Paris is basically a dream for anyone who has a sweet tooth like me.
So, after visiting Paris countless times, I’ve eaten my way through more than my fair share of patisseries, chocolatiers, ice cream shops, and cafés.
I’ve definitely found a few favorites along the way since my life motto is, “Life’s uncertain, eat dessert first.”
From buttery croissants and delicate macarons to rich hot chocolate and some seriously good ice cream, there are so many incredible desserts in Paris that figuring out what to try can be super overwhelming.
So, instead of giving you a generic list of every sweet shop in the city, I’m sharing 15 of the best desserts in Paris that I think are actually worth tasting.
You’ll also find out exactly where to find them and what you should order because after many visits to this epic city, your girl over here knows exactly where to go.
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My Favorite Desserts in Paris
If you don’t have time to work your way through all of the desserts listed here, these are the ones I’d prioritize:
- Best classic French pastry: Stohrer
- Best hot chocolate: Angelina’s
- Best ice cream: Berthillon
- Best macarons: Ladurée
- Best chocolate: Patrick Roger
- Best splurge: Pierre Hermé
Please do yourself a favor and do not try to visit all of these places in one day.
One of my favorite things about eating in Paris is picking a neighborhood, wandering around, and stopping at a pâtisserie or café when something catches your eye. You really can’t go wrong.
How to Choose the Best Desserts in Paris
With so many incredible pâtisseries, chocolatiers, and cafés in Paris, you don’t need to visit every place on this list.
Instead, choose a few based on what you actually want to try. If you’re craving classic French pastries, look for a traditional pâtisserie.
For something indulgent, go for hot chocolate or chocolate. And if you’re visiting Paris in warmer weather, don’t miss the city’s famous ice cream shops.
15 Best Desserts in Paris
From iconic French pastries and decadent chocolate to legendary ice cream and macarons, these are the desserts I’d put at the top of your Paris food itinerary.
9th arrondissement
1. L’Eclair de Genie
Easily one of the coolest things to do in Paris, the humble éclair gets a gourmet makeover at L’Eclair de Genie.
These light choux dough pastries are filled with crème and easily make one of the best desserts in Paris when you fancy something light.
In fact, the eclairs at L’Eclair de Genie are glazed with an endless choice of toppings ranging from fruity blends to pure indulgence.
So, choose from the likes of lemon meringue, raspberry, salted caramel, pistachio, and rich chocolate.
Yes, prices are a little high in comparison to other suggestions on this list of top Paris desserts but the flavors and quality of the eclairs justify the cost.
L’Eclair de Genie also has an elegant dining space where you can pair your chosen eclair with a coffee du jour.
And, added bonus? There’s an awesome gift shop where you can browse for books and other sweet treats as you pick up some of the best souvenirs in Paris.
Alternatively, you can box up your selection to enjoy on the go or back at your hotel.
The patisserie is also situated right behind Palais Garnier and a short stroll from Chaussée d’Antin — La Fayette metro station.
Address: 35 Bd Haussmann, 75009 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 7 or 9 to Chaussée d’Antin — La Fayette station and walk from there.
2. Popelini
Popelini specializes in creating irresistible cream puffs with a variety of moreish choices. So, once you’ve exhausted the menu at L’Eclair de Genie, this is your next logical step in your quest for delicious choux pastry delights that make up some of the best desserts in Paris.
The menu at Popelini is boutique but there’s a flavor to satisfy a variety of tastes. Therefore, choose from a light and airy pistachio cream puff, a revitalizing lemon, or a decadent chocolate au lait.
And, believe it or not, the name of this best dessert place in Paris is a nod to Queen Catherine of Medici’s Italian cook, who is thought to have created the original choux pastry in the 16th century.
Just be aware that there is no seating available at the patisserie. But, you can grab a box to polish off while on the move or back at your hotel.
Popelini is also conveniently located near the Montmartre neighborhood and is a five-minute walk from Anvers metro station.
Address: 44 Rue des Martyrs, 75009 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take the 2 or 12 lines to Pigalle station and walk from there.
