7 Historic Confectioneries in Paris Since the 1800s

Paris's most historic confectioneries will take you on a sweet journey through time! Since the 1800s, legendary shops like À La Mère De Famille (1761), Ladurée (1862), and Maison Georges Larnicol (1897) have crafted exquisite treats in stunning Belle Époque settings. You'll find century-old recipes at Stohrer Pâtisserie (1730), Méert (1761), Debauve & Gallais (1800), and La Maison Du Chocolat (1825). Each storefront tells a unique story of Parisian confectionery mastery that's waiting to be discovered.

À La Mère De Famille (Est. 1761)

Stepping into À La Mère de Famille is like traveling through time to 18th-century Paris. Established in 1761, this confectionery holds the distinction of being the oldest candy shop in Paris, maintaining its original location at 35 rue du Faubourg-Montmartre. The historic storefront, with its hand-painted glass windows and vintage signage, has remained virtually unchanged since 1860, earning it recognition as a historical monument.

This legendary establishment has served generations of Parisians and visitors, from Marie Antoinette's court to modern-day gourmands. The shop combines traditional French confectionery craftsmanship with contemporary chocolate-making techniques, offering an extensive selection of handmade chocolates, candied fruits, macarons, and other sweet delicacies that showcase both historical recipes and innovative creations.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-19:30, Sunday 10:00-13:00
• Price Range: €5-50 for individual items, gift boxes €20-200
• Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings for fewer crowds
• Payment Methods: Cash, major credit cards
• Location: Multiple locations, but flagship store in the 9th arrondissement
• Language: Staff speaks basic English
• Dietary Options: Some sugar-free and vegan options available

The Historic Flagship Store

The original shop on rue du Faubourg-Montmartre remains the crown jewel of the brand. The Belle Époque interior features original wooden cabinets, marble counters, and ornate ceiling moldings. The store's layout showcases an impressive array of confections, with the chocolate counter taking center stage. Insider tip: Ask to see the basement chocolate workshop viewing area, which isn't advertised but offers glimpses of artisans at work.

Product Specialties

The shop is renowned for its "Dentelles de Bruges" (thin, crispy caramelized cookies), "Rochers Suchard" (praline-filled chocolates), and "Marrons Glacés" (candied chestnuts). Their signature chocolate bars feature single-origin cocoa from carefully selected plantations. Lesser-known specialty: Their house-made "Pâtes de Fruits" are made using traditional copper pots and family recipes dating back to the 18th century.

Pro Tips:

The best time to visit is during mid-morning on weekdays when fresh batches of chocolates are typically brought out from the workshop. For the fullest experience, visit during major French holidays when the shop creates elaborate seasonal displays and special-edition confections. Consider joining their occasional chocolate-making workshops, which must be booked several months in advance.

Practical Advice:

During summer months, avoid purchasing chocolate products for take-away between 12:00-16:00 when temperatures are highest. The shop offers temperature-controlled packaging for up to 48 hours, and international shipping is available for non-perishable items. For the best experience, ask for a guided tasting at the chocolate counter, where staff can explain the history and craftsmanship behind specific products.

Ladurée (est. 1862)

Founded during France's Second Empire, Ladurée has become synonymous with Parisian luxury pastries and the iconic macaron. What began as a modest bakery on Rue Royale has evolved into a global symbol of French culinary excellence, combining 19th-century tea room traditions with contemporary pastry innovation.

The house of Ladurée revolutionized Parisian tea culture by creating one of the city's first tea salons where ladies could gather socially – a rarity in 1862. While the original location still stands, Ladurée now operates several boutiques throughout Paris, each maintaining the brand's signature mint-green color scheme and Second Empire elegance while serving their world-famous double-decker macarons.

Quick Facts:

• Hours: Most locations open 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM daily
• Price Range: Macarons €21-25/box of 6; Tea service €40-65/person
• Reservation Requirements: Recommended for tea service, especially at Champs-Élysées location
• Dietary Options: Some vegan macarons available; gluten-free options limited
• Payment Methods: Major credit cards accepted; contactless payments welcome
• Peak Times: 2-5 PM for tea service; weekends extremely busy

Flagship Location (Champs-Élysées)

The Champs-Élysées location represents Ladurée's grandest expression, featuring ornate Second Empire décor, hand-painted ceilings, and a verdant terrace. Beyond the famous macarons, this location offers full breakfast, lunch, and tea services. The second-floor salon provides a more intimate dining experience, often overlooked by tourists who remain on the ground floor.

