French Baked Goods to Try on Your Next Visit to France

France is synonymous with culinary excellence, and its array of baked goods is no exception. When you visit this beautiful country, indulging in authentic French pastries is a must. Here’s a guide to the delightful French baked goods that you should try on your next visit to France.

1. Croissant
The quintessential French breakfast delight, the croissant is a flaky, buttery pastry that is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Made from a layered dough, it’s perfect when paired with a cup of espresso or hot chocolate.

2. Pain au Chocolat
This delightful pastry features a similar dough to a croissant, but is filled with rich dark chocolate. It’s an ideal treat for chocolate lovers and is often enjoyed during breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

3. Éclair
Éclairs are elongated pastries filled with cream and topped with chocolate icing. The light choux pastry creates a delicate texture, making it a heavenly dessert that is often found in patisseries throughout France.

4. Tarte Tatin
This upside-down caramelized apple tart is a classic French dessert. Made with buttery pastry and sweet, slightly tangy apples, Tarte Tatin is often served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche.

5. Macarons
These colorful, meringue-based confections have taken the world by storm. With a delicate outer shell and a creamy filling, macarons come in a variety of flavors from classic vanilla to exotic matcha. They are both a visual and gustatory delight.

6. Crêpes
Thin, versatile pancakes that can be served sweet or savory, crêpes are a street food favorite in France. Sweet versions are often filled with Nutella, fruits, or whipped cream, while savory crêpes can be stuffed with cheese, ham, or vegetables.

7. Mille-Feuille
Known as the "Napoleon," this dessert consists of layers of puff pastry alternated with creamy pastry cream. Topped with a layer of icing or a simple dusting of powdered sugar, Mille-Feuille offers a delightful crunch and a rich filling that you won’t want to miss.

8. Pain de Mie
This soft, square-shaped bread is perfect for sandwiches or enjoying with cheese. Its fluffy texture and slightly sweet flavor make it a staple at many French tables, whether it’s for breakfast or a light lunch.

9. Baguette
The iconic French bread, baguettes are long, crispy loaves that are perfect for a picnic or as an accompaniment to any meal. Freshly baked baguettes are a symbol of France and should be enjoyed with butter, cheese, or simply on their own.

10. Kouign-Amann
This Breton pastry is a true indulgence, made with layers of butter and sugar that create a caramelized outer crust. Sweet and slightly salty, Kouign-Amann is best enjoyed freshly baked from a local bakery.

Exploring the bakeries of France is a charming adventure that is best experienced in person. Be sure to sample these delectable baked goods to truly appreciate the art of French patisserie on your next visit to France.