Beyond the Baguette: 10 Iconic French Pastries to Taste

Flo MBT
Jul 21
3 min read

Updated: Jul 26

When people think of France, they often picture a crusty baguette tucked under someone's arm — and fair enough, it's a national treasure. But let’s go a little deeper into the French boulangerie-pâtisserie culture, where pastries are an everyday art form.

As locals, we grew up with these flaky, buttery, and sometimes creamy creations — some are perfect for breakfast, others for an afternoon treat with coffee.

Whether you're visiting France or just daydreaming about your next trip, here are 10 must-try French pastries that go far beyond the baguette:

1. Croissant

Let’s start with the obvious. A well-made croissant is golden, crisp on the outside, soft and airy on the inside. It’s notsupposed to be chewy or overly bready — if it flakes all over your shirt, it’s probably the real deal.

🧁 Tip: Skip the industrial ones — look for a sign saying “fait maison” (homemade) or “artisan boulanger.”

2. Pain au Chocolat

(Yes, we know… in the South they say “chocolatine” 😉)

A croissant’s delicious cousin, pain au chocolat is filled with two sticks of dark chocolate and wrapped in buttery dough. It’s a childhood classic and still one of our go-to quick breakfasts.

📍Try it in: Everywhere — especially fun to join the "pain au chocolat vs. chocolatine" debate!

3. Canelé

A true specialty from Bordeaux, the canelé is a small, dark-caramelized pastry with a soft, custardy center and a hint of rum and vanilla. Baked in copper molds, it’s crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside — an absolute gem that more people need to discover.

📍Try it in: Bordeaux, of course — or pick up a box at a local market for the train ride home.

4. Mille-Feuille

Layer upon layer of puff pastry and pastry cream, often topped with fondant icing or powdered sugar. Elegant and rich — it’s a dessert best eaten with a fork and plate (not something you want to tackle in a park).

📍Try it in: Paris — Pairs perfectly with an tea.

5. Éclair au Chocolat

An oblong choux pastry filled with creamy custard and topped with chocolate icing. Éclairs are found in almost every pâtisserie — but the best ones are filled fresh and have just the right balance of sweetness.

😋 Other versions: Try coffee (éclair au café) or pistachio!

6. Tarte aux Fruits

A classic fruit tart with a buttery crust, pastry cream, and seasonal fresh fruit. Strawberry in spring, fig in late summer, or even raspberry and pistachio if you’re lucky.

🌞 Perfect for: A sunny afternoon picnic or light dessert.

7. Madeleines

Small, shell-shaped sponge cakes that are soft, fluffy, and lightly buttery. They’re simple but nostalgic — perfect with tea or coffee. You’ll find them in bakeries and supermarkets, but nothing beats homemade.

📍Try it in: Paris — Pairs perfectly with an espresso or tea.

8. Tarte aux Noix (Dordogne)

This rich walnut tart is a true Dordogne classic — made with local walnuts, caramel, and a buttery crust. It’s sweet, a little crunchy, and absolutely addictive. Often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream, especially in local restaurants.

📍Try it in: Sarlat or any market in the Périgord Noir — often homemade and sold by local producers.

9. Kouglof (Alsace)

A beautifully shaped, yeasted cake traditionally made with raisins, almonds, and a splash of rum or Kirsch. Kouglof has a golden crust, a soft interior, and is often dusted with icing sugar. You’ll find it in bakeries all across Alsace — especially during Christmas and Easter, but locals enjoy it all year round with coffee.

📍Try it in: Strasbourg or Colmar — bonus points if it’s homemade by a local grandma!

10. Opéra

A layered pastry made of almond sponge cake, coffee buttercream, and dark chocolate ganache. Sophisticated, rich, and often overlooked by tourists — but it’s a pâtisserie classic.

📍Try it in: Paris — Pairs perfectly with an espresso.

Final Tip: Where to Find the Best Pastries in France?

Look for “Artisan Pâtissier” signs — these are your best bet for high-quality, handmade treats. And don’t be afraid to ask locals where they go — most of us have strong opinions about which bakery makes the best viennoiseries in town!

Bonus: Our Personal Favorites

Flo: Éclair au Chocolat — creamy, chocolatey, and just the perfect treat any time of day.
Ben: Canelé forever — chewy, caramelized, and so underrated.
You? Try them and tell us which one won your heart!