France is a dream destination for foodies. With its flaky croissants in cozy cafés and elegant cakes displayed like art, every corner of the country feels like a bakery. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in the right place.
French desserts are famous all over the world, but nothing beats trying them in France itself. The flavors feel richer, the textures fresher, and the experience more magical.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best French desserts to try in France. You’ll learn what makes each treat special, where to taste them, and how to make the most of your sweet adventure!
1. French Macarons
Colorful French macarons neatly arranged at a Paris patisserie
No list of French desserts is complete without macarons. These colorful sandwich cookies are light, crisp on the outside, and soft and chewy inside. They come in flavors like pistachio, raspberry, chocolate, and salted caramel.
Where to try macarons in France:
- Ladurée (Paris): One of the most famous names for Parisian desserts; their macarons are delicate, colorful, and beautifully packaged
- Pierre Hermé (Paris): Known for bold, creative flavors and perfectly balanced textures
Macarons are one of the most iconic Parisian desserts, and you’ll find them in almost every pâtisserie. They’re perfect as a snack, a gift, or a sweet souvenir. Many shops carefully arrange them in elegant boxes that look almost too pretty to open.
And if you want to go beyond just tasting, you can always join a macaron cooking class in Paris and learn how to make them yourself!
Klook Tip: Buy a mixed box so you can try several flavors at once. With this, you can share with friends and compare your favorites!
2. Crème Brûlée
Classic crème brûlée with caramelized sugar top and fresh raspberry garnish | Photo by Orkun Orcan on Unsplash
Crème brûlée is a creamy vanilla custard topped with a thin layer of caramelized sugar. The best part? Cracking the sugar crust with your spoon.
This dessert feels elegant but comforting at the same time. The creamy texture balances perfectly with the crunchy top. It’s one of the classic French sweets that you’ll see on almost every restaurant menu.
Where to try crème brûlée in France:
- Le Procope (Paris): One of the oldest cafés in Paris, serving classic French dishes and traditional crème brûlée
- Bouillon Chartier (Paris): A historic and budget-friendly spot to try authentic French sweets in a lively setting
Order it after a hearty French meal and take your time savoring each spoonful. In France, dessert is not rushed—it’s enjoyed slowly.
Klook Tip: Tap the sugar top gently before eating; that satisfying crack is part of the experience!
3. Tarte Tatin (Apple French Tart)
Golden apple French tart with glossy caramelized topping | Photo by Justin Agyarko on Pexels
Tarte Tatin is a famous upside-down French apple tart. Caramelized apples are cooked in butter and sugar, then topped with pastry and baked. After baking, it’s flipped over so the glossy apples sit on top. The result is sweet, slightly tangy, and deeply comforting. The apples melt in your mouth while the crust stays crisp and flaky.
Where to try tarte tatin in France:
- La Maison Tatin (Lamotte-Beuvron): The birthplace of the famous French apple tart, a must-visit if you’re outside Paris
- Café de Flore (Paris): Enjoy tarte tatin in one of the city’s most iconic cafés!
Many cafés serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect treat on a cool afternoon.
Want to taste traditional pastries like tarte tatin in charming neighborhoods? Join a pastry and chocolate tasting tour in Paris!
Klook Tip: Order it warm if possible. The caramel flavor becomes even richer when freshly baked.
4. Mille-Feuille
Crispy mille-feuille layered with rich vanilla cream | Photo from Habib M’henni on Wikimedia
Mille-feuille means “a thousand layers,” and you’ll understand why at first glance. This pastry is made with thin, flaky layers of puff pastry filled with smooth pastry cream. Each bite gives you crunch and cream at the same time. It can be messy to eat, but that’s part of the fun! The balance of textures makes it one of the most loved French desserts.
You’ll often see it topped with icing and chocolate patterns. It looks fancy but tastes comforting and classic.
Where to try mille-feuille in France:
- Stohrer (Paris): The oldest pâtisserie in Paris, known for beautifully layered mille-feuille
- Carl Marletti (Paris): A modern pastry chef offering refined and flavorful versions
Take your love for pastries to the next level with a French pastry baking class in Paris, where a French chef will teach you hands-on!
5. Cherry Clafoutis
Slice of cherry clafoutis dusted with powdered sugar | Photo from Zinfandel Soaked Cherry Clafoutis on Flickr
Cherry clafoutis is a baked dessert made with fresh cherries and a custard-like batter. It looks simple but tastes amazing. The cherries become juicy and slightly tart, balancing the sweet batter. It’s usually served in slices, dusted with powdered sugar. In summer, when cherries are in season, it tastes even better.
Where to try cherry clafoutis in France:
- La Tupina (Bordeaux): A rustic restaurant famous for traditional southwest French cuisine; visit when cherries are in season—their homemade clafoutis feels warm and comforting
- La Régalade (Paris, Saint-Cloud, Clermont-Ferrand): A cozy bistro known for traditional desserts like cherry clafoutis.
Cherry clafoutis shows that French desserts don’t always have to be fancy to be delicious. Sometimes, simple ingredients create the best flavors!
