When it comes to culinary delights, Paris holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers. From buttery croissants to delicate macarons, the city offers a wealth of exquisite French pastries that will leave you craving more. So, if you’re a tourist with a sweet tooth, be prepared to embark on a journey through the pastry shops of Paris.

In this article, we present a tantalizing selection of the city’s must-try pastries, each with its own unique flavors and textures that are sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.

We have really gone on a pastry-eating-spree during our most recent trip to Paris. There are bakeries everywhere and they all offer amazing French Pastries. Below are all the amazing sweets we ate including some famous classics and some new discoveries. So on your next Paris visit, make sure to check out the bakeries near your hotel and get yourself a fresh French Pasty for breakfast every day!

What are the Best French Pastries to Try in Paris?

The Iconic Croissant

No visit to Paris is complete without indulging in a classic croissant. This flaky, buttery pastry is a breakfast staple that has become a symbol of French baking worldwide. Bite into its golden layers and savor the delicate balance of crispy exterior and soft, buttery interior. Whether enjoyed plain or filled with almond cream or chocolate, a freshly baked croissant is a little slice of heaven.

The croissant’s origins can be traced back to Vienna, Austria, but it was in France that it truly found its fame and refinement. Made from layers of yeasted dough and ample amounts of butter, the croissant is a labor of love. The dough is carefully rolled, folded, and shaped into its characteristic crescent shape.

As it bakes, the layers separate, creating a light, airy interior with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. The aroma that fills the bakery when croissants are in the oven is nothing short of enchanting. Breaking into a freshly baked croissant reveals its delicate texture and buttery richness. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a midday snack, or as part of a leisurely brunch, a croissant is a quintessential French pastry that should not be missed.

Have you tried dipping your croissant into your morning coffee? Or into a hot chocolate? This is what the Parisians do, so have a go!

Pain au chocolat; a breakfast favorite

For chocolate lovers, the pain au chocolat is a pastry not to be missed. Similar to a croissant in texture, this delightful treat encases a roll of rich, dark chocolate. The combination of buttery pastry and chocolate is pure bliss, making it an irresistible choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Pain au Chocolat features a light, flaky croissant-like dough that encases a generous bar of rich, dark chocolate. The dough is carefully rolled and baked to perfection, resulting in a golden, buttery exterior with delicate layers that practically melt in your mouth. As you bite into a fresh pain au chocolat, the contrast between the crisp, buttery layers and the luscious, melted chocolate center is pure bliss. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible treat.

Whether you enjoy it warm from the bakery or at a cozy café with a cup of coffee, a pain au chocolat is a delightful way to start your day or satisfy your sweet tooth. Embrace this classic French pastry and allow yourself to be transported to a world of pure chocolatey delight.

Amazing Éclairs in Paris

Éclairs are elegant pastries that seduce with their sleek appearance and luscious fillings. A choux pastry shell is filled with silky cream, such as vanilla, chocolate, or coffee, and topped with a glossy glaze. These exquisite treats come in a variety of flavors, each offering a delightful burst of sweetness with every bite. Look for the colorful displays in patisseries and select your favorite flavor for a moment of pure indulgence.

The choux pastry shell is made from a dough that magically puffs up during baking, creating a light and airy texture. Each éclair is generously filled with the creamy goodness that harmonizes beautifully with the pastry shell. The final touch is the glossy glaze or icing that coats the top, adding a touch of elegance and enhancing the visual appeal.

Éclairs are a true work of art, with the patisserie chefs often showcasing their creativity through intricate decorations and flavor combinations.

Éclairs are a popular choice for dessert or an afternoon indulgence and are best enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. Treat yourself to this iconic French pastry and let it transport you to a world of refined sweetness and culinary artistry.

Paris-Brest, a Hidden Gem in French Pastries

Created in honor of the Paris-Brest bicycle race, this circular pastry represents a bicycle wheel. It consists of a ring of choux pastry filled with praline-flavored cream, which adds a delightful nutty sweetness. The crispy pastry and creamy filling create a delightful contrast, making the Paris-Brest a beloved pastry among locals.

The Paris-Brest is overlooked by tourists a lot. Want to know why? And why you should not miss out on this awesome pastry? Check out our full article on the Paris-Brest.

