9 Instagrammable Desserts in Paris Worth the Calories

Paris's most Instagram-worthy desserts will make your followers drool! I've tracked down nine incredible treats you won't want to miss: Parallel Paris's rainbow-streaked unicorn croissants, Ladurée's perfectly prismatic macarons, Angelina's towering Saint Honoré, Aux Merveilleux's cloud-like meringues, Amorino's rose-shaped gelato, Des Gâteaux Et Du Pain's mirror cakes, Sadaharu Aoki's matcha garden tarts, L'eclair De Génie's flower eclairs, and Cédric Grolet's glistening dome cakes. Let me share the best times to visit and photography tips to capture these edible masterpieces.

The Vibrant Unicorn Croissants at Parallel Paris

Nestled in the trendy Marais district, Parallel Paris has revolutionized the traditional French croissant with their spectacular rainbow-hued creation known as the Unicorn Croissant. This visually stunning pastry has become a social media sensation, combining classic French pastry techniques with modern artistic flair to create a treat that's as photogenic as it is delicious.

The Unicorn Croissant features delicate layers of buttery pastry, each tinted with natural food colorings to create a mesmerizing rainbow effect when pulled apart. While some purists initially scoffed at this contemporary take on a French classic, the technical precision and quality ingredients have won over even the most traditional pastry critics.

Quick Facts:

• Price: €6.50-7.50 per croissant
• Best visiting times: Tuesday-Saturday, 8:00-10:00 AM for freshest batches
• Wait times: 15-45 minutes during peak hours
• Pre-orders: Available 48 hours in advance
• Dietary notes: Contains dairy, gluten; no vegan options
• Photography: Natural light best before 11 AM
• Languages: Staff speaks English and French

The signature Unicorn Croissant comes in rotating seasonal flavors, featuring classic vanilla bean, rose-raspberry, and lavender-honey variations. Each croissant is crafted over three days using AOP-certified French butter and organic flour, resulting in exactly 27 layers of perfectly laminated dough. The bakery produces limited quantities daily, with production typically selling out by early afternoon. Insider tip: Request your croissant "légèrement cuit" (slightly under-baked) for the most vibrant colors in photos.

Pro Tips:

For the ultimate Instagram shot, position yourself near the shop's front window between 9-10 AM when natural light floods the space. The croissants photograph best against the bakery's signature white marble countertops, and pulling the pastry apart slowly captures the iconic "rainbow stretch" effect that has made these treats famous. Consider ordering an additional croissant for eating, as the perfect photo shot often requires the pastry to cool completely.

Practical Advice:

Visit on weekdays to avoid the longest queues, and combine your visit with a morning walk through the Marais district. The bakery accepts credit cards and mobile payments, but carrying cash is recommended during busy periods. While photography is encouraged, be mindful of other customers and avoid using flash or blocking the counter area. For special occasions, custom-colored croissants can be ordered with one week's advance notice.

Rainbow Macarons at Ladurée

Step into a world where classic French elegance meets modern Instagram-worthy creations at Ladurée's flagship locations across Paris. The legendary patisserie, founded in 1862, has reimagined its iconic macarons with a vibrant rainbow collection that pays homage to both tradition and contemporary aesthetic desires. These carefully crafted confections feature graduating colors of the rainbow while maintaining Ladurée's signature delicate texture and sophisticated flavors.

The rainbow macaron collection represents a masterful fusion of the house's time-honored techniques with innovative visual appeal that's captured the hearts of social media enthusiasts and pastry connoisseurs alike. Each rainbow macaron showcases up to six distinct hues on its shell, created using natural food colorings and requiring exceptional precision during the baking process to achieve the perfect gradient effect.

