Pastries in Paris

Pastries in Paris have a long history, and they're just as popular with locals and tourists today as they were in the 1700s. Today, pastry shops line the streets of Paris, wafting tempting smells onto the streets. You can choose from many standard varieties or try the special creations whipped up by creative chefs.

History

France is said to have more bakers per capita than anywhere else in the world, and the history of French pastries dates back to before the French Revolution. Although there is some debate over which pastry shop was first in Paris, Stohrer on Rue Montorgeuil is often thought to hold that honor. It was founded in 1730 by a baker named Nicolas Stohrer, who created desserts for Stanislas Leczinski, the exiled Polish ruler who was allowed to live in France by King Louis XV. The French love of pastries continued through the 19th century, as one cookbook of that era lists recipes for over 3,000 different pastries. The tradition continues today, with pastry shops dotting Parisian streets and selling fresh-baked goodies.

Characteristics

Although pastries in Paris come in a wide variety of types, many of them share the same characteristics. They're all heavily indulgent, so they're not suitable for the calorie conscious. They usually have light, flaky crusts and cream, custard, or fruit fillings, although bakers often add their own twist to their creations. Don't be surprised to find chocolate worked into these baked goods, since it is very popular in Paris. Parisian pastries are best purchased at bakeries while they are still fresh, They make a good quick breakfast or a sweet end to a restaurant meal.

Types of Pastries

Tarts are extremely popular in Paris, especially when made with strawberries, raspberries, or other fresh fruit. They can be considered a French version of a pie, with a lower crust made from puff pastry and a seasonal fruit filling True Parisian tarts never have a top crust.

Eclairs are common pastries in Paris, and they're somewhat different than the American version. They're made with a long choux pastry crust filled with either chocolate- or coffee-flavored cream, with chocolate icing to top them off. You may find an array of other fillings at various Paris pastry shops, including whipped cream, flavored custard, or even various fruits.

Cream puffs are known as profiterole in Paris, and their base is similar to that of an eclair. The pastry is short and round, with a custard or whipped cream filling. Sometimes they are topped with caramel or chocolate sauce as an added enticement.

Croissants showcase the light, flaky, buttery characteristic of pastries in Paris. Although they're not always a dessert item, they come in many sweet versions. Almond croissants are a distinct variety, filled with almond paste. The pain au chocolat, or “chocolate bread,” is a similar pastry, but it contains a stripe of dark chocolate. Try to buy chocolate bread when it is still hot and the chocolate has a soft, melted texture.

Cookies come in various types, but two of the most popular are macaroons and langues de chat, or “cat's tongue.” Macaroons are served as sandwich cookies in Paris, with a wide range of filling flavors. langues de chat are long, thin cookies made from a simple dough that makes them light and crispy.

Where to Buy Them

You can find patisseries, or pastry shops, throughout Paris, since baked goods are a classic Parisian food. These bakeries offer freshly-made pastries every day. Although some specialize in certain types, the varieties often differ from day to day. If you're not sure what to order, ask the proprietor for the recommendation of the day.

The best place to get macaroons is the Ladurée pastry shop, located on the Champs Elysées, as this is the place where they were invented. Some of the best pastry shops in Paris include Jean-Paul Hévin, which caters to chocolate lovers; Sadaharu Aoki, which is known for excellent cream puffs; Café Pouchkine, which features some unique creations not found in other shops; and Pierre Hermé, which has well-reknowned croissants. Ladurée Royale's hot chocolate is as popular as its macaroons, and the tarts at Gerard Mulot are bursting with hearty fruit fillings like peach and apple.

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