10 Must-Try Desserts When Visiting Paris
Paris isn’t just the city of light and love—it’s a paradise for dessert enthusiasts! From flaky pastries to velvety confections, the city offers a selection of must-try desserts in Paris that are as iconic as its landmarks. The hardest part? Choosing which one to enjoy first! To make your journey through Parisian sweets as seamless as possible, here’s a guide to the top 10 must-try desserts in Paris. And if you end up savoring more than one treat a day—well, as they say, c’est la vie!
1. Tarte Aux Fruits: A Fresh and Buttery Delight
The tarte aux fruits is a classic French dessert made with the freshest seasonal fruit nestled atop a bed of luscious Chantilly cream and encased in a buttery pastry shell. These delightful tarts come in two sizes—miniature for a personal indulgence or full-sized to share with loved ones (if you dare!). Whether you opt for berries, stone fruits, or a tropical twist, these tartes are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
2. Éclair: Lightning in Every Bite
The éclair is one of the most popular must-try desserts in Paris. These elongated choux pastries are filled with silky custard or pastry cream and topped with a glossy layer of fondant. The word “éclair” translates to “lightning,” possibly alluding to how quickly you’ll devour one. Whether you go for the traditional chocolate or explore creative flavors like pistachio or raspberry, this dessert will leave you craving more.
3. Paris Brest: Cycling Toward Sweetness
The Paris Brest is a tribute to the famous Paris-to-Brest bicycle race, shaped like a wheel to honor the event. Made with airy choux pastry and filled with rich praline-flavored cream, this dessert is as satisfying as it is symbolic. Perfect for fans of nutty flavors, it’s a must-try for anyone cycling through the city’s patisseries.
4. Macaron: A Bite-Sized Parisian Icon
The delicate macaron is undoubtedly one of the most famous must-try desserts in Paris. These delicate, jewel-like confections are as photogenic as they are delicious. Made with meringue, almond flour, and a variety of vibrant fillings, macarons come in every flavor imaginable—from classic vanilla to exotic yuzu. Don’t confuse these with coconut macaroons, which are entirely different. Paris is home to legendary macaron makers like Ladurée and Pierre Hermé, so be sure to savor this iconic dessert at its source.
5. Tarte Au Citron: A Tangy Citrus Treat
For lovers of all things zesty, the tarte au citron (lemon tart) is perfection. Its buttery pastry crust is filled with a tangy, smooth lemon cream made with lemon juice, zest, sugar, and eggs. Balanced by a hint of sweetness, this dessert is ideal for cleansing the palate after a rich meal.
6. Mille-Feuille: Layers of Heaven
Few desserts embody the elegance of Paris like the mille-feuille, also known as a Napoleon. Translating to “a thousand layers,” this treat features delicate puff pastry layered with rich pastry cream and often topped with a marbled glaze. It’s no surprise that this flaky, creamy delight is among the most beloved must-try desserts in Paris.
7. Tarte Tatin: The Upside-Down Masterpiece
Born from a happy kitchen accident at the Hotel Tatin, the tarte Tatin is a caramelized, upside-down apple tart. The apples are cooked in sugar and butter until they reach a golden perfection, then baked with a flaky crust on top. Served warm with a dollop of tart crème fraîche, it’s the ultimate cozy dessert for fall or winter.
8. Choux à la Crème: Cream Puffs with a Twist
These airy puffs of choux pastry are filled with whipped cream or custard, making choux à la crème a versatile and indulgent dessert. Want to take it up a notch? Add a drizzle of chocolate, and it becomes a profiterole. Many Parisian bakeries offer variations topped with ice cream, fruit, or caramel—each one more decadent than the last.
9. Croissant: More Than a Breakfast Pastry
While often associated with breakfast, the croissant easily earns its place among the must-try desserts in Paris. These buttery, flaky wonders can be transformed into a dessert with the addition of chocolate, fruit compote, or glaze. Whether paired with coffee in the morning or enjoyed solo, no trip to Paris is complete without a croissant.
10. Petits Fours: The Perfect Bite-Sized Indulgence
Petits fours, translating to “small ovens,” are the epitome of elegance in miniature. These tiny, beautifully crafted pastries come in sweet or savory variations. The sweet versions often feature layers of sponge cake, glaze, or fondant, making them ideal companions for tea or coffee. They’re the perfect way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one sitting.
Ready to Indulge in Parisian Sweetness?
Paris isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience, and the desserts are a vital part of its charm. From the delicate layers of a mille-feuille to the tangy perfection of a tarte au citron, every bite tells a story of French artistry and passion. These sweet treats will make your Paris adventure unforgettable, but why stop at dessert? Imagine a carefully curated itinerary that combines these culinary delights with romantic walks along the Seine, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems only locals know.
Ready to make your dream trip to Paris a reality? Let’s plan a journey tailored just for you! Schedule your complimentary consultation today, and together, we’ll craft the perfect escape where you can savor every moment—one dessert at a time. Schedule here: https://calendly.com/whisperingwillowtravel/30min.
Are you looking for other romantic getaways for you and your love, check out our blog “Planning Romantic Getaways” for a few great ideas.
LEAVE A COMMENT
Comments