Delectable pastries in Paris
Posted on Friday 31 August 2012
in France, Food & Wine, Shopping, Paris
Paris is known for many things: the Eiffel Tower, romance, art, and of course, food. While rich wines and crusty breads may dominate dining during the day, after nightfall the time comes for dessert. With so many options for tasty snacks, travelers on Paris holidays will have no problem finding the perfect sugary treat to cap off their day.
Stohrer
As the oldest pastry shop in the city, Stohrer has been known for its delicious desserts for centuries. It was founded by the personal pastry chef to King Stanislas of Poland, who came to Paris in 1725 with the king's daughter. Five years later he opened his own shop, and the little boutique has sat on the same cobblestoned street ever since.
Favorite treats at Stohrer include the founder's own creation "baba au rhum," a rum-soaked sponge cake, or the Valentine's Day favorite "puits d'amour," a caramelized pastry filled with vanilla cream.
Travelers on shopping holidays will find the location of Stohrer to be a perfect for a stroll.The street is lined with many boutiques and shops, providing visitors with plenty of entertainment options.
Ladurée
A dowager tea room is the center for macarons in Paris. Macarons consist of two almond-meringue cookies stuck together with buttercream, and they often feature flavors like chocolate, pistachio or coffee. Eat the cookies on their own or use them as a topper for Ladurée's homemade ice cream.
The pastries themselves are only part of the attraction at Ladurée. The original bakery opened in 1862 and was later reinvented into a gathering place for women around the city. Romantic decor creates an upscale setting for the afternoon teas or meetings that have taken place over the decades.
The chic packaging and colorful displays still spruce up the multiple locations that this shop has around Paris. Set up in tourist destinations like the one around the Champs-Élysées, Ladurée is within easy access to many Paris hotels and other hotspots.
Fauchon
Founded by a former street vendor, Fauchon is the home of several twists on the classic French madeleine cookie. The madeleine, a scalloped tea cake, has been around since the 18th century and has made its mark on French cuisine and literature. Current chef Christophe Adam has expanded the classic recipe to include new flavors. Try the pure vanilla version of the cookie or branch out with honey or strawberry and blueberry.
Sampling any of these treats will have tourists feeling that they are experiencing the ultimate in Parisian luxury travel. Rich chocolates, fluffy pastries and a wide array of flavors will add some decadence to any vacation.
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