The Académie du Pain

The Académie du Pain (Bread Academy) founded by Christian Vabret, Meilleur Ouvrier de France Boulangerie, now operates from this former bakery typical of the mid-nineteenth century.

Christian Vabret chose to open the Académie du Pain in the 14th arrondissement of Paris, rue d’Alésia, amid this historic and cosy setting. Here, bread,pastries and other pastries are crafted in the great tradition of French bakery. Treat yourself to the traditional pains au chocolat et croissants, macaroons, fruit tarts and other sweet and savoury creations. And let’s not forget good old bread made with the best 100% French flour; you can even enjoy a full breakfast here.

The decor is every bit as impressive as the products. The 1900s shop facade reproduces decorative carpentry from the Napoleon III era and gold leaf paintings under glass. This seventeenth-century technique, known as églomisation, was produced by the “Lucien Helle” workshops – the last to make use of this time-honoured technique. Inside the shop, painters and carvers have produced the wooden sculptures that create this perfect setting.

Access and contact The Académie du Pain 30 rue d’Alésia 75014 Paris 14ème Days and opening hours Every day throughout the year between 7 am and 8.30 pm. Closed on Sunday. More info : www.visitparisregion.com/en/the-academie-du-pain

Fou de Pâtisserie

Pierre Hermé, Cyril Lignac, Pierre Marcolini, Carl Marletti, Hugo & Victor... Enjoy the best pastries from the greatest chefs in a unique boutique in the heart of Paris.

Muriel Tallandier and Julie Mathieu first launched the magazine Fou de Pâtisserie. Following their success, the idea of opening a shop under the same name quickly emerged.

And it is in the Forum des Halles neighbourhood, in the bubbling rue Montorgueil, celebrated for its food shops, that they have chosen to open their first address with its elegant front and its golden lettering and colourful countertop.

Fou de Pâtisserie Boutique © Fou de Pâtisserie Boutique

A selection of the best sweets awaits you there. Eclair, Opéra, Mont-Blanc, strawberry tarte, macaroons, cake or biscuits have been baked in the morning. . Just like their magazine, Muriel and Julie will introduce you to their sweet favourites made by some of the biggest names in the pastry industry, but also to new talents who will not fail to amaze your taste buds. You can also count on Stephan Perrotte's jams, Gilles Cresno's chocolates, Pierre Hermé's macaroons or the shortbreads from Angelina to complete this unbeatable offer to date. The perfect place to indulge in a treat or for the pleasure of offering the best!

A second "Boutique Fou de Pâtisserie " has since been created in the no less lively rue des Martyrs, in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.

Access and contact 45 rue Montorgueil 75002 Paris 2ème +33 (01) 40 41 00 61 Days and opening hours All year round between 10 am and 8 pm. Closed exceptionally on January 1st and May 1st. More info: www.visitparisregion.com/en/fou-de-patisserie

A la Mère de Famille

Since 1761, this classic confectionery has been a delight for Parisians of all ages. Take out your cameras: its décor is some of the wackiest in old Paris!

Mint green woodwork, marble panels and large gold letters typical of the Belle Époque: the shop’s facade could be used as a backdrop to a movie!

Boutique A la Mère de Famille, Paris, © Roberta Valerio

Push the door open and tread on the tile floor that has been aged by generations of gourmands. Like them, you will be unable to resist the extremely enticing glass displays, which abound with the classics of French confectionery – far, far from contemporary mass production.

Roudoudoux and marshmallows from Grandma’s era, calissons and orangettes from Provence, marzipan in the shape of small animals (mice, turtles, etc.) so cute you might not even want to eat them… Not to mention a whole range of chocolates and pralines shaped according to the rules of the art, like the feuilletine truffles, almond snack bars, dried fruit mendiants and chocolate praliné bars.

Here, feasting is like child’s play! Note that the store now has a dozen branches throughout Paris.

Discover the musée Grévin just a few steps away from the Faubourg Montmartre shop!

Access and contact 35 rue du Faubourg Montmartre 75009 Paris 9ème Days and opening hours All year round between 9.30 am and 8 pm More info: www.visitparisregion.com/en/a-la-mere-de-famille

Maison Berthillon

On the Île Saint-Louis, the most famous of all the Parisian ice cream makers awaits you with a range of cool, refreshing flavours. Leave any guilty feelings at the door and give in to a taste of their frozen deliciousness!

The Berthillon family story began back in 1954, when Raymond Berthillon decided to try out artisan ice creams in his café at 31 Rue Saint-Louis. They were a massive hit, and news of his success soon spread.

Maison Berthillon © Angelique Scherer CRT Paris IDF

His grandchildren and son-in-law, Bernard Chauvin, followed in his footsteps, making ice creams and sorbets by hand to preserve their authentic taste, and Berthillon has now become a leading international brand.

The chef goes to market at the crack of dawn to stock up on fresh ingredients. Full-fat milk, cream and eggs are then transformed into vanilla, caramel, coffee and hazelnut-flavoured ice creams. These delicious flavours sit side by side with wild strawberry, pear and apricot sorbets.

Walking into the shop is enough to get your senses tingling at the very sight of the bright colours, the smell of the fruity, creamy concoctions, and the smooth, delicate taste. Take a seat in the tea room and order one of the many house specialities, such as the ice cream Tatin, Vacherin, or even their Belle Hélène.

Access and contact 29-31 Rue Saint-Louis 75004 Paris 4ème Days and opening hours Every day throughout the year between 10 am and 8 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. More info: www.visitparisregion.com/en/maison-berthillon

Christophe Michalak

Christophe Michalak, the “rock star” of French pastry, needs no introduction. His creations are still reinventing the gourmet experience.

