Where to Find the Very Best Madeleines in Paris

Last Updated on March 30, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: September 17, 2019

The beautifully ornate pâtisserie lined up in Paris’ pastry shops will definitely catch your eye, but the humble madeleine has become one of France’s favorite sweet treats. It’s a simple, unadorned cake that’s brought to life with a hint of lemon, and is instantly recognizable thanks to its pretty shell shape. Here’s where to find the best madeleines in Paris while you’re visiting the City of Light.

Want to check out some other amazing patisseries? Don’t miss our favorite Paris pastry shops!

The History of the Madeleine

Although there is some mystery surrounding the cake’s origins, it’s commonly agreed that the madeleine originated in Commercy in the Lorraine region of France. 

Who came up with the recipe is less clear, but the most popular story dates back to the 1700s, when a woman named Madeleine stood in as the last-minute pastry chef for a dinner held by the Duke of Lorraine. Under pressure to think of something to bake, Madeleine decided on her grandmother’s cake recipe. It was such a hit that the duke then named the cakes after her. 

When King Louis XV visited Lorraine in 1755, madeleines won him over as well. In fact, he loved them so much that he gave them to his wife, Marie, who introduced them to the French court at Versailles. And of course, once they were popular with royalty, then everyone else also wanted a bite.

The cake achieved a new level of fame in the 1920s, when Marcel Proust spoke about them in his book “In Search of Lost Time.” He waxes poetic about how the cake, dipped in his cup of tisane (herbal tea), reminded him of his childhood, when his aunt Léonie used to give him a bite of her madeleine every Sunday morning. It’s a reference which has now made its way into modern French culture as the expression, “What is your madeleine de Proust?”—or in other words, which food reminds you of your childhood?

Our Picks for the Best Classic Madeleines

Salon Proust at the Ritz

Of course, Salon Proust at the Ritz Paris makes the perfect setting to enjoy the legendary writer’s favorite cake, courtesy of pastry chef François Perret. The hotel’s thé à la française—the French version of British afternoon tea—starts with a miniature madeleine served in an elegant china bowl. 

Rather than serving this madeleine with tea, à la Proust, they pour warm milk flavored with lemon, chocolate, or strawberry over the cake until the liquid just covers the bottom of the dish. Then, be patient—it’s recommended to wait before tasting so that the flavor can infuse. A sugar-glazed madeleine is also served during the tea itself.

Bar Vendôme

Just opposite the salon at the hotel’s Bar Vendôme, Perret serves up one of his signature desserts, a supersized and super-indulgent version of the madeleine, filled with chestnut honey, toasted almonds, Savoy biscuits, and Chantilly cream.

According to Le Figaro—not to mention a legion of madeleine fans—the best madeleine in Paris can be found at the unassuming Blé Sucre, a small bakery headed up by Fabrice Le Bourdat. Here, Le Bourdat creates madeleines made for sharing. His popular lemon and sugar-glazed versions only come in packs of four, while the huge madeleine à partager (“madeleine to share”) might be the biggest in the city!

Best Modern Madeleines 

La Pâtisserie des Rêves

If you want to try something different than the traditional citrus glaze, head to La Pâtisserie des Rêves. The name means “The Patisserie of Dreams” in English, and they’re not wrong! Here, the madeleines come in one of four flavors: vanilla, chocolate, pistachio or orange.

Fauchon

Another standout is French institution Fauchon (coincidentally located on place de la Madeleine). Here, they experiment even further with pistachio and raspberry and chocolate praline-flavored madeleines. You can even find their recipe for chocolate madeleines online if you want to try and recreate your own Proust moment back home.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on Tour with Us

Paris is a pastry lover’s dream—but with every window filled with glossy tarts, delicate macarons, and chocolate too beautiful to eat, where do you even start? That’s where our Paris Pastry and Chocolate Tour comes in. One of our expert local guides will take you to the best pâtisseries, cafés, and crêperies feeding city’s sweetest traditions. Along the way, you’ll explore 19th-century glass-roofed arcades as you stop to taste pain au chocolat, macarons, bean-to-bar chocolate, salted butter crêpes, and more.

Featured Comment: Paris Pastry & Chocolate Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Emily made our Paris Pastry Tour truly special. It was just my daughter and me, and it honestly felt like a private experience from start to finish. I loved hearing Emily’s story and what brought her to Paris. It added such a personal and meaningful touch to the tour. You can tell how much she genuinely loves the city and how passionate she is about French food. That enthusiasm made every stop even more enjoyable and memorable. We especially loved the uniqueness of all the stops, and it was honestly hard to choose a favorite because each one was so good in its own way. This was one of our favorite experiences in Paris!”
– Erica on Tripadvisor

Best Madeleines in Paris FAQs

Where can you find the best madeleines in Paris?

Some of the best madeleines in Paris can be found at Le Comptoir de Madeleine, famous for its classic and inventive flavors, and at Blé Sucré, whose citrus-glazed madeleines are often considered the city’s gold standard. For a more luxurious experience, the madeleines served at the Ritz’s Salon Proust are among the most famous in Paris.

What pastry is Paris known for besides croissants?

Beyond croissants, Paris is especially known for the madeleine: a small, shell-shaped sponge cake made with butter, eggs, sugar, and a hint of lemon. The madeleine became famous thanks to Marcel Proust, who immortalized it in his novel In Search of Lost Time.

Why are madeleines so famous in France?

Madeleines are famous in France because they are closely associated with childhood nostalgia. In Proust’s writing, the taste of a madeleine dipped in tea triggers a flood of childhood memories, making the pastry a cultural symbol far beyond its simple ingredients.

Are madeleines better fresh?

Yes, madeleines are best eaten fresh and warm. Their signature texture comes from the contrast between a lightly crisp exterior and a soft, buttery center. Many pastry shops recommend visiting early in the day for the freshest batch.

Which Paris bakery has the most creative madeleine flavors?

For unusual madeleine flavors, head to Le Comptoir de Madeleine, which offers varieties like pistachio-raspberry, caramel fleur de sel, and chocolate-praline. Mado à Paris is another favorite for creative flavors such as matcha, coconut, and hazelnut praline.