Paris, the City of Light, is a culinary wonderland where every street corner whispers secrets about its foodie attractions; among its many palatable gems, macarons stand out as delicate masterpieces that capture the nature of French patisserie.
This article covers where to find the best macarons in Paris—because life is too short for anything less than wonderful sweets!
8 Best Macarons in Paris
We’re comparing the two cult classic macaron shops: Pierre Hermé and Ladurée. When most people think of Parisian macarons, these two shops are usually the first that come to mind!
1. Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé, often dubbed the Picasso of Pastry, tops the traditional limits of patisserie through his daring flavour combinations and careful craftsmanship. His creations are not just desserts but culinary narratives that speak to the specialist palate. Each macaroon or layered cake is a canvas where vibrant tastes—like rose, passion fruit, and vanilla-infused components—create unexpected yet pleasant symphonies long after the last bite.
Price: Depends on the number of macarons you purchase, but it starts at €3.60/piece (and goes down as the number of macarons goes up).
2. Ladurée
Ladurée, the iconic Parisian pastry shop, tops luxury; it symbolises a rich tapestry of art and history nestled within its delicate French confections. Renowned primarily for its beautiful Paris macarons, the brand features a remarkable array of flavours that go far beyond traditional choices—think pistachio with a hint of rose or salted caramel infused with dark chocolate. Each macaron is a treat and a small masterpiece crafted from recipes passed down through generations while continuously evolving to embrace contemporary palate preferences.
Price: €3.50/piece
Ladurée vs Pierre Hermé: Which Cult Classic Macaron Is Better?
Personally, There was no competition. – while Pierre Hermé had more unique flavour combinations, we preferred the macarons at Ladurée.
Ladurée has a cult following, which I think is deserved—these were some of my favourite macarons in Paris.
3. Carette
Carette, a charming café in the heart of Paris, offers more than just attractive pastries and rich coffee; it presents an experience steeped in memories and local culture. With its elegant Art Deco decor reflecting the city’s storied past, visitors often find themselves transported to a different era where time slows down. The atmosphere is enhanced by the warm chatter of patrons sharing their tales over steaming cups of hot chocolate, known here for its irresistible thickness and velvety texture.
The Paris macarons at Carette were solid, and we quite enjoyed the raspberry, though they weren’t as good as the ones at Ladurée.
Price: €3.80/piece
4. Maxim’s de Paris
Maxim’s de Paris represents the heart of charming dining. It is a historical gem located in the heart of the French capital, Carrousel du Louvre; established in 1893 and famously frequented by the elite, this rich restaurant elegantly blends the beauty of the Belle Époquewith modern culinary artistry. Each visit feels like stepping back in time, where Art Deco interiors transport guests to an era of grandeur and culture. The walls adorned with detailed murals whisper stories of famous customers who once revelled under its crystal chandeliers.
This is a great place to hold a little treat after visiting the Louvre or heading out to the beautiful Tuileries garden (a favourite park in Paris).
Price: €2.40/piece
If you have decided to go to the Louvre, here are some cheapest hotels near the Louvre.
5. Maison du Chocolat
At Maison du Chocolat, Chocolate is beyond basic enjoyment to become an art form. Each piece is carefully built, matching traditional methods with creative flavours that surprise the palate.
The silky texture and balanced blends offer a sensory experience that invites chocolate lovers to explore new bulks of taste.
For those seeking an unforgettable gift or wishing to treat themselves, a box from Maison du Chocolat serves as a luxurious delight and an exploration of chocolate’s rich potential.
Price: €2.50 per macaron/piece
6. A La Mere de Famille
A La Mere de Famille is a sweet that creates the feeling of entering a classic candy box. Specified in the late 19th century, this charming boutique boasts an ambience that beautifully marries memories with handmade artistry. Each display case showcases carefully constructed chocolates and pastries, producing a sense of wonder that makes even the most discerning gourmands pause with delight.
There are 10 A La Mere de Famille locations in the city, and I’ve been to a few of them (Montmartre, Rue Montorgueil, and Rue Cler). Rue Cler is an enjoyable place.
Price: €2/piece
7. Le Valentin
Le Valentin is a delightful little tea shop serving sweet desserts and savoury snacks. It has two locations quite close to each other—one in Galerie Vivienne and the other in Passage Jouffroy. Both are pretty covered passageways and charming hidden gems in Paris.
While there were only 5 macaron flavour options, they were all excellent – a light, crispy crust, a chewy interior, and a solid flavour. This was one of my favourite macarons in Paris.
Price: €1.80/piece
8. L’Atelier Lea
In the Marais district lies a tiny, independent bakery called L’Atelier Lea. After exploring some of the area’s free museums, we stopped in for a quick afternoon bite and had to try the enormous macaron filled with light cream and juicy strawberries.
Because of the additional filling, this macaron is not “traditional,” but it was seriously delicious. The cookie itself was just the right amount of chewy and crispy, and it was the ideal combination of fresh, tart berries such as rasp light cream and chewy/crispy cookie.
Address: 129 Rue de Temple
Price: About €5
FAQs: The Best Macarons in Paris
Why are Ladurée macarons famous?
Ladurée made the pastries for the film Marie Antoinette, directed by Sofia Coppola; its famous macarons can be seen in a scene between Marie Antoinette and Ambassador Mercy. They can also be seen in The CW’s hit teen drama Gossip Girl as Blair Waldorf’s favourite pastries.
Who is the best macaron chef in France?
Pierre Hermé: The must-have
A leading French pastry chef, named the world’s best in 2016, the ‘king of Paris macarons’ has successfully made a name for himself in the industry.
What is the most expensive macaron in France?
It’s priced at a cool $9,703. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort has launched a series of guest experiences in partnership with French jeweller and object label Lalique–one of which has yielded the world’s most expensive macaron.
Which place is famous for Paris macarons?
The Ladurée chain of pastry shops in Paris has been known for its macarons for about 150 years.
Who is the CEO of Le Macaron?
Meet Rosalie Guillem, CEO and Co-Founder of Le Macaron on Zoom.
The Wrap-Up – Which Macarons Were Our Favorites?
From the variety of Paris macarons that I have tried, my favourites are:
- Ladurée: For both the macarons themselves and the absolutely beautiful Champs Elysées café
- Le Valentin: Solid macaron in a charming location and the best value
- L’Atelier Lea: A non-traditional but fantastic treat
The One Macaron Shop I’d Recommend You Avoid
I hate to lambast a business, but I’d highly recommend you avoid Paul, a chain bakery. This boulangerie (bakery) sells a variety of viennoiseries, patisseries, and coffee—the Paris macarons are just a small part of the menu.
We ended up stopping at Paul several times out of necessity. They are often located in train stations, and we’d grab breakfast there while hurrying to catch our trains early in the morning.
I was disappointed every time, though—the quality, including their macarons, is not great. They have smaller macarons and giant heart-shaped macarons, which look super fun, but the texture is so soft.