Three very personal Paris favourites – and a little pâtisserie history on the side.
Macarons in Paris are not just a sweet treat. They are edible heritage, small, colourful statements of French savoir-faire. Over the years (purely for cultural research, of course), I’ve tasted my way through countless versions and ended up with three I still think about. Not necessarily the definitive three best macarons in Paris – taste is far too personal for that – but definitely mine.
Rose macarons from Ladurée
No list of my favourite Parisian macarons would be complete without Ladurée. Founded in 1862, the house began as a bakery on rue Royale. In the 1930s, Pierre Desfontaines, a member of the Ladurée family, had the idea of sandwiching two almond macaron shells around a creamy filling – creating the version we now think of as the classic Parisian macaron.
The rose macaron is still my absolute favourite. Elegant, floral and timeless, never tipping into excess. Subtle, refined and unmistakably Parisian. And fortunately, rose is still one of Ladurée’s iconic flavours.
Ispahan macarons from Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé trained under Gaston Lenôtre and later worked for Fauchon and Ladurée before founding Maison Pierre Hermé Paris in 1998. His Ispahan creation has long since become a classic: rose, lychee and raspberry combined in a way that is as fragrant as it is striking.
This is not a shy macaron. It’s confident, expressive and unapologetically modern, a little piece of pastry haute couture. Ispahan is still one of Pierre Hermé’s emblematic flavours – and still one of the things I look forward to eating whenever I am back in Paris.
The Earl Grey macaron from Angelina – the one I still miss
Angelina, founded in 1903, is a true Belle Époque institution. While it’s best known for its famously rich hot chocolate and Mont-Blanc dessert, I always loved its macarons – especially Earl Grey.
Softly perfumed with bergamot, less sweet than most and wonderfully grown-up. Think afternoon tea, Paris style.
Unfortunately, there is a catch. Earl Grey is no longer listed among Angelina’s regular macarons. So this third choice is less a current shopping recommendation than a small plea to bring it back. If you happen to see it in the pâtisserie again, buy one. And please tell me.
Where I like to eat macarons in Paris
And then there’s the question of where to enjoy them. Atmosphere matters.
Take your box to the Jardin des Tuileries, find one of those green chairs and let Paris provide the backdrop. Or combine macarons with a photoshoot in the courtyard of the Palais Royal. Between Daniel Buren’s striped columns and the famously beautiful light, it’s a favourite not just with Instagrammers but with anyone who appreciates a bit of understated glamour.
Eat them slowly, savour the moment, and let Paris do the rest.