8th arrondissement
3. Ladurée Paris
Ladurée is probably the most iconic place to go in Paris for macarons. The pastel-colored storefronts and beautifully packaged sweets are practically synonymous with Paris.
But the macarons are more than just pretty. They’re delicate, flavorful, and available in a huge variety of flavors. I legit ALWAYS come here when I am in Paris and cried when they opened one in NYC.
If you’ve never had a Ladurée macaron before, this is one of those classic Paris food experiences that’s worth trying for yourself.
I also love that they’re easy to pick up as a small treat while you’re sightseeing, rather than requiring you to plan an entire meal around it.
However, way before social media, Ladurée was founded in ye olde 1862 by Louis-Ernest Ladurée – with branches now scattered across Europe and the US.
Now, macarons specifically consist of two shells crafted using a base of almond flour. These tasty shells are then filled with a delicious ganache.
And flavors can include everything from traditional pistachio, vanilla, and rose to more unique concoctions like black sesame, grapefruit, and orange blossom.
There are also several Ladurée outlets serving up the best desserts in Paris. However, if you only have time to visit one then make sure it’s the Champs Elysées tea room with its glamorous green facade.
The salon resembles an opulent, 18th-century Parisian dwelling and is curated as per the French Art de Vivre.
So, snap up an afternoon tea in Paris reservation to experience the best desserts in Paris the right way.
Address: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 1 or 13 to Champs-Élysées – Clemenceau station and walk from there.
4. Dalloyau
The dessert on everyone’s mind at Dalloyau is opera cake, or gâteau opéra.
This almond sponge cake is soaked in coffee syrup and layered with ganache and coffee French buttercream before being coated in a fine chocolate glaze.
Naturally, you’re going to want to pair it with a cup of coffee to pull all the flavors together to enjoy the ultimate Paris dessert experience.
The stylish facade of Dalloyau also doesn’t let you down once you step inside and discover a fashionable tea room where you can pick out your opera cake before sitting down for an hour of indulgence.
There are also two floors of seating from which you can peer down at Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré as you savor your aromatic afternoon snack.
FYI, Dalloyau also has a second outpost in Samaritaine at Pont Neuf in the 1st arrondissement.
Address: 101 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 9 to Saint-Philippe-du-Roule station and walk from there.
17th arrondissement
5. Scoop me a Cookie
The cookies at Scoop me a Cookie have a huge story behind them. See, each cookie is handmade with the highest quality ingredients to ensure that each bite is one you’ll not forget.
Therefore, base components of flour, eggs, butter, chocolate, and hazelnut are all molded together with passion and then turned into these addictive cookies using a top-secret recipe.
That’s why, nnovative offerings include peanut and pretzel, cookie dough with peanut butter fudge, milk chocolate and candied orange, and matcha with cranberry.
But what really makes these cookies one of the best desserts in Paris is the fact that the outer layer has just the right amount of crunch with a soft core that melts in your mouth.
Prices are also moderate but these sweet treats are packed with tastes flavors will stay with you for the rest of your trip.
There is also a second Scoop me a Cookie in the 3rd arrondissement. Which is handy to know as this is one of the best desserts in Paris on the go.
Address: 72 Rue Legendre, 75017 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take metro line 14 to Pont Cardinet station and walk from there.
11th arrondissement
6. Le Servan
Le Servan is a top-rated restaurant in Paris with a focus on French-Asian fusion cuisine.
Therefore, this venue offers both an a la carte and a tasting menu available alongside with a stellar natural wine list.
All plates are artistically curated and the restaurant benefits from having an off-the-tourist trail tyoe vibe, making it another one of the best hidden gems in Paris.
This also gives you the perfect opportunity to perfect your French while waiting for one of the best desserts in Paris.
Now, their dessert specialty is Paris-Brest; a baked ring of choux pastry with praline flavored cream. Menus do change on a regular basis but the famous pudding makes a regular appearance.
Le Servan is also situated in the 11th arrondissement, five minutes from Voltaire and Père Lachaise metro stations.
