Visiting Paris? These 9 Legendary Pâtisseries Are Non-Negotiable

In a city where pastry is practically a second language, a few addresses have stood the test of time—not just for what they serve but for the history they carry with every éclair and rum-soaked baba. These aren’t just pâtisseries; they’re living Parisian landmarks, which are well worth adding to your to-do list.

Some were founded under royal patronage, others tucked into side streets long before Paris became a destination for visitors from across the globe. Together, they form a delicious timeline of the city’s culinary past. Whether you’re after a classic Mont Blanc or a waffle with roots in the 18th century, these are the spots that seasoned travelers—and locals in the know—keep returning to.

Here are 9 of the oldest and most storied pâtisseries in Paris, where heritage meets pastry in all the right ways.

Stohrer

You can feel the centuries baked into the walls when you step into Stohrer. It’s the oldest pâtisserie in Paris, founded in 1730 by Nicolas Stohrer, who served as pastry chef to Louis XV’s father-in-law. That pedigree still shows. The chandeliers drip with old-world grandeur, and the pastries feel more royal than rustic. Their baba au rhum—soaked and rich—is said to have been invented here. And frankly, it’s hard to beat.

Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 75002
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 8am–8pm, Sun: 8am–7pm

À la Mère de Famille

This one’s more sweet shop than pâtisserie, but it’s been dishing out confections since 1761, so it earns its place. The storefront alone—wood-paneled and glass-fronted—looks like it hasn’t aged a day since the Belle Époque. Expect an old-fashioned treasure trove of pralines, candied fruits, and house-made chocolate bars inside. I always leave with more than I meant to. Always.

Address: 35 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 10am–7:30pm, Sun: Closed

Meert

A northern classic that eventually found its way south. Meert was born in Lille in 1761 but opened this quiet gem in the Marais decades later. Their vanilla-filled waffles are absurdly addictive. Soft, slightly chewy, and best with an espresso after a long museum stroll. The shop itself feels like a tucked-away salon from another era.

Address: 16 Rue Elzévir, 75003
Opening hours: Tues–Sun: 11am–7pm, Mon: Closed

Ladurée

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s everywhere now. But the original Rue Royale shop from 1862 still has that old-school charm. Their macaron became a Paris calling card long before Instagram got its hands on it. Don’t skip the rose and pistachio varieties. And if you can, sit down for tea in the back. It’s a little pocket of calm in a city that rarely sits still.

Address: 16 Rue Royale, 75008
Opening hours: Mon–Sun: 10am–7:30pm

Dalloyau

Founded in 1682, Dalloyau once fed the court at Versailles. Nowadays, it feeds anyone with a taste for Opéra cake and quiet luxury. The textures are clean, and the flavors are classic. There’s a precision to their pâtisserie, but it never feels fussy. Think legacy without the lecture.

Address: 101 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 9am–8pm, Sun: 10am–7:30pm

Angelina

You don’t come here for minimalism. You come for the sugar rush and Belle Époque drama. Founded in 1903, Angelina is a well-loved stop for visitors, but Parisians still sneak in for their Mont Blanc dessert—a wildly indulgent swirl of chestnut cream, meringue, and whipped cream. And their hot chocolate? Practically a rite of passage.

Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001
Opening hours: Mon–Sun: 8:30am–7pm

Lenôtre

More modern, yes, but don’t hold that against it. Lenôtre has been shaping contemporary pâtisserie since 1957, thanks to the late Gaston Lenôtre, an innovator who treated baking like architecture. The Paris-Brest here is all balance and no fluff. If you want sleek without soulless, this is your stop.

Address: 10 Rue Saint-Antoine, 75004
Opening hours: Mon–Sun: 10am–7:30pm

Poilâne

Better known for bread than petits fours, but hear me out. Their apple tart is one of the simplest—and best—things I’ve ever eaten in Paris. Just fruit, pastry, and a little fire-kissed magic. Opened in 1932, Poilâne still feels like a working bakery, not a photo op. That’s rare these days.

Address: 8 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006
Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 7:15am–8:15pm, Sun: Closed

Sébastien Gaudard

A modern-day guardian of old recipes. Gaudard took over a historic pâtisserie site once run by Maison Seurre, active since the 1800s. His approach is reverent without being stuck in the past. Think millefeuille made fresh throughout the day and lemon tarts that actually taste of lemon. It’s serious pastry—without taking itself too seriously.

Address: 22 Rue des Martyrs, 75009
Opening hours: Mon–Sun: 10am–7pm