24 Hours in Paris: The Ultimate One Day Paris Itinerary
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Macarons are easily one of my favorite things to treat myself to, especially while in Paris.
If you’ve never tried one before, let me explain a bit about these delicious and delicate treats.
Basically, it’s a small round meringue based cookie with cream sandwiched in the middle.
Until recently, I thought it was a dessert that originated in France, but turns out they actually first made in Italy.
Catherine de Medici’s Italian pastry chef introduced them to the French court during the Renaissance.
Now that you’ve had a bit of a history lesson, let me get right to what you really want to know.
Below you’ll find the ultimate guide to finding the best macarons in Paris.
I can almost guarantee it’ll leave your mouth-watering!
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Where to Find the Best Macarons in Paris
Pierre Hermé
You’ve absolutely heard me shout out Pierre Herme in other posts as being a must-eat treat any time a store is nearby. They are soft, decadent, and my all-time favorite macaron!
Besides all the typical flavors, they specialize in unusual flavor combinations.
I recommend trying the Ispahan. It’s a combination of rose, lychee, and raspberry.
Also, get the Mogador, it’s a milk chocolate and passion fruit macaron that is out of this world!
I always walk away from this place with a box of at least six macarons to enjoy on an impromptu picnic by the Seine.
If I’m being totally truthful, I should admit that I will return to collect another six for the long-haul plane ride home.
They have multiple locations around Paris, making it an easy errand to run.
Local’s Tip: If you visit in the morning, grab yourself an Ispahan croissant.
It’s drizzled with candied rose petals and filled with raspberry lychee pâte, making it one heavenly breakfast.
Address: 39 Avenue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris, France
Ladurée
Ladurée is one of the most well-known macaron shops across the world.
Louis Ladurée’s shop opened in Paris in 1862 and quickly became the place to socialize and enjoy beautiful food in Paris.
It now has over 50 shops around the globe, with multiple locations in Paris.
This is another shop that offers an array of flavors that are all light and chewy. I always go for the Rose Petal and Orange Blossom macarons when ordering.
Fun Fact: Ladurée’s macarons have been featured in Sophia Coppola’s film Marie Antoinette, and as Blair’s favorite treat on the TV show Gossip Girl.
Address: 21 Rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris, France
Dalloyau
With multiple stores in Paris, and several scattered throughout France, Dalloyau is well-known amongst locals for boasting a macaron recipe that has been handed down over 300 years.
Are you wondering how they have a recipe that old?
The Dalloyau family has been creating and serving macarons since their relative Charles Dalloyau became the royal pastry chef for King Louis XIV in 1682.
Once the French Revolution hit, and royal pastry chefs were no longer needed, Jean-Baptiste Dalloyau opened a bakery that would become a long-run family business.
These macarons are a must-try, especially for anyone who wants to brag that they’ve enjoyed the same recipe that French royalty loved so much.
The caramel macaron is especially swoon-worthy!
Address: 101 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris, France
Carette
Carette is a spot that’s been around since the 1920s. You can either dine-in for a full breakfast and lunch, or simply hit up the bakery for a to-go order.
I prefer ordering to-go if it’s a beautiful day, then enjoying my treats near the Eiffel Tower.
I always grab an earl grey tea, plus a caramel and raspberry macaron to enjoy with it.
Carette’s macarons are firm, yet soft enough to easily melt in your mouth.
If you want to enjoy macarons with a view of the Eiffel Tower, then head to their Trocadero location. I’ve listed it below for you.
Address: 4 Place du Trocadéro et du 11 Novembre, 75016 Paris, France
Sadaharu Aoki
The macarons at Sadaharu Aoki have a Japanese flair that makes them stand out in a sea of traditional desserts.
The matcha tea, umeboshi, and wasabi-horseradish macarons are all delicious and precise with just the right amounts of flavor to balance the treat.
Don’t stress if you want something more traditional, they also serve flavors like pistachio, strawberry, and chocolate.
They have a few locations scattered around Paris, but the one I listed below is the most popular.
Address: 35 Rue de Vaugirard, 75006 Paris, France
Gérard Mulot
Hidden on a side street near the Seine, you’ll find Gérard Mulot with its brightly colored pastries and cakes.
They have a couple spots to sit and enjoy your food, but mostly this is a takeaway spot.
Their coffee, pistachio, and chocolate macarons are all especially delicious and bursting with flavor.
It’s delightful on a summer evening by the Seine with champagne.
Their lemon tart is also another favorite of mine, especially if I’m planning on picnicking later that day.
Address: 76 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris, France
Jean-Paul Hévin
Even though Jean-Paul Hévin is considered a master of chocolate, it’s worth grabbing a macaron while you’re getting your chocolate fix.
The best part is that they have four different types of chocolate macarons to choose from!
Address: 41 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris, France
Fauchon
Fouchon’s original location opened in Place de la Madeleine back in 1886, and they’ve been delighting Parisians ever since.
This gourmet food store is home to some pretty delicious macarons that stand out for their slight crunch as you bite into them.
I’m fond of their lemon, blackcurrant, and chocolate passion fruit macarons, and recommend you try them.
The best part of visiting Fauchon is that you can easily pick up champagne to go along with your macarons, for the perfect picnic anywhere in the city.
Address: 11 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris, France
Maison Lenôtre
For over 50 years Maison Lenôtre has been serving up delicious cakes, chocolates, and of course macarons.
Their macarons take up about half the dessert case and come in six classic flavors. My favorites are the pistachio and coffee ones.
Biting into them, they are light and fluffy, with a little less crunch compared to others in the city.
With multiple locations in the city, this is one bakery that’s an easy choice. I’ve listed my favorite location below for you.
Fun Fact: Gaston Lenôtre, the original owner, was a master pastry chef.
Pierre Hermes was one of his students, who eventually went on to great acclaim opening his own flagship store.
Address: 10 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004 Paris, France
FAQs About French Macarons in Paris
What are the best macaron flavors?
If this is your first time sampling a macaron I’d go for a flavor you now you enjoy. My personal go-to’s are pistachio, lemon, and rose.
What are the best cheap macarons in Paris?
Macarons tend to cost between €1 and up to €5 per piece, depending on where they come from. If you’re looking for a budget macaron, head to Paul. This bakery chain is all over France and offers quality pastries, including macarons that are delcious and cheaper than you’ll find in the fancier shops.
Can I bring macarons back from Paris?
Absolutely! I always bring back a tin of macarons from Pierre Herme anytime I’m in France. Just make sure they’re in a box or tin so they don’t get crushed in your carry-on luggage.
I always keep mine safely inside my purse, and end up snacking on them during the flight home.
If you’re looking for any Paris themed souvenirs to take home, bringing back some of these cookies is a must!
How long can macarons last?
Depending on how they’re stored, they typically will last between 5-7 days. Though they taste a lot better the sooner you eat them, as they tend to get a hard after a few days.
Last Bites
Okay, so full disclosure, I’m majorly craving macarons after writing this, and especially after choosing the images to feature.
In fact, I stopped writing halfway through to beg my sister who bakes, to please have a macaron baking night while I’m home next week.
I’m majorly desperate to get back to Paris simply to devour macarons from all of the places listed, especially the Mogador and Ispahan ones from my all-time favorite Pierre Herme!
Let me know in the comments below what your favorite flavor is, and if you have a favorite spot in Paris to indulge in them!
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