Paris is widely regarded as the epicenter of world-class cuisine, and for a good reason. From croissants and macarons to crème brûlée and tarte tatin, the city is home to some of the most decadent desserts on the planet. For anyone with a sweet tooth, exploring Paris’s dessert scene is an absolute must. There are endless options in the city to indulge the cravings of first-time visitors and even as seasoned travelers.
Below we’ve compiled a list of ten French desserts to try while visiting Paris. So just grab a fork and get ready to devour these mouth-watering treats with exquisite flavors of French cuisine.
10
Crème Brûlée
Crème brûlée- a rich and creamy custard base topped with a layer of crisp, caramelized sugar is something everyone should try once while visiting Paris. Breaking through the hard, caramelized layer with a spoon to reveal the smooth and silky custard underneath is a delight for the taste buds. This dessert is a perfect blend of flavors and textures and just has the right amount of that rich cream and vanilla topped with a crispy and sugary layer. It should be on the top of the list for dessert lovers who are looking for a dessert that is both delicious and visually stunning because crème brûlée fits the criteria.
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9
Baba Au Rhum
People with a sweet tooth can make their taste buds tingle with excitement with Baba au Rhum, a delectable French dessert. This classic pastry is made from a light and fluffy brioche soaked in rum syrup, giving it a rich and boozy flavor. The pastry is often served with a dollop of whipped cream and garnished with fresh fruits or nuts, which adds a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to the dessert.
Baba au Rhum is a perfect combination of the sweet aroma of rum and the soft, buttery texture of the brioche and is a must-try in Paris.
The best place to get Baba au Rhum is from Stohrer, a bakery that was set up by Nicholas Stohrer who came up with this iconic dessert. It is one of the oldest bakeries in Paris and should be visited to get the best Baba au Rhum in town!
8
Crêpes
Eating crêpes in Paris is an opportunity for visitors to experience authentic French food and immerse themselves in the local culture. Crêpes are a popular French dish made from thin pancakes filled with various sweet or savory ingredients. There are many sweet toppings options to go with, like Nutella, fruits, caramel or chocolate sauce, whipped cream, honey, jam, etc. People who don’t have a knack for sweets can go for ham and cheese, spinach and feta, chicken and vegetables, bacon and eggs, etc.
There are endless possibilities for sweet and savory crêpe fillings and toppings, so people can get creative and try different combinations to find their favorite.
Where To Get The Best Crêpes In Paris
7
Galette Des Rois
Galette des Rois is a traditional French pastry typically eaten on or around the Christian holiday of Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th. The name “Galette des Rois” translates to “Kings’ Cake” in English. This exquisite cake is made from puff pastry and is typically filled with frangipane, a sweet filling made from almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs. The filling may also include other ingredients such as chocolate, fruit, or spices.
Inside the cake is a small ceramic or plastic figurine, known as a fève, which is hidden by the baker or chef who makes the cake. The person who finds the fève in their slice of cake is considered the “king” or “queen” for the day and is given a paper crown to wear.
Anyone who wants to get a taste of French traditions should relish this sweet treat while visiting Paris.
6
Tarte Au Citron
If someone enjoys citrusy and sweet desserts, Tarte au Citron is a must-try French dessert for them in Paris. Commonly known as lemon tart, it has the perfect buttery and crumbly shortcrust pastry base and tangy, zesty lemon filling that can make anyone’s day.
The smooth and velvety filling is made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter, creating a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors that is simply irresistible. The bright yellow filling is perfectly complemented by a golden brown and crisp pastry base, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. Tarte au Citron is a great representation of French patisserie that never disappoints!
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5
Clafoutis
Clafoutis is another flavorful dessert loved by locals and visitors alike. This french dessert is typically made with fresh seasonal fruits, such as cherries, blackberries, or raspberries, which are nestled into a soft and fluffy batter made with eggs, flour, sugar, and milk. Once baked, the Clafoutis is served warm, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top, creating a beautiful and rustic presentation that perfectly captures the essence of French pâtisserie.
It is highly recommended for people who want to experience the city’s rich culinary culture and bless their taste buds with exploding flavors.
4
Tarte Tatin
Tarte Tatin is the epitome of French comfort food and is a must-try while visiting the city of love. It has layers of thinly sliced apples piled high onto a buttery pastry crust. As it bakes, the caramelized sugar and butter create a rich, gooey filling that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples.
This dessert is packed with the richness of French cuisine and is one of the most iconic French desserts that always leaves visitors wanting more.
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3
Macarons
Macarons cannot be missed when talking about the top French desserts. They are often associated with Paris’s elegant and refined culture and are appreciated for their cuteness and taste. They are typically made with almond flour, sugar, and egg whites smothered together to give them a smooth and crispy outer shell that encases a soft, chewy interior. They are often filled with various flavorful creams, ganaches, or jams, depending on the individual choices of the people.
Macarons come in a wide range of colors and flavors, from traditional options like chocolate, vanilla, and raspberry to more exotic and creative ones like matcha, salted caramel, and rose water and are a perfect delight for dessert lovers.
2
Profiteroles
These cute little balls coated in chocolate are known as profiteroles and are delicious desserts served during special occasions or fancy dinners. Their dough is made with a combination of flour, butter, water, and eggs, piped into small mounds on a baking sheet, and baked until golden brown and puffed up. Once the pastry shells are cooled, they are filled with pastry cream or whipped cream and topped with a rich chocolate sauce.
Profiteroles are just perfect for satisfying the cravings of confectionary connoisseurs and making their day!
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1
Flan Pâtissier
Paris is famous for its desserts, pastries, and baked goods. The city has a long-standing reputation as a hub for culinary creativity and innovation, and its pastry chefs and bakers are considered some of the best in the world. One of the famous creations of the city is Flan pâtissier, a classic French dessert that consists of a flaky pastry crust filled with a smooth and creamy custard made with milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. It is a simple yet tasty treat served with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or caramel sauce and is highly recommended while paying a visit to the city.