Insider Tip: The boutique section opens 30 minutes before the restaurant, allowing early visitors to purchase fresh macarons without the typical crowds.

Pro Tips:

Visit during weekday mornings (before 11 AM) to avoid the longest queues and guarantee the freshest selection of pastries. For photography enthusiasts, the morning light through the windows of the Champs-Élysées location creates stunning opportunities for photos, particularly in the main salon between 9-10 AM.

Practical Advice:

While Ladurée's macarons can be found at various locations throughout Paris, consider purchasing them from the less touristy locations, such as the Rue Bonaparte shop in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. These locations often offer the same products with shorter wait times and a more authentic Parisian experience. Macarons remain fresh for up to three days when properly stored, making them perfect gifts to take home – staff can provide proper packaging for travel.

Maison Georges Larnicol (est. 1897)

Nestled in the heart of Paris's Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, Maison Georges Larnicol stands as a proof of French confectionery artistry since 1897. This prestigious establishment, recognized with the coveted Meilleur Ouvrier de France distinction, has earned its reputation through masterful chocolate craftsmanship and innovative kouignettes, a miniature version of the traditional Breton kouign-amann pastry.

The shop's distinctive blue facade and ornate window displays draw visitors into a world where chocolate becomes art and traditional French pastry-making meets modern innovation. Inside, master chocolatier Georges Larnicol's creations range from intricate chocolate sculptures to delicate macarons, making this destination essential for both serious confectionery enthusiasts and casual sweet-toothed travelers.

Quick Facts:

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-19:30, Sunday 11:00-19:00
• Price Range: €3-15 for individual items, €20-100 for gift boxes
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning weekdays or mid-afternoon Sundays
• Payment Methods: Major credit cards, cash
• Photography: Allowed in shop, but not of specific designs
• Dietary Options: Some gluten-free choices available
• Languages: Staff speaks French and basic English

Signature Offerings:

The kouignettes (€5-7 per box) represent Larnicol's most famous creation, featuring buttery, caramelized layers available in various flavors including classic, chocolate, and pistachio. These treats are best enjoyed within 24 hours of purchase.

Chocolate Sculptures:

The shop's chocolate showpieces demonstrate extraordinary artisanal skill, with seasonal collections and custom orders available. Insider tip: Visit during major holidays to see spectacular themed displays not available year-round.

Location and Atmosphere:

132 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

The historic boutique features original Art Nouveau elements and custom-designed display cases. Less known is the small workshop viewing window at the rear of the shop where visitors can occasionally glimpse artisans at work.

Pro Tips:

Time your visit for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when fresh batches of kouignettes emerge from the ovens, filling the shop with their irresistible aroma. For the best selection of chocolate sculptures and seasonal items, visit during the first week of each month when new collections are typically revealed. Consider asking staff about the day's fresh selections, as certain items are produced in limited quantities.

Practical Advice:

During summer months, the shop offers special packaging with cooling elements for chocolate purchases. For maximum enjoyment, consume kouignettes within 24 hours and avoid photographing chocolate displays as the flash can affect delicate pieces. The shop offers worldwide shipping for non-perishable items, but plan ahead during peak holiday seasons when waiting times can extend to several weeks.

Stohrer Pâtisserie (est. 1730)

Founded by Nicolas Stohrer, King Louis XV's pastry chef, Stohrer Pâtisserie stands as Paris's oldest operating pastry shop and a living monument to French culinary excellence. This historic establishment, located in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement, has been crafting exquisite pastries and confections since 1730, maintaining its original recipes and elegant 19th-century décor that has earned it classification as a historical monument.

Visitors to Stohrer step into more than just a patisserie; they enter a piece of French cultural heritage where the invention of Baba au Rhum took place and where generations of master pastry chefs have upheld the highest standards of French pastry-making. The shop's ornate interior, adorned with Paul Baudry's restored frescoes, provides a stunning backdrop to the daily parade of perfectly crafted éclairs, fruit tarts, and signature creations.

