Best Desserts in Paris – A Sweet Lover’s Guide

Paris isn’t just the City of Light — it’s the City of Desserts. Every arrondissement is a treasure trove of patisseries, chocolate shops, and ice cream parlors, each with its own unique story and style. From the centuries-old kitchens of historic masters to the sleek boutiques of avant-garde pastry chefs, the city offers a sensory journey that celebrates tradition, creativity, and the art of indulgence.

This guide explores Paris’s finest dessert destinations — the places where craftsmanship, flavor, and aesthetics converge to create edible masterpieces. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Parisian foodie, here you’ll find everything from buttery pastries and legendary macarons to experimental sweets redefining French gastronomy.

🥐 Traditional French Pastries – The Soul of Parisian Baking

Stohrer (2nd Arrondissement)

Founded in 1730, Stohrer is the oldest patisserie in Paris — a living monument to French pastry heritage. Nicolas Stohrer, once the royal pastry chef for King Louis XV, opened this bakery to bring court-level delicacies to the public. Its kouign-amann is golden, caramelized perfection, while the baba au rhum remains a national treasure. Each pastry embodies the refined sweetness and buttery decadence that define classic Parisian taste.

Don’t miss: Kouign-amann (€3–4), Rum Baba, Éclair au Chocolat
Atmosphere: Ornate ceilings, vintage mirrors, and the scent of freshly baked brioche make it feel like stepping into culinary history.
Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris

Cédric Grolet Opéra (2nd Arrondissement)

The name Cédric Grolet has become synonymous with pastry perfection. His creations — from hyper-realistic fruit-shaped desserts to airy choux masterpieces — are a blend of art and precision. Grolet’s Paris-Brest redefines the iconic praline-filled choux with modern finesse, and his seasonal fruit sculptures are as stunning to behold as they are to taste.

Don’t miss: Paris-Brest (€8–12), Lemon Tart, Sculpted Fruit Entremets
Why visit: Expect a multisensory experience where beauty and taste merge. Every dessert is crafted fresh daily using local and seasonal ingredients.
Address: 35 Avenue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris

Boulangerie Utopie (11th Arrondissement)

Creative, bold, and beloved by locals, Utopie reimagines classic French pastries with a twist. Its banana mille-feuille layers flaky pastry and banana cream with just the right touch of caramel, while its lemon-thyme cheesecake offers a balance of tartness and herbal sweetness. Founded by two friends with a shared vision of modern boulangerie excellence, Utopie has become a cult favorite for Parisians.

Don’t miss: Banana Mille-Feuille (€6), Sourdough Croissant, Lemon-Thyme Cheesecake
Vibe: Minimalist design, aromatic coffee, and a steady stream of locals grabbing their daily treat.
Address: 20 Rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 75011 Paris

Yann Couvreur Pâtisserie (10th Arrondissement)

Chef Yann Couvreur is known for transforming simplicity into sophistication. Every pastry tells a story of precision and balance. His St-Honoré is a revelation — crispy puff pastry topped with silky vanilla cream and caramelized choux. The buckwheat kouign-amann adds an earthy note to this Breton classic. Expect elegance without pretension.

Don’t miss: St-Honoré (€6–7), Pistachio Roulé, Buckwheat Kouign-Amann
Insider tip: Couvreur’s pastries are baked in small batches to ensure perfect freshness throughout the day.
Address: 137 Avenue Parmentier, 75010 Paris

🍬 Macarons – The Jewel of Parisian Confectionery

Ladurée (8th Arrondissement)

Since 1862, Ladurée has defined the Parisian macaron. Its double-shell design — crisp outside, tender inside — revolutionized the world of sweets. Housed in opulent tea rooms, Ladurée offers an experience that feels timeless. Beyond the iconic pistachio, rose, and salted caramel macarons, their Opera Cake and Saint-Honoré showcase the house’s mastery of elegance.

Don’t miss: Pistachio, Rose, Salted Caramel Macarons (€2.50 each)
Ambiance: Belle Époque interiors and pastel tones perfect for a luxurious afternoon tea.
Address: 75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris

Pierre Hermé (6th Arrondissement)

Dubbed the “Picasso of Pastry,” Pierre Hermé pushed the boundaries of macaron flavor. His creations, like the Ispahan (rose, lychee, raspberry), are symphonies of taste and texture. Each bite offers an elegant contrast between delicate sweetness and vibrant acidity. The boutique’s atmosphere is sleek and minimalist, allowing the colorful desserts to shine.

Don’t miss: Ispahan (€2.50–3), Olive Oil & Mandarin Macaron, Infiniment Vanille Tart
Fun fact: Hermé was named the World’s Best Pastry Chef and continues to redefine haute pâtisserie.
Address: 72 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris

Sadaharu Aoki (2nd Arrondissement)

At Sadaharu Aoki, Japanese elegance meets French precision. The matcha macaron is the star — perfectly balanced between earthy bitterness and almond sweetness. Other favorites include yuzu, sesame, and black tea varieties. Each creation is a delicate harmony between East and West.

Don’t miss: Matcha Macaron, Yuzu Tart, Sesame Éclair
Why go: A must-visit for those who appreciate subtlety and zen-inspired presentation.
Address: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris

🍰 Cakes, Tarts & Entremets – Layers of Luxury

Des Gâteaux et du Pain (7th Arrondissement)

Chef Claire Damon’s creations at Des Gâteaux et du Pain exemplify grace and restraint. Every tart and cake is designed with architectural precision. Her Tarte Tatin offers deep caramel notes and delicate fruit, while the Kashmir cake — with saffron, dates, and orange — is fragrant and warming.