Quick Facts:

• Price: €23-28 for a box of 6 rainbow macarons
• Peak Hours: 2-5pm daily, especially weekends
• Best Photo Time: 11am-1pm for natural lighting
• Availability: Year-round, with seasonal color variations
• Storage: Best consumed within 3-4 days
• Dietary Notes: Contains nuts, gluten-free options available
• Pre-ordering: Recommended for large quantities

The rainbow macarons are available at all Parisian Ladurée locations, but the Champs-Élysées flagship store (75 Avenue des Champs-Élysées) offers the most extensive selection and photo-worthy presentation. The rainbow collection features classic flavors like vanilla, raspberry, and pistachio, expertly paired with complementary color gradients. Each macaron undergoes a meticulous 48-hour creation process, guaranteeing the perfect balance between crisp shells and smooth ganache filling. Insider tip: Visit the less crowded Bonaparte location (21 Rue Bonaparte) for a more relaxed photography session and equally fresh selection.

Pro Tips:

The best Instagram shots can be captured near the store's windows, where natural light highlights the macarons' subtle color shifts. Consider purchasing a larger box set, as these come in Ladurée's signature mint-green packaging, which adds an extra element of sophistication to photos. For the most striking compositions, combine rainbow macarons with classic single-colored varieties to create contrast and visual interest.

Practical Advice:

To maximize the best experience, avoid visiting during rainy days as humidity can affect the macarons' texture. During summer months, request a cold pack for transportation if you plan to carry them for more than 30 minutes. The staff can provide guidance on flavor combinations that complement the rainbow aesthetic while maintaining taste harmony, so don't hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your preferences.

Saint Honoré Tower at Angelina

The Saint Honoré Tower at Angelina Paris stands as a masterpiece of French pastry artistry, combining classic elegance with modern social media appeal. This architectural dessert masterpiece pays homage to the patron saint of pastry chefs while creating an instant visual impact that has made it one of the most photographed desserts in Paris.

Rising majestically from its plate like a delicate cream-filled sculpture, the Saint Honoré Tower represents everything that makes French pastry extraordinary: technical precision, artistic presentation, and sublime flavors. The dessert features layers of crisp choux pastry puffs, carefully arranged in a towering spiral and filled with light-as-air cream, all finished with a sophisticated caramel glaze.

Quick Facts:

• Price: €12-15 per serving
• Best time to visit: Weekday mornings (9-11 AM)
• Wait times: 30-60 minutes during peak hours
• Photography allowed: Yes, without flash
• Dietary notes: Contains gluten, dairy, eggs
• Seasonal availability: Year-round
• Advance reservation: Suggested for groups

The Saint Honoré Tower experience at Angelina begins in their historic salon de thé, located at 226 Rue de Rivoli. This Belle Époque tea room, established in 1903, serves the dessert in an elegant setting that enhances the overall experience. The tower itself consists of carefully constructed choux puffs filled with light vanilla cream, stacked precisely and adorned with spun sugar decorations. Insider tip: Request a window seat when making reservations for the best natural lighting for photos.

Pro Tips:

For the perfect Instagram shot, position yourself at the marble tables near the windows during morning hours when natural light streams through the historic windows. The dessert's intricate details are best captured from a slight angle, allowing the viewer to appreciate both the height and the detailed pastry work. Consider ordering their famous hot chocolate alongside the Saint Honoré Tower – the rich brown beverage creates a striking contrast in photos.

Practical Advice:

Visit during shoulder season (March-April or September-October) when tourist crowds are thinner. The dessert requires approximately 15-20 minutes to be properly prepared, so factor this into your dining plans. While walk-ins are accepted, securing a reservation through their website guarantees you won't miss out on this iconic Parisian dessert experience, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The Famous Cloud Dessert at Aux Merveilleux De Fred

The ethereal cloud-like desserts at Aux Merveilleux de Fred have become one of Paris's most photographed sweet treats, enchanting both locals and tourists with their delicate appearance and heavenly taste. These light-as-air meringue confections, covered in whipped cream and dusted with chocolate shavings, create the perfect balance between visual appeal and gastronomic excellence.

Originally from Northern France, these merveilleux (meaning marvelous in French) have been elevated to artistic perfection by pastry chef Frédéric Vaucamps. Each cloud-like creation consists of two meringues sandwiched together with light whipped cream, then entirely encased in more cream and various toppings, resulting in a dessert that's both visually stunning and remarkably light on the palate.