Quick Facts:

• Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Sunday 7:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Price Range: €5-15 for individual pastries, €20-45 for specialty cakes
• Peak Times: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Payment Methods: Cash, major credit cards
• Photography: Allowed inside, but be respectful during busy hours
• Languages: Staff speaks French and basic English
• Seating: Limited standing room only

Location Details:

Situated at 51 Rue Montorgueil, Stohrer benefits from its position on one of Paris's most beloved market streets. The patisserie is easily accessible via Metro stations Sentier (Line 3) or Les Halles (Lines 1, 4, and RER A, B, D). The shop's original storefront and interior designs by Paul Baudry, who also decorated the Paris Opera, make it as much a visual feast as a culinary one.

Pro Tips:

Visit early morning (before 9:00 AM) to experience the freshest selection of pastries and avoid crowds. The shop's signature Baba au Rhum and "Puit d'Amour" (Well of Love) are must-try items that perfectly represent the establishment's historic legacy. For the best photography opportunities, arrive just as they open when the display cases are fully stocked and the morning light streams through the historic facade.

Practical Advice:

During peak tourist season (June-August), consider visiting on weekdays rather than weekends. While the shop doesn't offer seating, the nearby Square Montholon provides a pleasant spot to enjoy your purchases. For special occasions, order celebration cakes at least 48 hours in advance. Take advantage of their careful packaging services for transporting delicate pastries, and remember that many items are best consumed within a few hours of purchase for ideal taste and texture.

Méert (est. 1761)

Stepping into Méert is like entering a time capsule of French confectionery history, where the art of sweet-making has been perfected since 1761. This historic establishment, which earned its reputation as a purveyor to King Leopold I of Belgium, is particularly renowned for its paper-thin vanilla waffles, filled with a rich Madagascar vanilla cream that has remained virtually unchanged for over two centuries.

The flagship store in Lille, along with its prestigious Paris location, maintains the original Belle Époque décor, featuring ornate mirrors, dark woodwork, and glass display cases that showcase an array of meticulously crafted confections. The Paris boutique offers visitors a chance to experience the same luxurious treats that once delighted European nobility, served in an atmosphere that perfectly balances historical grandeur with contemporary refinement.

Quick Facts:

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-19:00, Sunday 10:00-18:00
• Price Range: €20-50 for a selection of confections
• Signature Waffle Box: Starting at €25
• Reservation Required: No, except for tea room
• Payment Methods: Major credit cards, cash
• Location: Multiple locations in Paris, flagship at 16 Rue Elzévir
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds
• Photography: Allowed in shop, restricted in tea room

The Vanilla Waffle Legacy

Méert's signature vanilla waffles (gaufres) represent the pinnacle of French confectionery craftsmanship. Each waffle consists of two delicate, crisp wafers filled with a proprietary vanilla cream made from Madagascar bourbon vanilla. The recipe, closely guarded since the 18th century, produces a texture and taste that has earned Méert international acclaim. Insider tip: Purchase the waffles early in the day when they're freshest, and ask for them to be packed separately if traveling with them.

Tea Room Experience

The Paris location features an elegant tea room where visitors can enjoy their confections alongside fine teas and hot chocolate. The space recreates the atmosphere of a 19th-century salon, complete with period furniture and ornate decorations. While the waffles are the star attraction, don't miss the house-made chocolates and macarons. Unique feature: Request a window seat for views of the historic Marais district.

Pro Tips:

For the ultimate Méert experience, visit during off-peak hours (Tuesday-Thursday mornings) when the staff can provide more personalized attention and recommendations. Consider purchasing the signature gift box, which includes an assortment of waffles and chocolates, carefully packaged to maintain freshness for up to two weeks. The shop assistants are known for their expertise and can guide you through the various seasonal offerings and limited-edition treats.

Practical Advice:

When visiting Méert in Paris, combine your visit with exploration of the surrounding Marais district. The shop can get quite busy during tourist season and weekends, so arrive early or make a reservation if planning to enjoy the tea room. Keep in mind that while the waffles travel well, chocolate purchases should be planned according to your schedule, as they're best enjoyed within a few days and need to be kept at proper temperature.

Debauve & Gallais (est. 1800)

Stepping into Debauve & Gallais is like entering a time capsule of French chocolate-making excellence, where the legacy of Marie Antoinette's royal chocolatier still lives on. Founded in 1800 by Sulpice Debauve, a former pharmacist to Louis XVI, this prestigious establishment became France's first official chocolate maker to the imperial court and continues to uphold its reputation for exceptional quality over two centuries later.

