When it comes to French pastries, the Paris-Brest remains a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. This dessert, with its unique shape and delightful combination of flavors, has a rich history that dates back over a century. Join us as we delve into the origins, the art of making, and the reasons behind the Paris-Brest’s subtle presence in the spotlight of French patisserie.

We recently visited Paris and we fell in love with all the French pastries we found at the local bakeries. We always want to try new things, so we asked the employee of the bakery what we should not miss out on.
They told us about the Paris-Brest and about it being overlooked by many tourists.

There are so many other pastries that are so iconic, like the Eclair, Macarons or Lemon-Meringue Pie. Many pastries look so yummy that you might not notice the Paris-Brest in the midst of all the colorful options.

We fell in Love with the Paris-Brest

There it was. A Paris-Brest on our plate. Fresh from the Boulangerie around the corner of our French apartment. Tim was the first to taste it. And he was amazed by the richness of the flavors. The crunchy bottom half, the praline creme and the overall combination of flavors. We definitely recommend you trying the Paris-Brest when you visit Paris. Let’s dive into this amazing pastry.

History of the Paris-Brest

The Paris-Brest was created in 1910 by renowned French pastry chef Louis Durand. Inspired by the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race, he aimed to honor the cyclists and their extraordinary journey. The circular shape of the pastry represents a bicycle wheel, paying tribute to the race’s participants and their endurance. The original recipe consists of a ring of choux (puff dough) pastry, split in half and filled with a praline-flavored cream, and topped with slivered almonds and powdered sugar. Its unique taste and elegant presentation quickly gained popularity among the locals.

How is the Paris-Brest made?

The art of making a Paris-Brest requires precision and skill. The choux pastry dough is piped into a circular shape, resembling a bicycle wheel, and baked until golden and crisp. Once cooled, the pastry is carefully split in half horizontally, creating a hollow cavity. The filling, traditionally a praline-flavored cream, is generously piped into the center, ensuring every bite is a creamy delight. Some modern variations may use alternative fillings such as chocolate, coffee, or even fruit-infused creams.

The finishing touch includes a sprinkle of slivered almonds for added texture and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. The resulting pastry is a balance of textures and flavors, with the delicate crispness of the choux pastry beautifully complementing the smooth and creamy filling.

Overlooked by many Tourists

Despite its rich history and exquisite taste, the Paris-Brest often goes unnoticed by tourists. One reason is its subtle presence in patisserie shop windows, overshadowed by more widely recognized pastries like the croissant or macaron. The Paris-Brest’s circular shape and lack of vibrant colors make it less visually striking compared to its counterparts. Additionally, the praline flavor, which is a distinguishing feature of the original recipe, may be unfamiliar to some palates. As a result, tourists may gravitate toward more familiar options, missing out on this hidden gem of French patisserie.

Despite its overlooked status, the Paris-Brest deserves a special place on every dessert lover’s itinerary. Its delicate balance of textures and flavors is a true delight for the senses. Seek out reputable patisseries and bakeries in Paris that specialize in traditional pastries, and you’re likely to find a divine Paris-Brest waiting to be savored. The pastry’s rich history and unique shape make it a conversation starter, allowing you to delve into the story behind this exquisite creation. Give it a try, and you’ll be rewarded with a taste experience that is both nostalgic and indulgent.

Where to get the Paris-Brest Pastry in Paris?

You can find the Paris-Brest is most Patisserie shops and Boulangeries with an extended assortment. So just walk around town and find it an most bakeries. Here are a few spots that will definitely sell this amazing pastry.

• Artisan Boulanger Patissier “Le Fournil du Faubourg” (where we bought ours)
• Brasserie Bellanger
• Bistrot Paul Bert
• Jacques Genin, Chocalatier
• Patisserie Sébastien Degardin
• Boulangerie Bo

The Paris-Brest stands as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of French patisserie. Its origins, meticulous craftsmanship, and delightful combination of flavors make it a pastry worth seeking out. While often overlooked by tourists, the Paris-Brest’s subtle presence only adds to its allure. So, the next time you find yourself in Paris, venture beyond the familiar and indulge in the discovery of this hidden gem. Rediscover the Paris-Brest and allow yourself to be captivated by its timeless charm and irresistible flavors.

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