Saint-Germain-des-Prés, setting of Paris finest pastries

With its hundreds of chocolate and pastries, Paris is a paradise for gourmets with a sweet tooth. But it is in Saint-Germain-des-Prés one can find the epitome of French pastry, especially in the delightful Rue du Bac where are lined up the best sweet establishments in the French capital. From the church of Saint-Germain to the Invalides Hôtel, the small district, former writers’ favorite, has become the new hub of enthusiastic gastronomes with its numerous shops more appetizing the ones from the others. Marie-Bénédicte, Paris local guide passionate about gastronomy, accompanied me in a gourmet journey…

Luxury decors for the crème de la crème of Parisian pastry

Stylish furniture, ingenious lighting, fresh flowers, glass bells, elaborate packaging and  sellers with impeccable outfits and white gloves: Saint-Germain-des-Prés pastry shops look like more jewelery showrooms where each creation has its own place; creations who are classified as real artworks with their ultra neat and colorful presentation. And for good reason: here it is not just about buying a piece of cake, but enjoying an experience, capturing a share of dream…

The unique store: trendy concept of Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Between the small streets with historic charm in Saint Germain, the greatest chocolatiers and pastry chefs compete for creativity to create the latest wonder. But each in his own field and specialty. Macarons temples (such as Ladurée or Pierre Hermé), the supreme symbol of chic, but also the Paris-Brest (dessert with praline cream), reinvented Éclairs with blends of flavors, delicious Mont-Blancs (baked with macaroons cream, meringue and delicious whipped cream), Saint-Honoré specialists, fine pies with almonds, caramel and fruit, soft cakes infused with cream, Mille-Feuilles with intense aromas, Profiteroles, artisanal chocolates made with pure cacao butter, and other confectionery with amazing flavors: as many unique shops excelling in one area with audacity and refinement.

The pastry chefs, new fashion designers in Paris

These high-end pastries have a true identity, driven by celebrity chefs such as Jean-François Piège and his Gâteaux Thoumieux, or Christophe Adam, former pastry chef at Fauchon and creator of the establishment Éclairs d’Eugenie. Like fashion designers, these pastry chefs offer every season, some collections of their last works that gourmets rush to see and taste as if they were new couture creations! A pleasure guaranteed 100% to share on Valentine’s Day for example.