Best Éclairs in Paris: A Sweet Guide for Tourists

Few desserts capture the artistry and romance of French pastry quite like the éclair. In Paris, this delicate choux pastry—filled with velvety cream and glazed to glossy perfection—is not just a dessert; it’s an institution. The city’s top pastry chefs have transformed it into a symbol of creativity, precision, and indulgence. Whether you crave the comforting familiarity of a traditional chocolate éclair or are intrigued by inventive flavors like yuzu, matcha, or salted caramel, Paris offers a universe of options waiting to be explored. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the best éclairs in Paris—each one worth a special trip.

1. L’Éclair de Génie (Le Marais, 4th arrondissement)

✨ Address: 14 rue Pavée, 75004 Paris
🚇 Nearest Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1), Pont-Marie (Line 7)
🕐 Hours: Daily 11:00–19:30
💶 Price Range: €4.50–7

Founded by renowned pastry chef Christophe Adam, L’Éclair de Génie is a modern shrine to éclairs in all their glory. Every éclair here is a miniature masterpiece—brightly colored, sleekly glazed, and bursting with unexpected flavor combinations. You’ll find avant-garde varieties such as 🍋 Yuzu Lemon, 🥜 Iranian Pistachio, 🍯 Salted Caramel, and the sensual 🍫 Chocolate-Raspberry (Rouge Baiser). Each éclair is beautifully crafted and displayed like fine jewelry in glass cases.

Inside, the chic design reflects the vibrant energy of the Marais district. There’s a small ☕ tea salon where you can savor your pastry with coffee or tea for a small additional charge. Takeaway is equally delightful—your éclairs are boxed in the brand’s stylish pink packaging, making them perfect for gifting or photos.
💡 Tourist Tip: Visit mid-afternoon for a quieter experience and better flavor selection. Try pairing a Yuzu Lemon éclair with espresso for a refreshing contrast.

2. Pâtisserie Stohrer (Montorgueil, 2nd arrondissement)

🏛️ Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002 Paris
🚇 Nearest Metro: Sentier (Line 3), Réaumur-Sébastopol (Lines 3/4)
🕐 Hours: Mon–Sat 8:00–20:30, Sun 8:00–20:00
💶 Price Range: €5

Stohrer is not just a pastry shop—it’s a living piece of Parisian history. Founded in 1730 by King Louis XV’s pastry chef, Nicolas Stohrer, it’s the oldest patisserie in Paris and a cornerstone of French gastronomy. Stepping inside feels like entering another era, with chandeliers, gilded moldings, and glass cases filled with timeless French confections.

Their 🍫 Chocolate éclair is pure perfection: rich yet balanced, with smooth pastry cream and a decadent dark chocolate glaze. The ☕ Coffee éclair delivers a nostalgic Parisian café flavor, perfect for espresso lovers. Every bite tastes like a page out of culinary history.

Although Stohrer doesn’t offer seating, the experience is part of the charm. Order a few éclairs to go and stroll down Rue Montorgueil, one of Paris’s most vibrant market streets, lined with cafés and flower stalls.
💡 Tourist Tip: Visit in the morning before the lunch rush. The staff may not always speak fluent English, but their warm hospitality and the pastries’ quality speak volumes.
📜 Fun fact: Stohrer also invented the 🍰 Baba au rhum, another Parisian classic worth trying while you’re there.

3. Sadaharu Aoki (Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement)

🏮 Address: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris
🚇 Nearest Metro: Saint-Placide (Line 4)
🕐 Hours: Tue–Sat 11:00–19:00, Sun 10:00–18:00 (Closed Monday)
💶 Price Range: €5–6

For those seeking something refined and unexpected, Sadaharu Aoki is a revelation. The Japanese pastry maestro fuses French techniques with Japanese aesthetics, creating delicate desserts that are both elegant and surprising. His éclairs are unlike any others in Paris—sophisticated in taste and minimalist in presentation.

