Le Macaron

With a round shape of 3 to 5 centimetres, the macaroon is made up of two light, crunchy shells, similar to a light meringue, made from powdered almonds, icing sugar and egg whites. These two shells contain a filling that can vary according to the taste or texture you want to give the macaroon. You can add chocolate ganache, jam, peanut butter and much more.

You'll find macaroons in a range of colours, often associated with a particular flavour. Whether you prefer fruity or chocolatey pastries, you'll find something to your liking in the various macaroon options. The classic flavours of vanilla, chocolate, raspberry, coffee and pistachio are all very popular, but we're also seeing some new and unusual macaroon flavours appearing in shop windows, such as peanut butter, basil, black sesame, grapefruit and lychee. In other words, depending on your preferences, macaroons can come in your favourite flavour.

Treat yourself to these sweet treats, or give them as a boxed gift! A Macaron box is a very popular gift that's sure to please any sweet tooth!

The savoury version

For fans of savoury treats, this little marvel is also available in a savoury version! Discover new flavours perfect for your aperitifs: original foie gras macaroons, honey goat's cheese, pesto or caviar will surprise you for a surprising and luxurious taste experience.

The history of the macaroon

The history of this little pastry is much more complex than you might think. In fact, it dates back to medieval times, not in France as you might imagine, but in Italy. It was there that the first traces of a pastry resembling the macaroon were created, called "macarone", in the form of a small ball of sweet almond paste. It was this pastry that served as the initial model for the macaroon we know today.

Macarone" arrived in France in the 16th century, thanks to Catherine de Médicis, a native of Italy who became Queen of France following her marriage to King Henry II. According to the story, she brought many of her native country's specialities with her to France.

Following this discovery in France, the macaroon took its place as an emblematic dessert and managed to develop over the years, before finding its current form.

The year 1862 marked a major step forward in the development of the macaroon. The Ladurée patisserie was founded in Paris. Ladurée is now world-famous, and has even become a tourist attraction, particularly renowned for its macaroons. This institution has the reputation of having reinvented the macaroon and of being the creator of the modern version of this pastry.

In the 20th century, macaroons became increasingly popular, and their popularity has grown steadily over the centuries and years, making them an icon of French pastry today.

                                                                                                     

The best macaroons in Paris

If you're staying in the City of Light and you're a fan of sweet treats, we've put together a list of the best places to try the best macaroons in Paris for a successful afternoon snack in some of the most beautiful places in Paris. Take a macaron box in order to taste all the flavours that you like!

For chocolate lovers!

Is chocolate your guilty pleasure? Then head for one of the 7 boutiques, all close to must-see monuments, run by Jean-Paul Hévin, the French artisan chocolatier and pastry chef. His chocolate specialities are well worth a visit, and his famous chocolate macaroons have won numerous awards.

The macaroon with Japanese influences

Sadaharu Aoki is a Japanese pastry chef and chocolatier who moved to France and is now widely recognised as a major figure in contemporary pastry-making in France. With his unique and innovative pastries, this Chef has managed to excel in his field and create a unique taste experience with his creations. For macaroons with flavours straight from Japan, such as matcha tea, yuzu or hojicha grilled tea, this is the address for you!

The must: LaDurée

It's hard to talk about Parisian macaroons without mentioning Ladurée. A true classic offering a wide variety of flavours and small or large macaroons. An iconic recipe and a refined, elegant, typically Parisian aesthetic that attracts millions of visitors every day.

Pierre Hermé classics

Chef Pierre Hermé's famous macaroons are also unmissable. Known as the "Picasso of Patisserie", his creativity and innovative approach to patisserie have built his reputation as a great chef. His macaroons are renowned for their wide variety of flavours and surprising creations, such as the Mogador, made with passion fruit and chocolate, or the Jardins des près with verbena and strawberry.

The macaron that will surprise you

Finally, if you're looking for a truly surprising taste experience, we recommend Le monde du Macaron, where you can try some amazing champagne flavours or sweet and savoury creations such as goat's cheese basil or lime cactus - the perfect address for discovering original and delicious macaroons!