Don’t miss: Tarte Tatin, Kashmir Almond Cake (€6–8), Vanilla Mille-Feuille
Ambiance: A minimalist, glass-fronted boutique where the pastries are displayed like jewels.
Address: 89 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris

Dalloyau (Multiple Locations)

Few places embody French tradition like Dalloyau, credited with inventing the Opéra Cake in 1955. Layers of almond sponge, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache form a dessert that’s rich yet balanced. Dalloyau also offers a refined afternoon tea experience, making it a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

Don’t miss: Opera Cake (€6–7), Mille-Feuille, Paris-Brest
Atmosphere: Elegant yet accessible, with marble counters and a long legacy of pastry perfection.
Address: 101 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris

Maison Aleph (4th Arrondissement)

Maison Aleph introduces Middle Eastern sophistication to French pastry culture. The airy phyllo nids filled with pistachio, apricot, or jasmine cream combine crisp texture with fragrant sweetness. Myriam Sabet’s desserts are light yet expressive — ideal for those seeking something different.

Don’t miss: Pistachio Nid, Rose-Rhubarb Tart
Style: Sleek, modern, and warmly welcoming.
Address: 20 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris

Angelina (1st Arrondissement)

Since 1903, Angelina has been the elegant heart of Parisian café culture. Its Mont-Blanc — chestnut cream on a crisp meringue base — has delighted visitors for over a century. Pair it with the famous L’Africain hot chocolate, thick, rich, and unforgettable.

Don’t miss: Mont-Blanc (€9), Hot Chocolate (€6), Lemon Tart
Setting: Art deco mirrors, marble tables, and the soft hum of Parisian conversation.
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris

🍦 Ice Cream & Sorbets – Cool Classics and Global Flavors

Berthillon (4th Arrondissement)

No dessert list is complete without Berthillon, the legendary ice cream parlor of Île Saint-Louis. Since 1954, it has defined artisanal ice cream with its dense texture and authentic flavors. The salted butter caramel is buttery perfection; the sorbets taste like frozen fruit itself.

Don’t miss: Salted Caramel Ice Cream (€4), Dark Chocolate, Yuzu Sorbet
Experience: Enjoy your scoop riverside while admiring the Seine.
Address: 26 Rue Saint-Louis en l’Île, 75004 Paris

Pozzetto (4th Arrondissement)

A slice of Italy in Paris, Pozzetto serves gelato as it should be — creamy, dense, and made in small batches. The pistachio flavor, in particular, is revered for its nutty intensity. Their gelato is stored in lidded metal containers to preserve temperature and freshness.

Don’t miss: Gianduja Gelato (€4), Pistachio Gelato, Hazelnut
Why it’s special: Authentic Italian techniques and ingredients combined with Parisian charm.
Address: 39 Rue du Roi de Sicile, 75004 Paris

Glace Bachir (3rd Arrondissement)

Glace Bachir brings Lebanon’s rich dessert culture to Paris. Its Ashta ice cream, made with milk and rose water then rolled in crushed pistachios, is refreshing and luxurious. The contrast of creamy and crunchy textures makes it unforgettable.

Don’t miss: Ashta Ice Cream (€4–5), Rose Ice Cream, Mango Sorbet
Vibe: Casual yet vibrant, with long summer queues that speak for themselves.
Address: 58 Rue Rambuteau, 75003 Paris

🍮 Modern & Experimental Desserts – Where Art Meets Flavor

Fou de Pâtisserie (2nd Arrondissement)

This boutique is a pastry lover’s dream — a rotating collection of the best desserts from top chefs like Christophe Michalak and Cyril Lignac. Each display case feels like a museum of modern pastry art. The shop allows you to sample diverse styles in one place, from exotic fruit mousses to decadent chocolate domes.

Don’t miss: Seasonal Signature Pastries (€6–8)
Why go: The perfect place to taste Paris’s pastry evolution in one visit.
Address: 45 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris

Délicatisserie by Nina Métayer (17th Arrondissement)

Innovative and breathtakingly beautiful, Délicatisserie merges technology and tradition. Nina Métayer’s 3D-printed galettes and intricate floral tarts redefine modern pastry. Her use of bergamot, jasmine, and spiced honey creates complex, aromatic layers that linger.

Don’t miss: 3D Galette des Rois (€9), Jasmine-Lemon Tart, Bergamot Mousse
Atmosphere: A clean, modern space that feels like a gallery of edible art.
Address: 17 Avenue de Villiers, 75017 Paris

Tapisserie (11th Arrondissement)

From the team behind the Michelin-starred Septime, Tapisserie is minimalist yet soulful. Its Maple Tart is smooth and perfectly balanced, offering a comforting sweetness that pairs beautifully with their espresso. Seasonal fruit tarts and spiced cakes rotate throughout the year.

Don’t miss: Maple Tart (€6), Seasonal Fruit Tart, Espresso Pairing
Vibe: Trendy, calm, and frequented by locals in the know.
Address: 65 Rue de Charonne, 75011 Paris

🗺️ Summary Table – Top Dessert Spots in Paris

🎀 Final Thoughts

Paris is more than a capital — it’s a dessert universe. Every neighborhood offers something distinct, from nostalgic flavors to avant-garde artistry. Here, pastry is not merely food but a cultural expression, a delicate language of butter, sugar, and time.

Whether you’re wandering through the cobbled streets of the Marais or admiring the grandeur of the Opéra, a perfect dessert is never more than a few steps away. Taste the legacy, indulge in the innovation, and experience Paris through the sweet lens of its world-famous patisseries.

Tip: Visit early in the morning for the best selections, explore multiple arrondissements for variety, and always try seasonal specialties — because in Paris, dessert is not just the end of a meal; it’s an art form.