The top 6 pastries in Paris – and where to find them

Living in Paris, the pastry capital of the globe, gives you a refined palate over time, allowing you to discern between mediocre and exceptional pastries.

You learn that the finest croissants feature honeycomb interiors, true baguettes (or traditions, pronounced trad-y-syon) have caramel-hued crusts, and the best macarons boast a soft, chewy exterior.

However, everyone has unique tastes, and any list claiming to showcase the best pastries in Paris is bound to spark debate.

To be transparent, I’ve deliberately left out viennoiseries (breakfast items like croissants and pains au chocolat), as well as breads and baguettes, since they warrant their own dedicated lists. Viral desserts like the well-known 'crookie' are also omitted, as they tend to be fleeting trends. I will also acknowledge how my personal preferences have shaped my choices.

This curated list highlights what I believe to be some of the finest classic French pastries in Paris, all of which are staple offerings at some of the best pastry shops in France. And don’t miss the unexpected twist at the end that, while defying categorization, certainly deserves recognition.

1. Madeleines: Ritz Paris Le Comptoir

Before trying madeleines at the Ritz Paris Le Comptoir, the hotel’s takeaway pastry shop on rue Cambon, I found little appeal in the shell-shaped sponge cake. Among Parisian pastries, the madeleine appeared rather dull and unexciting compared to the jewel-like macarons and enchanting fruit tarts displayed in pastry shop windows.

However, after tasting pastry chef François Perret’s rendition, I understood why Marcel Proust, a regular at the Ritz Paris, celebrated this little cake with such affection in his novel Remembrance of Things Past.

In Perret’s contemporary take, molten madeleines are coated in flavors like lemon, raspberry, caramel, passion fruit, and chocolate, each filled with a rich fruit compote, chocolate, or caramel center. They are incredibly moist, highly aromatic, and visually stunning. My personal favorites are the raspberry and caramel, but be sure to watch for seasonal specials as well.

Price: €5 each

2. Lemon tarts: Stohrer

I enjoy lemon tarts with a bit of a kick, and this one from Stohrer, the oldest pastry shop in Paris, certainly delivers that and more.

While the shop is famed as the home of the baba rhum, don't overlook their lemon tart, especially if you, like me, care about the balance of tartness and sweetness.

Crafted with a shortbread base, lemon confit, yuzu cream, and a lemon-lime cream that adds a gentle bitterness, Stohrer’s lemon tart expertly balances flavors: it’s refreshing and smooth without being overly sour.

Price: €6.10

3. Macarons: Pierre Hermé’s Ispahan

Paris boasts many exceptional patisseries that create stunning macarons.

However, I have a special fondness for Pierre Hermé’s iconic Ispahan macaron featuring rose, litchi, and raspberry. The first time I tasted it, the vibrant flavors and aromas stayed with me, and I couldn't stop thinking about it afterward. While there are several outlets, I prefer the one on Avenue de l'Opéra, close to the Palais Garnier.

For me, it’s the exquisite balance of fruity litchi and raspberry flavors that gracefully transitions into the elegance of rose, culminating in a refined finish without the perfume-like quality often found in rose desserts. It’s sophisticated, intricate, and undeniably classy.

There’s a reason why Pierre Hermé has earned the title of the Picasso of pastries.

Cost: €2.80

4. Saint-Honoré: Philippe Conticini

Originating in the 19th century, the Saint-Honoré is named after the street where it was first crafted, at a pastry shop on rue Saint-Honoré in the first arrondissement of Paris.

Traditionally, this dessert boasts a puff pastry base adorned with cream puffs, a hard caramel shell, Chiboust (a blend of pastry cream and meringue), and Chantilly whipped cream. Its structure can make it a bit tricky to enjoy.

What sets celebrity pastry chef Philippe Conticini’s tart version apart is the harmonious balance of flavors and textures in nearly every bite: from the vanilla-infused cream and soft pastry cream to the caramelized choux and crispy puff pastry. The layer of caramel enhanced with fleur de sel is a delightful touch, especially for those who prefer desserts that aren’t overly sweet. This treat is as sophisticated in taste as it is in appearance.

Cost: €8.50

5. Chocolate éclairs: La Maison du Chocolat

I’ve encountered my share of disappointing chocolate éclairs in Paris, where the choux pastry has turned soggy from the filling, or the chocolate flavor is disappointingly weak.

For a truly decadent chocolate éclair, you should definitely seek out a renowned chocolatier like La Maison du Chocolat.

Here, the éclairs are crafted with rich dark chocolate that has a delightful fruity acidity, while the choux pastry remains light, airy, and resilient.

Compared to the average éclairs found at neighborhood patisseries, this one is on the pricier side at €7. However, it's worth noting that these éclairs are impressively long—over 6 inches—and are handcrafted daily starting at 3:30 am in their workshop located in the Paris suburbs, before being delivered citywide.

Cost: €7

6. The Equinox: La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac

While Cyril Lignac might not be a well-known name among English speakers, he is a celebrated pastry chef and television personality in France, boasting several patisseries and restaurants throughout the city, as well as regular appearances on competitive French baking shows.

At La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac, one of his standout creations is the Equinox, an intriguing pastry that appears dramatic and mysterious on the outside, yet reveals light, familiar flavors within.

The Equinox exemplifies the art of entremets, featuring layers of bourbon vanilla cream, a caramel center, and a Speculoos praline crunch. This combination offers a satisfying texture and comforting experience, while its presentation makes it one of the most stylish pastries on this list.

Cost: €7

Planning a trip to Paris? Here’s more expert tips to help you out:

• Discover the top attractions and activities recommended by locals

• Unsure where to stay? Check out our guide to the neighborhoods of Paris

• Here are essential tips to know before visiting Paris

• Thinking of buying a souvenir? Explore our list of the best independent shops in the city