Signature éclairs include ⚫ Black Sesame, 🍵 Matcha Green Tea, and 🍋 Yuzu Citrus—each offering a perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and creaminess. Aoki’s mastery lies in his restraint; every flavor is distinct yet harmonious. Even the texture of his choux pastry is exceptional—light and crisp on the outside, airy inside.

The boutique’s minimalist decor and soft lighting provide a calm atmosphere that mirrors the precision of Japanese design. While seating is limited, the takeaway boxes are elegant and perfect for gifts.
💡 Tourist Tip: Try the black sesame éclair for a one-of-a-kind nutty, roasted depth of flavor, or the matcha version for an authentic Japanese twist on a French icon.

4. Pain Pain (Montmartre, 18th arrondissement)

🥐 Address: 88 Rue des Martyrs, 75018 Paris
🚇 Nearest Metro: Anvers (Line 2), Pigalle (Lines 2/12)
🕐 Hours: Tue–Sat 7:00–20:00, Sun 7:30–19:30
💶 Price Range: €4–5

In the bohemian neighborhood of Montmartre, Pain Pain stands out as one of the area’s trendiest artisan bakeries. It combines modern Parisian flair with a touch of whimsy. Their éclairs are bursting with creativity, color, and flavor. Popular choices include the 🥭 Mango-Passionfruit éclair, 🍋 Lemon-Raspberry, and rotating seasonal varieties.

Each éclair is a little artwork: crisp pastry, smooth cream, and vibrant fruit glazes that pop with freshness. The shop’s bright interior and contemporary design reflect the joyful energy of its neighborhood. After grabbing your treat, take a leisurely walk toward ⛪ Sacré-Cœur—the iconic basilica that offers panoramic views of Paris.
💡 Tourist Tip: Visit in the morning for the freshest pastries, then enjoy your éclair outdoors. Watching Paris from the steps of Sacré-Cœur with a mango éclair in hand is an unforgettable experience.

Beyond éclairs, Pain Pain also serves 🥐 croissants, 🥖 breads, and 🍰 tarts that consistently rank among the best in the city. The friendly staff, modern vibe, and unbeatable location make it a local favorite.

5. Jacques Genin (Le Marais, 3rd arrondissement)

🍫 Address: 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
🚇 Nearest Metro: Arts et Métiers (Lines 3/11)
🕐 Hours: Tue–Sun 11:00–19:00 (Sat until 19:30)
💶 Price Range: €6

Known as one of Paris’s most celebrated chocolatiers, Jacques Genin is revered for his impeccable craftsmanship and attention to detail. His éclairs are the epitome of indulgence—filled with smooth ganache rather than standard pastry cream, offering a depth and richness that few can rival. The 🍫 Chocolate éclair here is often described as one of the best in France.

The boutique itself is sleek, minimalist, and exudes quiet sophistication. It includes a small ☕ tea salon, where you can enjoy your éclair alongside a cup of velvety hot chocolate or artisan tea. Every element—from the temperature of the ganache to the sheen of the glaze—is executed with precision.
💡 Tourist Tip: Visit around noon or early afternoon, as éclairs often sell out by evening. If you’re looking for an edible souvenir, Genin’s 🍬 caramels and 🍊 fruit jellies are also exceptional.

Comparison Table

Final Thoughts: A Parisian Éclair Pilgrimage

Exploring éclairs in Paris is more than a culinary adventure—it’s a journey through the city’s diverse personality. Each patisserie represents a different facet of Paris: the avant-garde creativity of L’Éclair de Génie, the timeless grandeur of Stohrer, the cultural fusion at Sadaharu Aoki, the bohemian spirit of Pain Pain, and the refined luxury of Jacques Genin.

For food-loving travelers, visiting these spots is akin to following a delicious map of Parisian artistry. Each stop offers not just an éclair but a glimpse into the city’s identity—its love for beauty, balance, and pleasure. So the next time you wander through Paris, skip the tourist traps and embark on an éclair pilgrimage. Let every bite remind you that in Paris, dessert isn’t just a treat—it’s a way of life. 🍮🇫🇷