Paris, the city of Macarons

Macarons are delicate, meringue-based cookies that captivate with their vibrant colors and exquisite flavors. These sweet sandwich-like treats feature a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft and chewy center. From classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous combinations like rose, pistachio, or salted caramel, macarons are a delightful treat for your taste buds.

When it comes to delicate and colorful French pastries, macarons are among the most beloved. These elegant treats consist of two almond meringue cookies sandwiched together with a creamy filling. The outer shells are smooth, with a slight crispness that gives way to a chewy and airy interior.

The fillings can range from rich buttercream to luscious ganache or even fruity jams. The artistry of creating macarons lies in achieving the perfect balance between the delicate shells and the flavorful filling. When done right, macarons offer a delightful symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.

When in Paris, be sure to visit renowned patisseries known for their exceptional macarons, and embark on a delightful journey of flavors as you sample these delightful confections. Macarons are not just a dessert; they are an experience that encapsulates the elegance and finesse of French pastry craftsmanship.

Brioche Rose Praline, a New Favorite among French Pastries

One pastry that holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Lyon, France, is the Brioche Rose Praline. This delightful treat features a soft, buttery brioche dough that is studded with vibrant pink sugar-coated almonds known as pralines roses. The brioche dough is enriched with eggs and butter, giving it a tender texture and a rich, slightly sweet flavor.

The pralines roses add a delightful crunch and a burst of sweetness, making every bite a delightful surprise. As the brioche bakes, the pralines melt slightly, creating a caramelized, sticky coating that adds a touch of indulgence to each slice. The result is a beautifully pink, aromatic pastry that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Brioche Rose Praline is often enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon treat, and it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you visit Lyon or stumble upon this delightful pastry in a Parisian bakery, be sure to try a slice of Brioche Rose Praline for a truly delightful and unique culinary experience.

Clafoutis, the French Apple or Cherry Cake

Clafoutis is a delightful French cake that originated in the Limousin region. This rustic yet elegant pastry showcases the beauty of seasonal fruits nestled in a creamy custard-like batter. Traditionally made with cherries, the fruit is left unpitted to add a subtle almond-like flavor to the dessert. The batter, a combination of eggs, milk, sugar, and flour, bakes to form a tender, pudding-like texture that perfectly envelops the fruit.

Clafoutis can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. While cherries are the classic choice, you will find the version with apples all over Paris. Indulging in a Clafoutis is like experiencing a taste of French countryside charm.

Chouquettes; simple, cheap but so good!

If you’re in search of a delightful bite-sized treat, look no further than chouquettes. These petite pastries are adored by locals and visitors for their simplicity and irresistible flavor. Chouquettes are made from choux pastry, the same dough used to create éclairs. What sets chouquettes apart is their lightness. The choux pastry is piped into small mounds and baked until puffed and golden.

The magic happens when they are generously sprinkled with pearl sugar before baking, which creates a caramelized and slightly crunchy exterior. The inside remains airy and hollow, providing a perfect space to be filled with custard.

Chouquettes are often served as a casual treat, enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. These delightful pastries can be addictive, so it’s hard to stop at just one. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for another chouquette, enticed by its crisp texture and the subtle sweetness of the sugar. Chouquettes are a charming pastry that embodies the essence of French baking simplicity.

Tarte Framboise; our personal addiction

For raspberry lovers, the Tarte Framboise is a heavenly creation that showcases the vibrant flavors of this delightful fruit. This tart is a celebration of simplicity and elegance, allowing the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh raspberries to shine. A buttery shortcrust pastry serves as the base, providing a crisp and crumbly foundation.

The pastry shell is then filled with a luscious raspberry cream or a layer of custard, creating a smooth and creamy texture that enhances the raspberry flavor. The crowning glory is the abundance of fresh, juicy raspberries arranged on top, creating a visually stunning presentation. Each bite of the Tarte Framboise bursts with the bright, tangy flavor of the raspberries, complemented by the delicate sweetness of the pastry and cream.

It’s a dessert that embodies the essence of summer and is best enjoyed when raspberries are at their peak. Whether you savor it at a charming café or take it as a picnic treat, the Tarte Framboise is a delightful pastry that captures the essence of the season and leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds.