However, do be aware that this is a pricier pick for a meal out in Paris – although, you can’t beat it for a special occasion. Just be sure to make your reservations well in advance so that you don’t miss out.
Address: 32 Rue Saint-Maur, 75011 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 9 to Voltaire station and walk from there.
1st arrondissement
7. Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé is a French pastry chef and chocolatier who launched his career at the spritely age of 14 as an apprentice to Gaston Lenôtre. That’s the creator of opera cake, just in case you were wondering.
Fast forward a few years and there are now dozens of Pierre Hermé patisseries dotted around the central arrondissements of Paris.
But, because visiting the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre is hungry work – let’s put the 1st arrondissement offering at the top of your list of the best dessert places in Paris.
But what’s at the top of the menu? More macarons! See, Pierre Hermé specializes in Parisian and French desserts across the board but if you’re only spending four days in Paris, you can’t not sample the macarons.
Plus. his evocative blends include the classics as well as plucking inspiration from the Far East and Japan. So, dig in and try a yuzu, kinako, or white miso tinted macaroon.
Plus, this patisserie proudly displays a daily selection for you to pick from, pack up, and munch as you wander through the Tuileries.
Address: 4 Rue Cambon, 75001 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take lines 1, 8, or 12, to Concorde and walk from there.
8. Angelina Paris
Angelina is one of the most famous places in Paris for hot chocolate, and for good reason.
Their signature chocolat chaud is incredibly rich and thick. Therefore, it is much closer to melted chocolate than the hot chocolate you might be used to drinking at home.
It’s definitely indulgent, but that’s part of the fun.
If you’re visiting Paris for the first time, I’d consider this a classic dessert experience worth trying at least once. Pair it with one of their pastries or the famous Mont-Blanc if you want to go all in.
In fact, Angelina Paris was initially founded in 1903 by the confectioner Anton Rumpelmayer and his son René.
The tea house was then named after René’s wife and swiftly attracted iconic patrons like Coco Chanel, Proust, and leading figures from the French fashion industry.
And L’Africain is what you’ll ask for when you order one of the best desserts in Paris.
And that’s because this hot chocolate is created using three carefully selected types of African cocoa from Niger, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. and is best enjoyed during winter in Paris.
And while the exact recipe for one of the top Paris desserts of them all remains a mystery, that only adds to the mystique of it all.
Plus, if you’re hankering after something to nibble on, the Mont-Blanc is the signature pastry at Angelina Paris.
Yeah, this delectable delight combines a meringue base with light whipped cream and chestnut paste vermicelli and was apparently inspired by the long bob haircut favored by Parisian women at the time.
But they also present a full roster of other Parisian staples, including mille-feuille, eclairs, and citrus tarts.
Plus, the divine Belle Epoque setting is a treat – which is why it’s highly recommended that you book in advance to avoid disappointment. You can also visit their outpost in the Louvre.
Personally, I come here to warm up any time I find myself in Paris at Christmas.
Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take metro line 1 to Tuileries station and walk from there.
7th arrondissement
9. L’Ami Jean
If you want to sample one of the best desserts in Paris at L’Ami Jean, you’ll need to work your way up to it.
After all, L’Ami Jean is an atmospheric restaurant in the buzzing 7th arrondissement with a neighborhood ethos.
It’s also hard to find decent fare in this part of town so bookmark this restaurant for one of your meals while exploring the City of Light.
Main dishes revolve around typical French and European dishes with an emphasis on sustainable meat and seafood.
However, because we’re detailing the best desserts in Paris, let’s get to the main event – a delectably creamy rice pudding known as “la riz au lait” that is their signature dessert.
It’s also garnished with toasted nuts and a splash of caramel sauce for good measure. Yup, there’s no better way to wrap up a meal before sidling off to see the illuminated Eiffel Tower or wandering along the riverbank.
Reservations are also highly advised at L’Ami Jean for evenings and weekends especially.
Address: 27 Rue Malar, 75007 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take the C line to Pont de l’Alma station and walk from there.
10. La Fontaine de Mars
La Fontaine de Mars is another top-notch restaurant in the 7th arrondissement to add to your dining itinerary.
