Last Updated on 21st November 2018 by Sophie Nadeau

When it comes to choosing desserts and delicacies to try in Paris, you’re pretty spoilt for choice! For there’s a sweet selection on choice… From melt in your mouth macarons to smooth, cold ice cream, here’s your ultimate guide to finding the best French desserts in Paris. (And believe me when I say that they are all worth it!)

Contents

All the French Sweets and French Desserts in Paris You Must Try:

All the French Sweets and French Desserts in Paris You Must Try:

Macaron (#1 must-try dessert in Paris)

As the best selling cookie in France (was it just me who didn’t realize that a macaron is classed as a cookie?), it’s no surprise that the macaron tops this list as one of those French desserts in Paris you absolutely must try!

Although we often think of the macaron to be traditionally French, it may surprise you to find that the macaron probably originated in medieval Italy… And if you’re looking for all the best sweets in the City of Love, here’s your complete guide to the best macarons in Paris.

Paris Macaron address book:

Ladurée, 75 avenue des Champs-Élysées (rue Lincoln), Paris, Île-de-France

Carette, 4 place du Trocadéro, Paris, Île-de-France

Fauchon (my personal fave), 30 place de la Madeleine, Paris, Île-de-France

Jean-Paul Hévin, 231 rue Saint-Honoré, Paris, Île-de-France

**Berthillon Ice Cream (sorbet also available)**

Berthillon ice cream is so good that it easily rivals any Italian gelato. On a warm summer’s day, there is nothing more enjoyable than picking up a crunchy cone with a scoop or two of this Parisian delicacy. From chocolate, vanilla and other traditional flavours, to more unusual picks, you’re sure to find one you like.

Although plenty of other stores and cafés now serve this ice cream, I prefer to head straight to the original store on Île Sint-Louis. Oh, and if you’re in the mood for something a little more refreshing, then I highly recommend sampling one of the many sorbets on offer.

The delicate notes and fruity texture means that the sorbet quite literally tastes just like the fruit itself. My favourite flavours of Berthillon sorbet are lemon and raspberry. While in the area, be sure to check out Notre Dame, Sainte Chapelle, and Au Vieux Paris d’Arcole (i.e. the quaintest coffee shop in the city). For more attractions, here’s a free and self-guided Ile de la Cité walking tour!

Berthillon Ice Cream Address Book:

Berthillon, 31 rue Saint-Louis en l’Ile, 75004

**Croissant (and all the bread products)**

This favourite french breakfast pastry not only makes the list because it’s so iconic but also because it’s simply delicious. There is nothing more satisfying first thing in the morning than finding that croissant which crumbles to perfection in just the right way.

Together with a cup of coffee, although there are plenty of other breakfast pastries to choose from (pain au chocolat is just one that springs to mind), nothing is as iconic as the croissant. Oh, and while you’re in the boulangerie, don’t forget to try one of the fresh baguettes that France is so famous for. Pop into any local boulangerie and pick up a warm baguette, fresh from the oven.

Figue Chocolat (figs & chocolate= heaven)

A little while ago, I had my first taste of a figue chocolat. A creamy combination of figs, chocolate, and ganache, the sweet taste of this treat will linger in your mind for weeks to come. Though not as readily available as some of the other Parisian desserts on this list, should you go in search of the figue chocolat, you definitely won’t regret it!

Éclair (creamy, [dreamy] & light)

A light pastry, the ideal eclair is fluffy, light and filled with just the right amount of whipped cream. Topped with icing, these traditional French desserts can be found throughout the city. Originally known as ‘pain à la Duchesse,’ it’s thought that the éclair first came about in the mid to late nineteenth Century.

Eclair address book:

L’Éclair de Génie, 14 rue Pavée, Paris, Île-de-France

L’Atelier de l’Éclair, 9 rue Bachaumont (Rue Montorgueil), Paris, Île-de-France

Eric Kayser, 8 rue Monge, Paris, Île-de-France

**Pastry (any flavour!)**

Morning, afternoon and evening, I could easily enjoy a pastry at any time of the day. And Paris pastries come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. From the more traditional Apricot/ Pistachio blend to raspberry to the most unexpected of flavours, you’re sure to find a pastry you like.