City of Sugar: The Best Sweet Treats in Paris

Travellers with a sweet tooth will definitely find love (or at least desire) in Paris, where the gastronomic focus is centred on its desserts and pastries. From the infamous pain au chocolat served as a breakfast-room staple in Paris hotels, to chic designer desserts which look like they should be eaten in couture, here are some of the best sweet treats to be devoured in the city of decadence.

Macarons at Ladurée
The best macarons in Paris (or, many will argue, the world) are to be found at Ladurée, whose window displays of these tasty treats are as elegant as those of the neighbouring designer fashion stores on Rue Royal. While there are other branches of Ladurée in Paris, this is where the original bakery stood in 1862, and it was here that the macaron as we know it today was invented by Louis-Ernest Ladurée himself. Curious tourists tend to pop into the sleek Ladurée store for boxes of their favourite flavours – from vanilla or raspberry, to green tea or pistachio. Those who want to truly indulge can take a seat in the salon du tea next door, where macarons are enjoyed with proper silverware and a pot of the finest tea.

Cafe Angelina CC Summer Park

Hot Chocolate at Café Angelina:
Café Angelina is a Paris institution in its own right (formerly known as Rumpelmayers, it was once a tea salon frequented by the likes of Coco Chanel), but it is the L’Africain hot chocolate that it’s famous for. This decadent, silky chocolat chaud is served with a tiny pitcher of fresh cream for customers to create their perfect texture, although L’Africain is divine no matter how you have it. This is more dessert than drink, and one which is unlikely to disappoint. Café Angelina is an ideal stop for anyone needing a pick-me-up me up after exploring the Louvre across the road.

Chocolate Éclairs at Stohrer:
Given there are boulangeries on practically every block in Paris, visitors will find most hotels have at least one right on their doorstep, meaning you can easily grab some sweets on the go. The chocolate éclair is a longstanding French favourite, and will be easy to find at most boulangeries. However, if you do want to seek out one of the more highly respected bakeries, the chocolate éclairs at Stohrer are frequently named the best in town. Stohrer’s mocha éclairs are as equally renowned, hence most visitors being faced with great indecision and trying one of each.

Ice cream at Berthillon
Icecream may not spring to mind as a French delicacy but nothing beats a good icecream on a warm Parisian day. And one thing’s for sure – icecream doesn’t get much better than at Berthillon Glacier in Paris’ 4th arondissement. Since 1954, the Berthillon family has been producing their own icecream on the Ile St-Louis, all made from completely natural ingredients. There are 15 flavours available at any one time, dependent on what ingredients are available and in season, and there are about 60 flavours produced overall each year. Fanciful favourites include caramel gingerbread, Grand Marnier, Earl Grey tea and mint leaf, while traditionalists can still enjoy the classics, such as vanilla, chocolate or praline.