This retro bistro conjures up images of the French dining scene that we all know and love from classic movies.
So, think, checked tablecloths and a striped canopy over an al fresco terrace at one of the most famous cafes in Paris, complete with an art-filled interior space.
An expansive menu – food and wine – also awaits. So, after devouring a cassoulet or duck confit, there’s no better conclusion to your meal than the house chocolate mousse.
The mousse au chocolat at La Fontaine de Mars is a simple yet sublime pudding with smooth velvety chocolate that’s just sweet enough. Whatever you do though, don’t consider sharing this one with your travel buddy.
This idyllic eatery is also located a short stroll from the Eiffel Tower. So, La Fontaine de Mars is a restaurant to keep at the top of your mind when sightseeing around this iconic neighborhood.
Address: 129 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 8 to La Tour-Maubourg station and walk from there.
11. Au Petit Tonneau
The final of these three fantastic French restaurants in the 7th arrondissement, Au Petit Tonneau is an upscale option for the best dessert in Paris.
And as you might expect, the main menu is French through and through, with appetizing escargots drenched in garlic and parsley and chateaubriand.
But we’re talking about the top Paris desserts today and at Au Petit Tonneau, you’ll want to order the Tarte Tatin.
However, just in case you’re not quite sure that that is, Tarte Tatin is a pastry consisting of caramelized fruit in butter and sugar prior to baking it.
And Au Petit Tonneau’s signature Tarte Tatin is prepared with a luxurious Normandy cream that has an ultra-creamy texture and a tangy flavor.
The wine menu is also first-rate. And despite the fine food, the restaurant itself retains a casual vibe that feels like you’re dining among friends and family.
Just be sure to book well in advance since Au Petit Tonneau is one of the more popular dessert places in Paris on this list.
Address: 20 Rue Surcouf, 75007 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 8 to La Tour-Maubourg station and walk from there.
5th arrondissement
12. Breizh Café
You can’t visit the French capital without tucking into some of the best crepes in Paris!
And Breizh Café provides a solid base of sweet and savory crepes and galettes that work for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or brunch if you’re in need of the best brunch in Paris.
In fact, ingredients are sourced from farms in the Brittany region and are packed with punchy undertones.
So, if you plan your visit tactically you can tuck into one of the savories and then follow it up with a pudding crepe.
Thirsty? Then sample one of Breizh Café’s house ciders, crafted at their own farm next to Saint-Malo.
Plus, you’ll love that the interior dining space is fresh and modern while the terrace is exactly where you want to be on a sunny afternoon in Bon Paris. You’ll also be within walking distance of the Pantheon and the Ile de la Cité.
And then, in addition to the Latin Quarter Breizh Café, you’ll also find an equally fantastic outpost in the 3rd arrondissement too.
Address: 1 Rue de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 4 or 10 to Odéon station and walk from there.
4th arrondissement
13. Berthillon
If you love ice cream, Berthillon is one Paris dessert stop I wouldn’t skip.
Located on Île Saint-Louis, this legendary glacier is known for its incredibly creamy ice cream and sorbets, and it’s become one of my favorite places to stop when I’m wandering around this part of Paris.
Berthillon is situated on the Île Saint-Louis, which is adjacent to the Île de la Cité and where you’ll find Notre Dame Cathedral.
The cafe specializes in unforgettable ice cream and juicy sorbet that easily makes for one of the best desserts in Paris. So, grab a classic cone or take a seat and indulge in a parfait.
Plus, flavors are super diverse with a solid offering of fruity, nutty, and eclectic varieties.
Additionally, Berthillon has a lavishly appointed tea room with a palatial vibe. Additional seating is also available on the terrace where you can pair your scoop with a bit of people-watching.
Plus, the building’s exterior itself is stunning and about as Parisian as you can get!
Prices are also reasonable considering the quality and portion size. So, easily one of the top Paris desserts throughout the warm summer months. However, do anticipate a line.
Address: 31 rue Saint-Louis en l’ile, 75004 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 7 to Sully – Morland station and walk from there.