How can you experience fine gastronomy without breaking the bank? By focusing on dessert! His pastries can be enjoyed on their own for a few euros, even as they share all the delicacy and excellence of the finest gourmet meals.

Christophe Michalak built his reputation as the pastry chef of one of the most exclusive Parisian luxury hotels, Plaza Athénée, where for over fifteen years he prepared desserts for Alain Ducasse’s restaurant, rated three Michelin stars. Savouring a Michalak pastry is therefore a way to share in this legend.

The classics of the 2005 World Pastry Champion first captivate you with their formal perfection and elegance. They then thrill with their gustatory force, daring to pair flavours always that pop yet are always perfectly balanced. Knowing how to disrupt things to better cultivate the basics is a true essence of rock. All that’s left is to choose which of these little wonders to choose from: Pavlova, Religieuse, Paris-Brest, Ali Baba or “Kosmik” Chocolate Mousse?

Buche Chocolat Pecan © Delphine Michalak Access and contact 60, rue du faubourg poissonnière 75010 Paris 10ème Days and opening hours Every day throughout the year between 11 am and 7 pm. Closed on Sunday. More info: www.visitparisregion.com/en/christophe-michalak

Paroles de Fromagers

Not just a wine bar, but a cheese bar too? That is the brilliant concept behind Paroles de Fromagers, where you can become an expert in France’s most iconic cheese and wine pairings.

Washed- or bloomy-rind soft cheeses, cooked or uncooked pressed-curd cheeses, varieties made with goat’s, cow’s or ewe’s milk…

Does the world of French cheese make you dizzy, particularly when it comes to choosing the right wine to accompany it? Then step inside this unique cheese shop and wine cellar, which not only sells over 150 different products, but also offers introductory workshops and bespoke tastings led by friendly experts in the science of wine and cheese.

Paroles de Fromagers Paris © Paroles de Fromagers

Take a seat in the 17th-century vaulted cellar to discover a selection of exceptional cheeses, paired with painstakingly chosen wines that will reveal some of the rarest and most intriguing aromatic palettes such pairings can offer. It’s a real journey for the taste buds, and one you can recreate at home, after attending a make-your-own-cheese workshop!

Access and contact 39 rue de Bretagne 75003 Paris 3ème +33 (0)6 12 92 24 20 www.parolesdefromagers.com/en Days and opening hours Every day throughout the year between 9 am and 10 pm. Closed Monday and Sunday. Times of tasting workshops with the cheese specialist: Tuesday to Saturday: 09:00 – 22:00 (booking required) Shop opening times: Tuesday to Thursday: 09:30 – 13:00 and 16:00 – 19:45 Friday and Saturday: 09:00 – 19:45. More info: www.visitparisregion.com/en/paroles-de-fromagers

Les Caves du Louvre

Wine bar, wine museum, wine shop ... A prestigious address with an experience for all the senses!

Due to the health crisis, this establishment is likely to be closed or to welcome you according to specific conditions. For more information, we advise you to get in touch with them.

Just a few steps away from the musée du Louvre and the Comédie française, Les Caves du Louvre offers you a true experience in the world of wine.

Different areas have been carefully laid out for a complete tour : the wine storehouse, with oak barrels where wines are ageing; a tasting room; a room of terroirs, where the role of the soil in the construction of wine is exposed; a room of aromas where everyone can test their sense of smell; the laboratory, which hosts the wine-making activities; the bottling room, where you can cork your bottle and seal it with wax; the labelling room; the tasting bar where a sommelier will welcome you in a friendly atmosphere.

In autonomy thanks to a dedicated or guided application or even the time of a workshop of 2 hours during which you will have learned how to create your own wine, it's up to you to choose your visit and your formula!

Les Caves du Louvre, a space dedicated to discovering wines, a fun workshop. Private mansion classified as a 17th century historical monument, built by the sommelier of Louis XV, Paris 2015. © Les Caves du Louvre

A sommelier at the Court of Versailles The address was not chosen at random. This private mansion, now classified as a Historic Monument belonged in the XVIIIth century to Sieur Trudon who made candles, candles, torches and torches for the Cour de Versailles. When the corks were sealed with wax, Trudon became "wax maker and … sommelier to King Louis XV ".

Access and contact 52 rue de l'Arbre Sec 75001 Paris 1er + 33 (0)1 40 28 13 11 www.cavesdulouvre.com Metro: Line 1 : Louvre Rivoli Line 7: Pont Neuf RER A & B : Chatelet les Halles Days and opening hours All year round between 2 pm and 6 pm. Open on sunday from 14:00 to 17:00. More info: www.visitparisregion.com/en/les-caves-du-louvre

Cook’n with class

In the heart of Paris’s historical Montmartre district, come and meet chefs with a real passion for what they do. This highly reputed school offers cookery lessons in English for lovers of French cuisine.

*Cook’n with class / Macaron Class in Paris – Learn to make French macarons with a Professional chef in English. Taste in class and take home your creations © Droits réservés *

Visit the market and learn how to select good produce. Then learn how to make cakes, pastries or a great French dish. Have fun as you learn with this culinary experience. Sign up for the class of your choice on the Cook’n with class website.

Practical, half-day sessions during which you can learn how to marry wines and cheeses, decorate cakes or serve foie gras. Or spend several days at the school learning how to bake your own bread, your morning croissants, the perfect lemon pie or a delicious Paris-Brest. All classes are taught in English by professional chefs passionate about sharing their know-how and French culture.

An internationally renowned school that welcomes children and adults and helps them discover the many facets of French gastronomy.

Access and contact 6 rue Baudelique 75018 Paris 18ème Days and opening hours All year round. More info: www.visitparisregion.com/en/cook-n-with-class

More information on Paris Region and to plan your trip, visit:

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