Paris! The city of love, the city of lights, but most importantly the city of sweets! Whether Marie Antoinette truly did declare ‘let them eat cake’ is irrelevant because if you’re heading to Paris, I’m demanding it of you now.
Here at Travelling Divas we’re all about unique travel experiences and often it is the finer details, such as that praline macaron or tarte tatin, nibbled on a sunny afternoon in the Jardin Du Luxembourg, that make the best memories.
However in a city of this size and extravagance, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the selection, so we’ve developed a list of our favourite Parisian sweet treat destinations and the best ways to complement them’ Maybe that sounds ridiculous but really, it’s not so much food as it is art!
Ok here are my top picks:
1. La Patisserie De Reves
With the combination of its minimalist, Sci-Fi aesthetics and colourful, innovative pastries, it’s easy to see how La Patisserie De Reves is often described as the “patisserie of the 21st century’. Head on over if you’re seeking something a little different and find an array of French classics with a modern twist. Moreover, Le Marais, where the patisserie is located, is an amazing part of Paris to explore-and not well known by tourists (and the boutiques are incredible).
2. Angelina’s
If you’re feeling inspired by the incredible architecture and want an experience of your own in a gorgeous Baroque Rococo setting, look no further than Angelina’s patisserie. There are several scattered over the city but head to the one on Rue de Rivoli and request to sit inside (it’s worth the wait). The pastries and the setting are perfectly on point and so quintessentially French ‘aristocratic-esque’ that you’ll feel like seventeenth century royalty. Don’t neglect the hot chocolate! It’s an intense experience but will change you in a profound way (I’m not exaggerating’maybe a little).
3. Un Dimanche ‘ Paris
If you’re a chocoholic like myself, you cannot afford to miss this place. Owned by Pierre Cluizel, heir to one of France’s most renowned chocolate dynasties, Un Dimanche ‘ Paris is a sacred experience and eminently chic. Grab a selection to take away, a bottle of vin rouge and a blanket and head over to the grass beneath the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a magical evening beneath the stars ‘ one of life’s greatest pleasures.
4. Café Pouchkine
Café Pouchkine is an ode to the legendary Café Pushkin in Moscow. The sleek yet classic tearoom setting evokes an 18th century Tsarist Russia vibe and is as chic as it gets. If you feel like some fresh air, grab it to take-away and head down to the Jardin Des Tuileries and lap up some sunshine around the fountain as you take your taste buds on a culinary journey.
5. Ladurée
All hail the queen of macarons! Ladurée sells 15,000 macarons every day but be careful not to neglect their other products. Ladurée were the masterminds behind the pastries in Sofia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette and their tea selection is incredible. They now have stores all over the globe but I would highly recommend going to their café inside the Ch’teau de Versailles to enhance the experience ten-fold and feel like a royal!
Inspired to visit France? Stay tuned to learn more about our soon to be released French Frocks & French Bubbles tour.
Chief Diva, Andrea xo