Quick Facts:

• Price Range: €3.90-€7.50 per individual merveilleux
• Peak Hours: 2-5pm daily, especially weekends
• Wait Times: 10-15 minutes during peak hours
• Photography Allowed: Yes, inside and outside
• Dietary Notes: Contains dairy and eggs; not suitable for vegans
• Best Time for Photos: Morning light, before 11am
• Storage: Must be consumed within 24 hours

The Signature Creation:

The classic Le Merveilleux remains the most photographed and ordered item, featuring dark chocolate shavings covering the traditional whipped cream exterior. Located in the Marais district at 24 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, the shop operates Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30am to 7:30pm. Unlike many Parisian pastry shops, they make fresh batches throughout the day, ensuring ideal texture and taste. Insider tip: Ask for your merveilleux to be packaged separately from other pastries to maintain its delicate shape.

Pro Tips:

For the best Instagram shots, visit during morning hours when natural light streams through the shop's windows, creating a magical glow around the displayed desserts. Position yourself near the window display for ideal lighting, and use the shop's charming interior as a backdrop. Consider ordering a variety of sizes and flavors to create an artistic arrangement – the different textures and colors make for compelling compositions.

The shop's convenient location near the Seine means you can combine your dessert run with a picturesque walk along the river. Visit on weekday mornings to avoid the weekend crowds, and remember that these delicate desserts are best enjoyed immediately or within a few hours of purchase. For best results, avoid hot days as the cream-based treats can become fragile in warm temperatures, and consider bringing an insulated bag if you plan to transport them more than a short distance.

Rose-Shaped Gelato at Amorino

Amorino's signature rose-shaped gelato has become one of Paris's most photographed desserts, transforming the simple act of enjoying ice cream into an artistic experience. Each carefully crafted cone features delicate petals of gelato, meticulously arranged to create a blooming rose that's as visually stunning as it is delicious.

What sets Amorino apart is not just their presentation, but their commitment to authentic Italian gelato-making techniques combined with French culinary aesthetics. Visitors can choose multiple flavors for their rose, with each color and flavor contributing to the final design, making every cone a unique masterpiece worthy of social media attention.

Quick Facts:

• Price Range: €4.50-€7.50 per cone
• Wait Times: 10-30 minutes during peak hours
• Best Photography Light: Late afternoon (golden hour)
• Dietary Options: Vegan and dairy-free flavors available
• Multiple Locations: Throughout Paris
• Peak Hours: 2:00-6:00 PM
• Season: Year-round, but busiest in summer

The Signature Rose Experience:

Amorino's gelato artists create each rose using a specialized spatula technique, carefully layering petals of your chosen flavors. The process takes about 2-3 minutes per cone, and customers can select up to 4-5 different flavors without additional cost. The flagship store on Rue de Buci in Saint-Germain-des-Prés offers the most extensive flavor selection and the most experienced artisans. Insider tip: Ask for a macaron to be placed in the center of your rose for an extra touch of Parisian flair.

Pro Tips:

For the perfect Instagram shot, position yourself near the shop's window or step outside to use natural light. The gelato maintains its rose shape for about 10-15 minutes before beginning to soften, so have your camera ready. Consider choosing contrasting flavors like pistachio, raspberry, and chocolate for the most visually striking combination.

Practical Advice:

Visit during off-peak hours (before 2 PM or after 7 PM) to avoid the longest queues. While most Amorino locations accept credit cards, it's wise to carry some cash. During summer months, ask for an extra cup under your cone to catch any melting gelato and protect your clothes. Remember that most locations have limited seating, so be prepared to enjoy your treat while walking through the charming Parisian streets.

The Caramel Mirror Cake at Des Gâteaux Et Du Pain

Claire Damon's Des Gâteaux Et Du Pain has revolutionized Parisian pastry with its architectural approach to desserts, but nothing captures Instagram feeds quite like their signature Caramel Mirror Cake. This gleaming masterpiece combines layers of vanilla-flecked génoise, silky caramel mousse, and a perfectly mirror-glazed exterior that reflects light like polished amber.

Beyond its stunning appearance, this cake represents the pinnacle of French pastry craftsmanship, where technique meets artistic vision. Each component is precisely balanced – from the delicate crunch of the feuilletine base to the cloud-like mousse and the paper-thin glaze that encases it all in a golden sheen that's become instantly recognizable on social media.

