Disclaimer

This is a list of 5 of my favorite macarons in Paris. I just want to make it clear from the outset that this isn’t a “best macarons in Paris” list because I would seriously need to live in Paris full time to make a list that comprehensive. Plus, although I love to try new things I’m also a total creature of habit who has certain favorites that I must always return to . . . and because the macarons on this list are so good, I don’t have a lot of incentive to branch out! Phew. Glad we got that out of the way.

My Criteria

The best macarons have a slight give when you bite into them — they should be almost chewy, but not mushy or crumbly; they shouldn’t have any big air pockets; and they should be a little sweet but not sickly so. These 5 places check all these boxes.

Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé is one of my must-stop shops whenever we’re in Paris: it is a great place to get always fresh macarons and pastries; plus chocolate gifts for our moms in Hawaii. They always have seasonal macarons, but my favorites are the lemon (infiniment citron), Mogador (milk chocolate + passionfruit), and salted butter caramel (infiniment caramel). Locations throughout the city; the one we usually go to is on the Avenue de l’Opera because it’s near the Park Hyatt Paris Vendome. Check their location page for address and shop details. Pierre Hermé.

Sadaharu Aoki

These macarons are known for incorporating Japanese flavors like matcha, yuzu, and black sesame into traditional French techniques. They also have traditional flavors like caramel and rose. There are four locations in Paris, some of which have a tea salon. Sadaharu Aoki.

Ladurée

Ladurée is what macaron dreams are made of: this excessively pretty shop is the O.G. in making macarons (and their boxes) so irresistibly lovely that you cannot resist buying a dozen. You might have to wait in a line out the door, but once you’re inside the service will be swift, so use the time in line to figure out what you want to order ahead of time. If you want to feel like you’re in Kristen Dunst’s Marie Antoinette movie, have lunch or tea at one of the sit-down locations, like the one in Saint Germain (Lauduree Bonaparte). Check their location page for details. Laduree.

La Maison du Chocolat

As you can probably guess from its name, the specialty of this shop is chocolate. Pick out a truffle or two and try the Maracuja flavor, with chocolate and lilikoi (passion fruit) ganache. Boutiques in multiple arrondissements and department stores, check their website for opening hours and addresses. La Maison du Chocolat.

Pierre Marcoloni

This shop is actually from Brussels, Belgium and its specialty is also chocolate, but they also make great macarons. Try the pistachio and the lemon tea flavors and sample some chocolate truffles too. Beautiful shop on the Rue Saint-Honoré and in department stores, too. Check their website for location information. Pierre Marcoloni.

xo

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