My personal top 3 macarons in Paris – with a little 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 a very personal top three. Each one comes with its own flavour story and a bit of Parisian history.
1. Rose macarons from Ladurée
No list of Parisian macarons would be complete without Ladurée. Founded in 1862 by Louis-Ernest Ladurée, the house began as a bakery on rue Royale before becoming one of Paris’s first tea salons. It was here, in the early 20th century, that the now-iconic macaron as we know it today was popularised: two delicate almond shells with a creamy filling in between. The rose macaron is a perfect example of Ladurée’s style: elegant, floral and timeless, never tipping into excess. Subtle, refined, and unmistakably Parisian. They even offer heart-shaped versions at times, because romance is clearly part of the recipe.
2. Ispahan macarons from Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé is often called the enfant terrible of French pâtisserie, and with good reason. After training under Gaston Lenôtre and working for houses like Fauchon and even Ladurée, he founded his own brand in 1998 and began redefining what pastry could be. His Ispahan creation is legendary: a bold blend of rose, lychee and raspberry 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.
3. Earl Grey macarons from Angelina
Angelina, founded in 1903, is a true Belle Époque institution and once a favourite haunt of Coco Chanel and Marcel Proust. While it’s best known for its rich hot chocolate and Mont Blanc dessert, its macarons are quietly excellent. The Earl Grey version is particularly refined: softly perfumed with bergamot, less sweet than most, and wonderfully grown-up. Think afternoon tea, Paris style.
https://www.angelina-paris.fr/
And then there’s the question of where to enjoy them. Context matters. Take your macarons on the Ferris wheel at the Fête des Tuileries, ideally with a view of the Eiffel Tower, for a moment of pure Parisian theatre. Or combine them 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.
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