I sit at the Medici fountain almost on the daily with my coffee, as early as possible before the arrival of tourists and while the birdsong dominates the soundscape. Whilst I hate grottos, I love the sculpture... one of the most sensuous pieces I've seen. Galatea is in such surrender. Acis, so enamored, staring at her with deep curiosity and love. Oh, such a lovely place to eat pastry!
Hi Meg, thank you for compiling this list. I LOVE rhubarb and am always on the hunt for the perfect rhubarb pastry. The choux à la rhubarbe from Des Gâteaux et du Pain was fantastic. I used to look forward to Philippe Conticini's rhubarb tart every spring at his old place, Pâtisserie des Rêves, but I haven't seen it since he opened his newer namesake shops. I'll happily take any recommendations for rhubarb treats you come across! Thanks again for making my day with the exquisite bite of rhubarb from Claire Damon.
Love the list! Too bad I won’t be going to Paris until well after the Olympics! But I must tell you my story of a wonderful patisserie.
In 1977, aged 16, I was a jeune fille au pair and had NO money. So, I had to find free or almost free entertainment. On Sundays, I filled my need for live music by attending church at St Gervais-Protais, around the corner from Nôtre Dame. This church was completely unimproved (ie: no electric lights so was lit by candles!; no pews, so had rushes on the floor; no loudspeakers so the entirely sung Latin Mass was just beautiful voices). It was something out of another time.
My second treat to myself, after the mass, was a strawberry tartlet, the base of which no bigger than a quarter and was topped by one small perfect strawberry. Every Sunday, for months, I went to the same patisserie to get it — I didn’t dare to try anything else, in case it was a disappointment. One day, I arrived and saw NO tartlets in the window. My face must have said it all as the owner rushed out, saying ‘Don’t worry! We saved you one!’ Since then, every single time I eat a strawberry, I think of them and their kindness.
You can add to Conticini and Des Gateaux et du Pain Mille & Un, in the same neighborhood, which has an amazing Paris-Seoul with black sesame swapped in for the hazelnuts. Their flan is also a delight (flan is so underrated!). And I cannot lie- I think the macarons at the Grande Epicerie are consistently excellent.
Adding *all* of these to my next patisserie crawl!!
I sit at the Medici fountain almost on the daily with my coffee, as early as possible before the arrival of tourists and while the birdsong dominates the soundscape. Whilst I hate grottos, I love the sculpture... one of the most sensuous pieces I've seen. Galatea is in such surrender. Acis, so enamored, staring at her with deep curiosity and love. Oh, such a lovely place to eat pastry!
Great post! I made Paris Brest a few weeks ago. Had to try three times to get it right. It was worth it :)
Is there a space for 'bourdaloue tart' neophyte ?
What, no crookie?!
Hi Meg, thank you for compiling this list. I LOVE rhubarb and am always on the hunt for the perfect rhubarb pastry. The choux à la rhubarbe from Des Gâteaux et du Pain was fantastic. I used to look forward to Philippe Conticini's rhubarb tart every spring at his old place, Pâtisserie des Rêves, but I haven't seen it since he opened his newer namesake shops. I'll happily take any recommendations for rhubarb treats you come across! Thanks again for making my day with the exquisite bite of rhubarb from Claire Damon.
Love the list! Too bad I won’t be going to Paris until well after the Olympics! But I must tell you my story of a wonderful patisserie.
In 1977, aged 16, I was a jeune fille au pair and had NO money. So, I had to find free or almost free entertainment. On Sundays, I filled my need for live music by attending church at St Gervais-Protais, around the corner from Nôtre Dame. This church was completely unimproved (ie: no electric lights so was lit by candles!; no pews, so had rushes on the floor; no loudspeakers so the entirely sung Latin Mass was just beautiful voices). It was something out of another time.
My second treat to myself, after the mass, was a strawberry tartlet, the base of which no bigger than a quarter and was topped by one small perfect strawberry. Every Sunday, for months, I went to the same patisserie to get it — I didn’t dare to try anything else, in case it was a disappointment. One day, I arrived and saw NO tartlets in the window. My face must have said it all as the owner rushed out, saying ‘Don’t worry! We saved you one!’ Since then, every single time I eat a strawberry, I think of them and their kindness.
Such a good list! xoD
Epic list!
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Oh my gosh, too much choice!
You can add to Conticini and Des Gateaux et du Pain Mille & Un, in the same neighborhood, which has an amazing Paris-Seoul with black sesame swapped in for the hazelnuts. Their flan is also a delight (flan is so underrated!). And I cannot lie- I think the macarons at the Grande Epicerie are consistently excellent.
I’m doing the west st germain tour in June! Hope we stop at this patisserie Des gateaux et du pain! Please:)