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Where to find the Best Macarons in Paris, France

Last Updated on 22nd March 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

Crispy exterior, creamy interior and rich in flavour… Drool. There is nothing quite like that first satisfying bite of a macaron. Once assumed to be a fad, it is clear that the macaron is here to stay, and this sweet French treat is now the best-selling cookie in France. Here’s my secret macaron address book, including all of the places to find the best macarons in Paris:

My Macaron Address Book: Where to find the Best Macarons in Paris, France

Introducing the macaron, the best selling cookie in France

Before we dive into the top recommendations for where to buy macarons in Paris, it may well surprise you to discover that the delectable French sweet treat is actually a cookie! Macarons should not be confused with the macaroon (a sweet coconut cake).

Typically comprising of two crisp shells filled with a soft filling, year-on-year, this dessert remains the best-selling cookie in France. With a crispy meringue shell and a smooth, creamy sweet centre, the flavour possibilities of meringues are endless. Although it’s possible to get Macarons in other shapes, the traditional shape is round and circular.

You can also purchase macarons filled with actual fruit. Flavours I’ve seen in Paris include; pear, strawberry, lemon, pistachio, salted caramel, raspberry, chocolate, cherry, tiramisu, mango, coffee, lavender, orange, rose petal, passionfruit, chestnuts and mint among others.

My Macaron Address Book: Where to find the Best Macarons in Paris

A history of the macaron

Well, the history of the macaron is a little hazy to say the least! Most findings put the start of the macaron in 8th century Italy. Apparently, Venetian monks produced them and they quickly became a favourite of the Italian royal families.

In the 15th Century when Catherine de Medici married Henry II, she brought her favourite Italian snack, the macaron, with her! Throughout all this time, macarons were single shells with no garnish.

It wasn’t until the 1900s, that the distinctive two layers of shell and sweet filling were combined to create the modern macaron. And today, there are plenty of places in Paris where you can sample some of the best macarons!

You should know before you visit Paris that if you’re looking for a particularly romantic and fun experience, then you can even take a macaron making class!get the full details here.

Otherwise, for the macaron (and Paris lover) in your life, then it’s worth noting that there are plenty of fun and quirky macaron-related gifts out there- perfect for Birthdays and Christmas presents if you’re unable to get a box of macarons themselves. From wall hangings to candles to kitchenware, here are some of my favourite macaron gifts.

My Macaron Address Book: Where to find the Best Macarons in Paris

Carrette, 25 Place des Vosges, 75003 Paris

Although Carette has multiple locations across the city, one of their very best locations has got to be that in Place des Vosges. Head to Carette if you like your macaron with a crunchier bite and if you want to sample some other French sweets whilst in the café (Carette’s eclairs are some of the best in the city).

Ladurée, 75, Avenue des Champs Elysees, 75008, Paris

If there’s one place that’s known for having some of the best macarons in Paris, it’s Ladurée. Salted caramel and pistachio remain firm favourites and for the best experience, head to the Ladurée flagship store along the Champs Élysées, the iconic shopping street that’s just steps away from the Arc de Triomphe.

Although you may have to wait a little while to venture inside, and the macarons are a little on the pricier side, dozens of Paris enthusiasts will tell you it’s well worth it! Otherwise, there are several other Ladurée locations across Paris, including at 14 Rue de Bretagne, where you’ll find the prettiest shopfront and store interior!

Angelina, 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

Though more famous for its creamy hot chocolates and delicate pastries, Angelina is also home to a delectable selection of macarons. The gorgeous tea house’s interior is almost as sweet as their selection of treats on offer. Macaron flavours to purchase include firm traditional favourites such as pistachio, raspberry, lemon, caramel, chocolate, vanilla, and more!

Jean-Paul Hevin, 72 rue de Bonaparte, 75006, Paris

Best known for their chocolate concoctions, Jean-Paul Hevin easily has some of the best macarons in Paris. Homemade, fresh, and available to purchase in a variety of sized boxes, Jean-Paul Hevin’s macarons come in different selectors such as ‘Tutti Frutti’ (for the fruit lover), or simply ‘total cocoa’ (perfect for the chocoholic).

Pierre Hermé, 4 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris

If you’re looking for some of the most delicious French sweets in the city, you need to look no further than Pierre Hermé. Pierre Hermé himself worked for Ladurée before setting up on his own and helped to create many of the iconic tea house’s signature collections.

As a result, Hermé has a huge wealth of experience behind him that he’s utilised to create some pretty crafty and innovative macaron flavours. In Hermé stores, you’ll even find half-half combinations such as macarons with one shell fresh mint, and the other red berries.

Maison Mulot – Saint Germain des Prés, 76 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris, France

Situated in the sixth arrondissement of Paris, an area best-known as being the site of the chic shops and artisanal cafés of Saint Germain des Prés, Mulot’s macarons are among some of the best in Paris. Well-balanced and oh-so-tasty, step inside this patisserie and you’ll also find a delightful selection of French sweets and some of the best baguette in Paris.

Where you can find all of the most delicious sweets and macarons in Paris

Lenôtre, 

At around twenty euros for a box of twelve, Lenôtre macarons are certainly not the cheapest French sweet on this list, nor are they the most expensive. For those seeking a more naturally flavoured macaron, Lenôtre is the place to go to tickle your tastebuds.

Sadaharu Aoki, 35 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris

Wander into any given patisserie shop of the Sadaharu Aoki chain, and you’ll find beautiful French desserts blended with a Japanese influence. Tokyo born Sadaharu Aoki moved to Paris where he set up shop as a train patissier. The flavours found in his patisserie stores are inventive, and here you’ll find beautiful combinations such as matcha flavoured macarons.

Café Pouchkine, 

Head into Café Pouchkine, and you can expect to find Russian inspired delicacies in store and online. Specialty macarons include those in the ‘scent of Russia collection’; with flavours such as cranberry and Russian blend tea remaining firm favourites. The café also offers a huge range of other carefully crafted patisseries.

Dalloyau, 

The history of the macaron is a long one. And in another era, the Dalloyau family once served up French sweet treats to the Royals. First ‘discovered’ by Louis XIV in the 1600s, the house of Dalloyau created concoctions for the French Royal Family in Versailles right up until the French Revolution. Following the Revolution, they opened their first ‘Maison de Gastronomie’ to the public and have been delighting with their sweet patisseries ever since.

Carl Marletti, 51 Rue Censier, 75005 Paris

Located in the Latin Quarter of the city, one of the best places to buy the iconic cookie in Paris is at Carl Marletti. Other sweets for sale at the Parisian confectionery store include pastries and chocolates.

Fauchon, 30 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris

I’ve saved my absolute favourite place to find Parisian macarons until last… because much like macarons, this post is sweetest in its anticipation. The very best macarons in Paris can be found at Fauchon. Arriving in a variety of flavours, personal favourites include pistachio, raspberry and chocolate.

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French dessert guide to the best sweets you must try in the French Capital: My Macaron Address Book: Where to find the Best Macarons in Paris, France
Here's your guide to finding the very best macarons in Paris, France. Where and when to go for finding French sweets in the French Capital. Ladurée, Carette, etc.

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