Klook Tip: Try it during cherry season (around June) for the freshest and juiciest flavor!
6. Opera Cake
Layered Opera cake with chocolate ganache and coffee cream | Photo from Hortensja Bukietowa on Wikimedia
Opera cake is an elegant and layered French dessert made with almond sponge cake, coffee buttercream, and chocolate ganache. The top is usually smooth and shiny. In each layer, you’ll be surprised with a new flavor! The coffee and chocolate combination makes it rich but balanced, which makes it one of the most refined French desserts.
This cake is often served in neat rectangular slices. It’s perfect if you love bold flavors and beautiful presentation.
Where to try opera cake in France:
- Pâtisserie Christian (Strasbourg): A local favorite in Alsace offering elegant French pastries
- Dalloyau (Paris): Often credited with popularizing Opera cake, so you’ll never go wrong trying it here!
7. Classic French Madeleines
Soft and buttery classic French madeleines on white plate | Photo by dalal on Pexels
Classic French madeleines may look simple, but they’re one of the most beloved French desserts you can try. These small, shell-shaped sponge cakes are soft, buttery, and lightly sweet. They’re often flavored with vanilla or lemon zest, giving them a fresh and comforting taste.
Where to try classic French madeleines in France:
- Maison Colibri (Pons, Charente-Maritime): A historic bakery brand famous for traditionally made madeleines with a soft, buttery texture
- Chocolaterie Auzou (Rouen, Normandy): A charming regional pastry shop known for beautifully baked classic French treats, including fresh madeleines
Madeleines are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee. In France, it’s common to dip them into a warm drink, letting them soak up just enough flavor before taking a bite. The texture is light and fluffy, almost like a mini sponge cake.
8. Éclair
Chocolate éclairs glazed and ready to enjoy in Paris | Photo by Frank Schrader on Pexels
Éclairs are long choux pastry shells filled with cream and topped with glossy icing. Chocolate is the most popular flavor, but coffee and vanilla are also common. The pastry is light and airy, while the filling is rich and smooth. Together, they create a perfect balance!
Éclairs are easy to grab and enjoy on the go. Walk along the Seine River in Paris while savoring one, and you’ll feel like a local.
Where to try éclairs in France:
- L’Éclair de Génie (Paris): Specializes in éclairs with both classic and creative flavors
- Fauchon (Paris): Luxury gourmet shop offering elegant and perfectly glazed éclairs
9. Soufflé au Chocolat (Chocolate Soufflé)
Warm chocolate soufflé with molten center and powdered sugar | Photo from Gio on Flickr
If you love rich chocolate desserts, Soufflé au Chocolat is a must-try. This airy yet intense dessert is one of the most elegant French desserts you’ll find on restaurant menus. It’s baked fresh to order, which means you may need to wait a little—but trust us, it’s worth it.
Where to try Soufflé au Chocolat in France:
- La Cigale (Nantes): A historic brasserie known for beautifully executed classic French dishes, including rich chocolate soufflé
- Le Bec Fin (Aix-en-Provence): A charming Provençal restaurant serving elegant seasonal cuisine and expertly baked soufflés
A chocolate soufflé rises beautifully in the oven, creating a light, fluffy texture on top and a soft, almost molten center inside. When you break into it with your spoon, warm chocolate goodness spills out. Unlike chocolate silk pie, which is smooth and chilled, a chocolate soufflé is warm, airy, and delicate. It melts quickly, so it’s best enjoyed right away.
Klook Tip: Order your soufflé at the start of your meal. Many restaurants prepare it fresh and need extra baking time.
FAQs about French desserts
What are the top 10 French desserts?
The top 10 French desserts often include macarons, crème brûlée, tarte Tatin, mille-feuille, éclairs, profiteroles, chocolate soufflé, Opera cake, cherry clafoutis, and madeleines. These treats are loved for their rich flavors and beautiful presentation. When you visit France, try as many as you can to experience the full range of French desserts.
What is France's most famous dessert?
Macarons are often considered France’s most famous dessert. They’re colorful, delicate, and instantly recognizable around the world. While many countries make them now, tasting macarons in France feels extra special.
What are three French desserts?
Three popular French desserts are crème brûlée, tarte Tatin, and éclairs. Each one shows a different side of French baking, from creamy custards to flaky pastries. They’re easy to find in restaurants and bakeries across France.
What are some classic French pastries?
Classic French pastries include croissants, pain au chocolat, mille-feuille, and éclairs. These pastries are part of daily life in France and are often enjoyed with coffee. Trying them fresh from a local bakery is a must.
Treat your sweet tooth with these French desserts!
France is more than just landmarks and museums; it’s also a paradise for dessert lovers. From delicate macarons to comforting cherry clafoutis, French desserts turn every meal into a celebration.
As you plan your trip, add these sweet treats to your itinerary. Book a baking class on Klook, join a pastry tour, and taste your way through charming streets. Start planning your sweet escape today and turn your France adventure into a delicious memory!
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