Quick Facts:

• Price: €8.50 per individual portion, €45-65 for whole cakes
• Best time to visit: Tuesday-Friday mornings for freshest selection
• Pre-ordering: Required 48 hours in advance for whole cakes
• Dietary notes: Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs
• Photography allowed: Yes, but no flash photography inside
• Peak hours: 2-4 PM on weekends
• Storage: Best consumed within 24 hours, can be refrigerated for up to 2 days

The Caramel Mirror Cake stands out for its precise temperature-controlled preparation process, which results in that signature reflective surface. Located at 63 Boulevard Pasteur in the 15th arrondissement, Des Gâteaux Et Du Pain opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7:30 PM, and Sundays from 9 AM to 2 PM. While most visitors focus on photographing the mirror finish, insider knowledge reveals that the cake actually tastes best when served at room temperature for 15-20 minutes after removal from refrigeration, allowing the caramel notes to fully develop.

Pro Tips:

For the perfect Instagram shot, position yourself near the shop's front windows during morning hours when natural light streams in at an angle. The cake's mirror finish photographs best against a dark background, so consider requesting it be placed on one of the shop's signature black boxes. For those planning to share with friends, the 6-person size offers the most dramatic presentation while maintaining the ideal ratio of mousse to cake layers.

Practical Advice:

Consider visiting during off-peak hours (weekday mornings) to guarantee the best selection and service. While the shop accepts credit cards, having cash ready can speed up the process during busy periods. If planning to photograph your purchase, bring a small portable light or reflector, as the shop's lighting can be challenging for photos. Remember that the cake's delicate nature means it should be transported with care – the shop provides specialized carriers, but avoiding metro crowds during rush hours is advisable.

Matcha Garden Tart at Sadaharu Aoki

Nestled in the heart of Paris's fashionable 6th arrondissement, Sadaharu Aoki's Matcha Garden Tart stands as a striking example of the marriage of Japanese precision and French pastry artistry. This visually stunning creation has become one of the most photographed desserts in Paris, featuring an intricate arrangement of matcha-infused elements that resemble a miniature zen garden.

The tart represents master pastry chef Sadaharu Aoki's signature fusion style, combining premium Japanese matcha powder with classical French pastry techniques. Each component is meticulously crafted to create not just a dessert, but an edible art piece that captures both the eye and the palate, making it a must-visit destination for food photographers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Quick Facts:

• Price: €8.50-9.50 per individual tart
• Best time to visit: Tuesday-Friday mornings for freshest selection
• Photography permitted: Yes, without flash
• Dietary notes: Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten
• Seasonal availability: Year-round
• Wait times: 10-15 minutes during peak hours
• Takeaway option: Available with special packaging

The Matcha Garden Tart features a buttery shortcrust base filled with matcha cream, topped with an artful arrangement of matcha mousse, chocolate "stones," and delicate matcha-dusted chocolate branches. Located at 35 Rue de Vaugirard, the boutique opens Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The lesser-known secret lies in its dual-textured matcha cream – the bottom layer contains a slightly bitter, intense matcha while the top offers a sweeter, more delicate flavor profile.

Pro Tips:

For the perfect Instagram shot, visit between 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM when natural light streams through the shop's windows at an ideal angle. Request your tart at room temperature rather than straight from the refrigerator – this allows the matcha flavors to fully develop and creates a more photogenic texture. Consider ordering the tart alongside a cup of their signature matcha latte for a complementary styling opportunity.

Practical Advice:

The boutique can accommodate small group tastings with advance reservation, but individual visitors should note that seating is limited. While the tart travels well for about two hours in their specialized packaging, it's best enjoyed within the first hour of purchase. During summer months, request an ice pack if planning to transport the dessert more than 30 minutes.

The Signature Flower Eclairs at L'eclair De Génie

Nestled in the heart of Le Marais, L'eclair De Génie has revolutionized the traditional French éclair into a work of edible art. These signature flower éclairs have become one of Paris's most photographed desserts, combining classic French pastry techniques with modern aesthetic sensibilities that seem tailored for the Instagram era.