Opera; the Tiramisu under the French Pastries

The Opera pastry, also known as the Opera cake or Opera slice, is a true masterpiece of French patisserie. Created in the 20th century, this elegant dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to new heights.

Composed of delicate layers of almond sponge cake, coffee-flavored buttercream, and rich chocolate ganache, the Opera pastry is a harmonious balance of sweetness and bitterness. Each layer is meticulously assembled to create a visual and culinary delight. The smooth coffee buttercream adds a hint of bitterness that beautifully complements the sweetness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the almond sponge cake. The finishing touch is a lustrous chocolate glaze that lends a glossy sheen to the pastry.

The Opera pastry is often garnished with a subtle decoration, such as a gold leaf or a dusting of cocoa powder, adding a touch of sophistication. This decadent treat is best savored with a cup of coffee or tea, allowing the flavors to unfold on your palate. A slice of Opera pastry is a testament to the artistry of French pastry chefs and a must-try indulgence for any visitor to Paris.

The Opera can be compared to the Italian Tiramisu. But only when it comes to the flavors, the texture is a completely different ballgame.

Pain aux Raisins; another Classic French Pastry

Oh, you have got to try the classic Pain aux Raisins when you’re in Paris! This French pastry is like a little slice of heaven. Picture this: a flaky, buttery croissant-like dough, rolled up with these plump, juicy raisins and a hint of vanilla pastry cream oozing out.

And guess what? It’s not just about taste – it’s a whole experience. Grab one from a cozy patisserie, pair it with a strong espresso, and you’re set! It’s like a sweet hug for your taste buds and a one-way ticket to pastry paradise. Vive la France, and vive le Pain aux Raisins!

The French Twist on Lemon Meringue Pie

When it comes to re-imagining classic desserts, the French have an ability to infuse their touch of elegance and finesse. Enter the Lemon Meringue Pie – a beloved treat that has undergone a Parisian transformation, resulting in a creation that’s as enchanting as the streets of Montmartre.

Picture a buttery crust cradling a luscious lemon curd that strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. But what truly sets the French rendition apart is the meringue – a cloud-like topping that’s meticulously torched to golden perfection, adding a whimsical contrast to the zesty filling beneath.

With each forkful, you embark on a journey where the vibrant citrus notes intertwine with the lightness of the meringue, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. The French have truly unlocked the art of elevating a classic, turning the Lemon Meringue Pie into a Parisian masterpiece that’s as delightful to behold as it is to savor.

Our new favorite French Pastries

We have no idea how we did not gain any weight on this Paris visit. We tasted so many amazing French Pastries that we were expecting some extra kilos when we got home. Walking around a lot probably helped in losing some of the calories obtained by all that sugary sweetness.

So what are our final thoughts, our favorite French Pastries? It is very hard to pick out of all these delicious treats. Tim favorite new discovery is the Paris-Brest. The crunchy bottom, the puff dough and the creme just made for a great combination. My favorite would be the salted caramel éclair, but the raspberry tart come in a close second. I actually bought that three times in total since it was so amazing. But I can’t end this article and not tell you how much I loved the Lemon-meringue Pie… Let us know what are your favorites!

More Paris for You:

• 
  The Best Food in Paris without Waiting in Line at Carette, Angelina or Cédric Grolet
  Paris, the city of lights, love, and, of course, tantalizing cuisine! While the queues at iconic spots like Carette, Angelina, and the realm of Cédric Grolet might seem irresistible, let’s…
• 
  Being Parisians for a Week – Tim’s Paris Travel Journal
  We spent a full week living like Parisians in Paris and we had such a great time. We had been to Paris many times before, since it is only a…
• 
  Best Vegan Food in Paris: Our Top 5 Restaurants
  Paris, renowned for its culinary excellence, isn’t just a paradise for meat-eaters. For those embracing a plant-based lifestyle, the city offers a diverse range of vegan food and vegetarian cuisine….
• 
  Best Must-Eat Cheap Food in Paris for under €15
  Paris, a city celebrated for its culinary wonders, doesn’t always have to dent your wallet. In this article we will give you 5 of our favorite restaurants where you can…
• 
  Ladurée Bakery Paris: are their Macarons the best in France?
  Ah, the delightful world of macarons! Paris, with its many patisseries and bakeries, holds a special place in its heart for these delicious, colorful confections. Among the iconic names in…