at Christophe Louie’s bakery. The pastry chef trained under Mauro Morandin, a top master panettone maker in Italy, to craft the finest sourdough version in Paris, making it a year-round favorite for this typically seasonal treat. Grab some classic French pastries along with several signature panettones; don't miss the one with dried apricots and nuts, as well as a richer option featuring chocolate from master chocolatier Nicolas Berger.
Bontemps
This Marais shop takes the nostalgic sable, a classic shortbread, to new heights. The vintage theme is reflected in its charming decor, featuring antique display cases, light fixtures, and porcelain cake stands. The sables are available in two sizes, while the larger tarts boast fillings such as pecan, lemon curd, gianduja, and candied chestnut and pear. Additionally, there are bite-sized cookies, filled with light ganache, ideal for a quick treat on the move. Located in the 3rd arrondissement.
Maison Aleph
When chef Myriam Sabet launched her first boutique in the Marais in 2017, she offered locals a fresh interpretation of Levantine pastries, notably less sweet than other offerings in town, all crafted using French techniques. Her seasonal tarts and bundts are perfect for sharing. However, the highlight are the nids: petite pastry nests made of kadaïf (thinly shredded phyllo dough), filled with either candied fruits or flavored creams, featuring combinations like rhubarb with Damask rose, lemon with cardamom, or jasmine and mango. Located in the 4th arrondissement.
Pierre Hermé
Renowned as a pioneer of contemporary pastry, Pierre Hermé requires little introduction. While everything in his Paris shops is alluring, there are three standout reasons to visit: the Ispahan croissant, a delightful blend of rose, raspberry, and lychee; the Infiniment Vanille shortbread tart, crafted from Mexican, Tahitian, and Madagascar vanillas; and the remarkable macarons, which boast adventurous flavors like smoked tea, saffron, iris, carrot, and violet.
Des Gâteaux et du Pain
For those in the know, Claire Damon’s boutiques are a must-visit on any pastry journey. Swing by her boulangerie-pâtisserie for the pomme tatin drizzled with maple syrup or the Kashmir, a luscious almond cake infused with saffron, dates, and orange. Located in the 7th arrondissement.
Mamiche
Mamiche is one of the latest bakeries in Paris, making the world of patisserie and viennoiserie more accessible. Founded by Cécile Khayat and Victoria Effantin, the menu blends American bakery vibes with French flair. You’ll find babkas alongside eclairs, which sit next to beignets and palmiers. Although officially a boulangerie, Mamiche uniquely excels in both categories of French baked goods. Located in the 10th arrondissement.
Yann Couvreur Pâtisserie
Yann Couvreur has become a renowned name in Paris, and his patisserie in the 11th arrondissement lives up to the reputation. The outstanding viennoiseries feature croissants, roulés in flavors like pistachio, coconut, and rose praline, as well as a unique buckwheat kouign-amann. For the hautes-patisseries, indulge in the sumptuous lemon meringue tarts, decadent chocolate eclairs, and a stunning seasonal St. Honoré. Located in the 10th arrondissement.
Boulangerie Utopie
Don’t let the extensive selection of pastries, viennoiseries, and breads at Boulangerie Utopie overwhelm you. Take your time to select the delights that catch your eye. Perhaps you’ll be tempted by the tangy-sweet sourdough croissant, or the cheesecake infused with thyme and lemon atop a sable base. Or maybe the banana mille-feuille will steal your heart. Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong. Just don’t forget to grab a loaf of their excellent bread for later! Located in the 11th arrondissement.
Boulangerie Chambelland
In a city where gluten is a staple, it might seem challenging to operate a gluten-free bakery, yet Boulangerie Chambelland has become a beloved choice. Their gluten-free breads, pastries, choux, tartes, and cakes serve as fantastic alternatives to traditional options. Even more impressive, Chambelland is committed to sustainability, utilizing only organic ingredients in their creations. Located in the 11th arrondissement.
Tapisserie
Managed by the team behind popular Parisian spots like Septime and Clamato, Tapisserie in the 11th is a must-visit, especially for the maple tart. (While this dessert also features at Clamato, here it truly shines.) The substantial pâte sucrée crust is filled with a rich, velvety maple filling. If you’re still hungry, the choux pastries and viennoiseries are equally delightful. Located in the 11th arrondissement.
Gilles Marchal
Gilles Marchal has already left his mark on the pastry scene, having served as head chef at prestigious places like the Crillon, Plaza Athénée, Le Bristol, and La Maison du Chocolat. Now, locals from all over flock to his namesake patisserie in Montmartre. His madeleines are exquisite, available in flavors such as lemon zest, grand cru dark chocolate, pine honey, and pistachio. Not to mention, his takes on classic French desserts like baba au rhum and tarte aux framboises are simply perfect. Located in the 18th arrondissement.
Evaluation :
5/5