10th arrondissement
14. Du Pain et des Idées
Scrumptious French pastries and sourdough bread are the stars of the show at Du Pain et des Idées.
Because this traditional boulangerie is set within a historic store that dates back to 1875.
However, Du Pain et des Idées only moved in at the turn of the 21st century. And the lovely interiors actually allude to the foundations of the bakery with elegant paintwork and glass display cases.
Plus, croissants here are baked to buttery, flakey, perfection. However, the real house specialty is the escargot pastries. But don’t worry – there’s no trace of snails in these croissants.
Yeah, instead they’re named for their shape and stuffed with the likes of rum and raisins, berries, and chocolate.
There’s also no seating inside but they’re a fabulous choice for gobbling up while on the move as you ogle all the sights around you.
Address: 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 5 to Jacques Bonsergent station and walk from there.
18th arrondissement
15. Le Potager du Pere Thierry
Le Potager du Pere Thierry is a snug little sidewalk eatery in the bohemian Montmarte neighborhood.
Home to some of the best food in Paris, the interiors are intimate, while the terrace outside provides an alternative option during warmer afternoons and evenings.
Plus, the full menu is exceedingly French with well-balanced flavors and reasonable prices.
But, when it comes to the best desserts in Paris, Crème brûlée is the dish of choice at Le Potager du Pere Thierry.
Just tap the brittle layer of crunchy, caramelized sugar to reveal the seriously soft, super fragrant vanilla pod of custard within.
In fact, the crème brûlée at Le Potager du Pere Thierry is luscious and light and refreshing after a full meal at this iconic Montmarte restaurant.
However, you can enjoy it solo with a coffee to break up your day after a bit of sightseeing.
Just be aware that Le Potager du Pere Thierry operates limited hours and closes between lunch and dinner.
Address: 16 Rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris, France
How to Get There: Take line 2 to Anvers station and walk from there.
Map of the Best Paris Desserts
FAQs About Desserts in Paris
What is the most famous dessert in Paris?
There isn’t one single dessert that defines Paris, but classic French pastries like macarons, éclairs, crêpes, and mille-feuille are all popular choices.
Paris is also famous for its chocolate, ice cream, and beautiful pâtisserie displays.
What dessert should I try first in Paris?
If it’s your first trip to Paris, I’d start with a classic French pastry from a traditional pâtisserie.
Then make time for one of the city’s famous specialties, like macarons, French hot chocolate, or Berthillon ice cream.
Where can I get the best desserts in Paris?
Some of the city’s most famous dessert spots include Berthillon, Angelina, and Ladurée. However, some of your best discoveries can happen at smaller neighborhood pâtisseries when you least expect it.
The best choice usually depends on what type of dessert you’re looking for and what you actually like.
What is a typical French dessert?
Popular French desserts include crème brûlée, mousse au chocolat, tarte au citron, macarons, éclairs, mille-feuille, and various fruit tarts and pastries.
Are desserts expensive in Paris?
They can be, particularly at famous pâtisseries and restaurants, but you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy great desserts in Paris.
A pastry, macaron, or scoop of ice cream can be a relatively inexpensive way to treat yourself while sightseeing.
What is the best area in Paris for desserts?
There isn’t one single best neighborhood. Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, the Latin Quarter, and areas around the Louvre all have plenty of excellent pâtisseries, chocolatiers, and cafés.
Therefore, it’s easy to combine dessert stops with sightseeing.
Conclusion
One of my favorite things about visiting Paris is that you can turn dessert into a full-on extravaganza.
Don’t get me wrong, you don’t need to plan an elaborate food tour. Sometimes my fave moments are just wandering through a neighborhood, spotting a beautiful pâtisserie, and deciding that you absolutely need to try something.
I’ve visited Paris many times, and I still find myself discovering new sweets to try.
But if you’re visiting for the first time, the desserts and spots on this list are a great place to start.
Pick a few that sound good to you, work them into your itinerary, and leave yourself some room for an unexpected pastry or two along the way. After all, you’re in Paris. There’s always room for dessert.
And calories 110% do not count while you’re on vacation.
