Amazing Pastries in France And Where To Find Them

There is no question that French pastries are some of the best in the world. From croissants to éclairs, French pastry chefs have a knack for creating delicious and decadent treats. If you're visiting Paris, you'll want to check out some of the famous bakeries and cafes that serve up these amazing pastries. In this blog post, I'll provide a guide to some of the best French pastries in Paris, where to find them, and even how to order them!

Why Are French Pastries So Good?

French pastries are renowned for their flavor, texture, and appearance. French pastry chefs take great pride in their craft, and it shows in the finished product. When it comes to flavor, French pastries tend to be more subtle than their American counterparts. This is due in part to the use of high-quality ingredients, such as butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. French pastry chefs also take care to use the proper baking techniques to ensure that each pastry is cooked to perfection.

France has a long history of pastry-making, dating back to the Middle Ages. French pastry chefs have had centuries to perfect their craft, and it shows. If you're looking for the best French pastries in Paris, you'll want to check out some of the city's famous boulangeries and patisseries.

What French Pastries Should I Try?

There are so many different types of French pastries to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry! Here are a few of the most popular French pastries that you should try during your visit to Paris:

Croissants

Croissants are a type of French bread that is made from dough that is layered with butter and then rolled and folded multiple times. This process gives the croissant its distinctive flaky texture. Croissants are typically served for breakfast or as a snack, and they can be found at most bakeries and cafes in Paris. You can often find them with different flavors, toppings, and fillings, like chocolate, almond, or cheese.

Pain au chocolat

Pain au chocolat, also known as chocolate croissants, is a type of French pastry that is made by adding chocolate to the dough of a croissant. You can usually spot these pastries in French bakeries and cafes, often served for breakfast or as a quick snack.

Eclairs

Eclairs originated in France in the 19th century and quickly became a popular treat. Today, they can be found in cafes and bakeries all over Paris. Eclairs are a type of French pastry that is made from a choux dough and typically filled with cream. The dough is piped into long, thin shapes and then baked until it is crispy on the outside. Once they are cooled, they are filled with either vanilla or chocolate cream.

Macarons

Macarons are a type of French pastry that is made from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. They are often filled with ganache, buttercream, or jam. Macarons are made by piping the batter into small rounds on a baking sheet and then baking them. Once they are cooled, they are sandwiched together with the filling of your choice.

Mille-feuille

Mille-feuille is a French pastry that consists of layers of puff pastry and custard. The puff pastry is made from dough that is rolled out and then folded multiple times to create layers of dough. The custard is typically made from milk, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mille-feuille can be found in bakeries all over Paris.

Paris-Brest

Paris-Brest is a French pastry that consists of a ring of choux pastry filled with cream. The pastry is named after the Paris-Brest bicycle race, which was held for the first time in 1891. This pastry was created by French chef Louis Durand in 1910. The original Paris-Brest featured a cream filling made with almond and hazelnut praline. Today, the most popular version of the pastry features chocolate or coffee-flavored cream filling.

Merveilleux

Merveilleux are French pastries that consist of meringue cookies sandwiched together with whipped cream and covered in chocolate. These pastries are often made with different flavors of whipped cream, such as vanilla, strawberry, or coffee. Merveilleux are typically decorated with edible flowers or chocolate shavings.

Tartlets

Tartlets are French pastries made from a shortcrust pastry dough that is filled with fruit, custard, or chocolate. Tartlets are typically baked in a tartlet pan, which is a small, shallow pan with fluted sides. French pastries come in many different shapes and sizes. Tartlets are one of the smaller ones, but they pack a big flavor punch. These bite-sized treats are perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee or tea.

Where To Find French Pastries In Paris

No trip to Paris is complete without indulging in some French pastries. The city is filled with cafes and bakeries, each with its own specialty. Here are a few of the best places to find French pastries in Paris:

Cedric Grolet Opera

If you’re looking for French pastries that are both aesthetically pleasing and delicious, look no further than Cedric Grolet Opera. This cafe is run by world-renowned pastry chef Cedric Grolet, who is known for his beautiful and creative creations. The menu changes seasonally, so there’s always something new to try.

La Maison du Chocolat

This world-renowned French chocolatier is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. In addition to their delicious chocolates, they also offer a wide selection of French pastries

Eudes Boulangerie and Patisserie

This cafe is known for its traditional French pastries, such as eclairs and macarons. They also have a selection of savory items, such as quiche and sandwiches.

Laduree

This cafe is known for its pretty pastel-colored macarons. They have a wide selection of flavors to choose from, as well as other French pastries.

Café Pouchkine

This cafe is known for its Russian-inspired pastries, such as the pryanik. They also have a wide selection of cakes, tarts, and other pastries.

Maison Aleph

This patisserie is known for its unique and creative pastries. They have a rotating menu of seasonal offerings, so there’s always something new to try.

Popelini

Popelini is a French pastry shop that specializes in choux pastry. Choux pastry is a type of dough that is light and airy and can be used to make a variety of different pastries. Popelini offers a wide selection of choux pastry-based pastries, such as cream puffs and eclairs.

Boulangerie Malineau

This bakery is known for its artisan bread, but they also have a selection of French pastries. They use traditional French recipes and only use the highest quality ingredients.

La Pâtisserie des Rêves

This cafe is known for its classic French pastries, such as the mille-feuille and the Paris-Brest. They also offer a selection of seasonal and specialty items.

No matter what your pastry preference is, you're sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth in Paris. With so many different French pastries to choose from, you might have trouble deciding which ones to try first.

How to Order Pastries in France

When it comes to French pastries, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, French pastries are typically served with coffee or tea. If you order a pastry without coffee or tea, it will likely be more expensive. Second, French pastries are typically smaller than American pastries. They are meant to be enjoyed as a snack or a dessert, not as a main course. Third, French pastries are typically ordered by the piece. If you want to order several different pastries, you will need to order them separately. Finally, French pastries can be quite expensive. The average price for a pastry is around €4-5 ($4.50-5.50). However, some of the more elaborate pastries can cost closer to €10 ($11).

French Pastry Etiquette

When it comes to French pastries, there are a few etiquette rules to keep in mind. First, French pastries are typically eaten with your hands. forks and knives are typically not used. Second, French pastries are typically eaten one bite at a time. It is considered rude to take a bite out of a pastry and then put it back on your plate. Third, French pastries are typically not to be shared. Each person should order their own pastry. Finally, French pastries are typically not to be taken to go. Pastries are meant to be enjoyed in the cafe or bakery where they were purchased.

French pastries are a quintessential part of the French culture. They are delicious, beautiful, and a little bit indulgent. No matter what your pastry preference is, you're sure to find something to satisfy your sweet tooth in Paris. With so many different French pastries to choose from, you might have trouble deciding which ones to try first. But with this guide, you'll be able to find the perfect pastry for you in no time. So what are you waiting for? Bon appetit!