Lenôtre

In my final installment about the upscale patisseries of Paris, I bring you Lenôtre. Gaston Lenôtre, who recently passed away in January of 2009, was a French pastry legend.  His pastry empire lives on in France and around the world.  The delicious confections he created over the years have fed many dignitaries and commoners alike and will likely continue to do so considering there are stores in Paris, Cannes, Nice and in 12 other countries.

On the Champs-Elysées in Paris, you can get the best of both worlds at Lenôtre Café, which serves lunch as well as the chef's pastries.

It also has a boutique and cooking school.

One afternoon, for my snack (or goûter in French), I headed to Café Lenôtre and ordered the pastry plate of the day.  I was brought this lovely assortment: chocolate millefeuille, succès, religieuse, macaron.  How can it get any better than that?  My favorite, without a doubt, was the famous succès invented by Lenôtre himself.  Believe me, though, the others weren't too shabby either.

On the other end of town close to Place des Vosges and the Bastille, there is a Lenôtre store where you can pick and choose your pastry poison.

And there is a lot from which to choose.  So, take your time and pick the perfect one or just try them all!

Cafe Lenôtre

www.lenotre.fr/en/cafe-lenotre-paris.php

10 avenue des Champs Elysées

8th Arrondisement

Paris

Lenôtre

Bastille Boutique

10 rue Saint Antoine

4th Arrondisement

Paris

For a list of all stores visit: www.lenotre.fr/en/liste-boutiques_lenotre.php