The historic boutique at 30 Rue des Saints-Pères showcases not only exquisite chocolates but also preserves its original Empire-style décor, complete with wooden panels and crystal chandeliers. The shop remains a tribute to the golden age of Parisian confectionery, offering visitors a glimpse into the refined world of 19th-century chocolate craftsmanship while maintaining the highest standards of contemporary chocolate making.

Quick Facts:

• Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Price Range: €25-200 per box
• Payment Methods: Major credit cards, cash
• Languages: French, English
• Accessibility: Ground floor access
• Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings
• Photography: Limited interior photography allowed
• Storage: Climate-controlled environment for chocolate preservation

The Flagship Store Experience:

The Saint-Germain-des-Prés location houses both the boutique and a small museum showcasing historic chocolate-making equipment and royal warrants. The store's signature pistoles (coin-shaped chocolates) remain faithful to the original recipes created for Marie Antoinette. The boutique features temperature-controlled display cases and expert chocolatiers who can guide visitors through the extensive collection of pralines, ganaches, and single-origin chocolate bars. Insider tip: Ask about the "Pistoles de Marie-Antoinette," which were originally created as medicine-filled chocolates to help the queen take her daily treatments.

Pro Tips:

Visit during cooler months (October-April) when chocolate is at its prime and the risk of melting during transport is minimal. For the fullest experience, schedule your visit between 2:00-4:00 PM on weekdays when the shop is less crowded and staff can provide more personalized attention. Consider purchasing the heritage gift boxes, which come with detailed historical information about the company's royal connections and are perfect for special occasions.

Practical Advice:

When visiting Debauve & Gallais, remember that this is more than a chocolate shop – it's a piece of French cultural heritage. The staff takes pride in sharing their knowledge, so don't hesitate to ask questions about the history and production methods. For best chocolate preservation, the boutique provides special insulated packaging for purchases, and international shipping is available with appropriate climate-controlled conditions. If planning to buy significant quantities or seeking specific historic collections, calling ahead is recommended to confirm availability.

La Maison Du Chocolat (Est. 1825)

Founded in 1825, La Maison Du Chocolat stands as one of Paris's most prestigious chocolate houses, embodying nearly two centuries of French chocolate-making excellence. This legendary establishment has earned its reputation through an unwavering commitment to quality, innovative chocolate craftsmanship, and the preservation of traditional French chocolate-making techniques.

Stepping into La Maison Du Chocolat is like entering a temple dedicated to the art of chocolate. The flagship store on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré showcases an elegant blend of contemporary luxury and historic charm, where master chocolatiers create exquisite pralines, ganaches, and seasonal collections that have earned worldwide acclaim.

Quick Facts:

• Price Range: €25-200 per box, individual pieces from €2.50
• Best Times to Visit: Tuesday-Thursday mornings (fewer crowds)
• Multiple Paris Locations: 6 boutiques throughout the city
• Dietary Options: Dark chocolate vegan selections available
• Languages: Staff speaks English and French
• Payment: All major credit cards accepted
• Shipping: International shipping available, temperature-controlled packaging

Signature Collections

The ganache collection represents La Maison's cornerstone offering, featuring smooth, perfectly tempered chocolate shells filled with delicate flavored centers. Each piece undergoes a rigorous 72-hour production process to achieve ideal texture and taste. The flagship store offers exclusive collections not found in other locations, including seasonal limited editions.

Chocolate Workshops

The establishment offers intimate chocolate-making workshops (€95 per person) where participants learn traditional techniques from master chocolatiers. These sessions must be booked at least two weeks in advance and are available in both English and French. Insider tip: Thursday afternoon workshops typically have smaller groups and more personal attention.

Historical Significance

The original recipes developed by the founding family remain closely guarded secrets, passed down through generations of master chocolatiers. The store's historic vault contains handwritten recipe books dating back to the 1800s, though these are not publicly displayed.

Pro Tips:

For the freshest selection, visit within two weeks of any major holiday when new seasonal collections are released. The quietest shopping times are weekday mornings between 10:30-11:30 AM. Consider joining their loyalty program for advance notice of limited editions and special tastings not advertised to the general public.

Practical Advice:

During summer months (June-August), request thermal packaging for any purchases, as Parisian temperatures can affect chocolate quality. The flagship store offers temperature-controlled storage if you're not returning directly to your accommodation. For the best experience, make advance reservations for tastings or workshops, particularly during peak tourist season (May-September) or near major holidays.