Master pastry chef Christophe Adam transforms each éclair into a miniature garden, with delicate sugar flowers and precise glazing that creates a mirror-like finish. The visual appeal is matched by innovative flavor combinations, making these éclairs not just a feast for the eyes but also a genuine culinary experience that honors French pastry traditions while pushing creative boundaries.

Quick Facts:

• Price Range: €6-8 per éclair
• Best Times to Visit: Tuesday-Friday, 10:30-11:30 AM for freshest selection
• Photography Tips: Natural light near window seats
• Dietary Notes: Contains gluten, eggs, dairy
• Storage: Best consumed within 2 hours of purchase
• Available Flavors: Rotating seasonal selection
• Multiple Locations: 5 boutiques across Paris

The Signature Flower Éclair Experience:

Each flower éclair is crafted using premium ingredients and features a crisp choux pastry filled with silky cream in flavors like vanilla bourbon, raspberry rose, or yuzu. The defining characteristic is the handcrafted sugar flowers, which take inspiration from seasonal blooms. The flowers are created using pulled sugar techniques and hand-painted with natural food colorings. Insider tip: Ask about the "éclair du moment" – a special rotating flavor that often features experimental combinations not found on the regular menu.

Pro Tips:

Visit during mid-morning on weekdays to catch the pastry chefs in action through the glass-walled kitchen. The ideal lighting for photos occurs between 11 AM and 2 PM when natural light streams through the storefront windows. For the best shot, position your éclair near the window and shoot from a 45-degree angle to capture both the intricate flower work and the glossy glaze.

Practical Advice:

The flagship store in Le Marais (14 Rue Pavée) offers the widest selection and most consistent quality. During peak tourist season (June-August), arrive before noon to guarantee availability of all varieties. The éclairs are delicate and temperature-sensitive, so consider bringing an insulated bag if you plan to transport them. While walk-ins are welcome, pre-orders are recommended for special occasions or groups of 6+ éclairs, especially during holiday seasons.

The Glistening Dome Cake at Cédric Grolet

Master pastry chef Cédric Grolet has revolutionized Parisian pastry with his stunning trompe l'oeil creations, but none captivates social media quite like his signature glistening dome cake. This architectural marvel features a perfectly spherical shape coated in a mirror-like glaze that catches light from every angle, making it arguably the most Instagrammable dessert in Paris.

The dome cake experience at Grolet's boutique represents the intersection of culinary artistry and social media culture. Each dome conceals layers of precise flavors and textures beneath its pristine exterior, creating not just a visual spectacle but a gastronomic journey that has earned its place among Paris's must-try desserts.

Quick Facts:

• Price: €15-20 per individual dome
• Best visiting hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 AM-7:00 PM
• Pre-ordering: Recommended, especially during peak tourist season
• Wait times: 30-60 minutes without reservation
• Photography allowed: Yes, with natural light
• Dietary notes: Some seasonal variations available for dairy-free options
• Storage life: Best consumed within 4 hours of purchase

The signature dome cake features a perfectly tempered chocolate shell that encases various seasonal fillings, from vanilla-flecked cream to fresh fruit compotes. Located at 35 Avenue de l'Opéra, the boutique offers these masterpieces in rotating flavors, with classics like lemon, chocolate, and vanilla always available. The lesser-known secret is that Grolet occasionally creates limited-edition flavors announced only on his Instagram stories the morning of their release.

Pro Tips:

For the best photography opportunities, visit between 2:00-4:00 PM when natural light streams through the boutique's windows at ideal angles. Consider purchasing two different flavors to create more dynamic photos, as the domes' reflective surfaces play off each other beautifully. While most visitors focus on photographing the exterior, the real money shot comes from capturing the moment the dome is cut, revealing its intricate interior layers.

Practical Advice:

To maximize your dome cake experience, bring a small cooler bag if you plan to transport the dessert more than 15 minutes from the shop. The delicate nature of these creations means they're sensitive to temperature and movement. Consider making your purchase part of a larger Opera district food tour, as the area houses several other notable patisseries that complement Grolet's modern approach with traditional French pastries.