Sweet Treats and Tasty Breaks in Paris

Paris is known as the capital of love, art, and fashion—but for many visitors, it’s also the capital of food indulgence. Every street corner seems to offer something delicious: buttery croissants, colorful macarons, decadent hot chocolate, and tempting pastries displayed like jewels in shop windows.

September is an especially good month to enjoy these sweet breaks. The air is cooler, Parisians are back from vacation, and cafés feel lively again. Whether you’re a family traveling with kids, a group of friends, or colleagues on a short trip, food is the easiest way to take a break, recharge, and experience Paris like a local.

Here’s your guide to the tastiest food stops in Paris this September—and how to combine them with sightseeing for an unforgettable trip.

Treats and Tasty Breaks in Paris : Start Your Day Like a Parisian

Breakfast in Paris may be simple, but it’s never boring. Grab a croissant or pain au chocolat at a local bakery and you’ll understand why Parisians don’t need big breakfasts. For one of the best, head to Du Pain et des Idées near Canal Saint-Martin. Their famous “escargot” pastries, spiral-shaped with pistachio or chocolate fillings, are legendary. Treats and Tasty Breaks in Paris

If you’re traveling with kids, popping into a bakery each morning is both an adventure and a reward. Children love pointing to the colorful tarts and éclairs behind the glass. For groups, buying a selection of pastries to share makes breakfast a fun tasting session.

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Coffee: The Real Parisian Ritual ☕

If you want a truly Parisian experience, order a café in one of the city’s many cafés. This is not just about caffeine—it’s a ritual, almost an art form.

There are different ways to do it:

• At the counter: for those in a hurry, locals often drink a quick espresso standing at the bar before heading to work.

• On the terrace: if you have more time, sit outside and enjoy a slow moment.

• By the window: perfect for the Parisian sport of people watching. Whether you’re observing passersby, neighbors walking their dogs, or simply “watching life go by,” it’s part of the parisian culture.

  
  

For an authentic experience, avoid international-style coffee shops. They’re popular with younger Parisians today becase they are trendy, but they’re not part of the traditional café scene. Ten years ago, ordering coffee to go would have earned you strange looks. What makes the café so Parisian is not just the drink, but the presence of the waiter in his black and white uniform, the small round tables, and the rhythm of the city around you.

So, if you want to feel like a local, skip the takeaway cup and settle down in a real café. That’s where Paris happens.

Pastry Stops You Can’t Miss

Paris is a paradise for pastry lovers. Here are some stops that should be on your list:

• Aux Merveilleux de Fred: Famous for its airy meringues covered in whipped cream. Each flavor feels like eating a cloud.

• Odette, near Notre-Dame: A retro tea room serving cream puffs with flavors like pistachio, chocolate, and vanilla.

• Pierre Hermé: Nicknamed the “Picasso of Pastry,” Hermé creates macarons in bold flavors such as rose, passion fruit, and salted caramel.

• Ladurée: The most iconic macaron house in Paris, perfect for travelers who want the classic experience.

• Stohrer, the oldest patisserie in Paris (founded in 1730), where you can try the original baba au rhum.

Each bakery has its own style, meaning every stop adds a different flavor to your Paris adventure.

Beyond Pastries: Food Experiences

Food in Paris isn’t only about eating—it’s also about creating and sharing. September is the perfect time to join a cooking or baking class. Imagine learning how to roll croissants, bake baguettes, or prepare colorful macarons with guidance from a French chef. It’s not only fun, but you also get to taste the results.

Groups or couples may prefer a wine and cheese tasting. Many tastings take place in atmospheric cellars or cozy wine bars, offering a crash course in French terroirs. Pair this with your sweet discoveries and you’ll cover the full spectrum of French indulgence.

And for something really unusual, try a chocolate-making workshop. Kids love dipping and decorating, while adults appreciate the chance to discover high-quality cocoa from around the world.

Markets and Food Walks

Another way to taste Paris is to explore its markets. September is harvest season, meaning markets are full of seasonal fruits, cheeses, and fresh breads. The Marché d’Aligre is one of the liveliest, while the Marché des Enfants Rouges in the Marais offers cooked meals from around the world.

Joining a food walking tour is also a great way to explore. With a guide, you’ll stop at boulangeries, cheese shops, chocolate boutiques, and hidden cafés. It’s sightseeing with plenty of flavor.

Make Food Part of the Adventure 🕵️‍♀️

Sweet breaks don’t have to be separate from sightseeing. At From Paris With Fun, we designed treasure hunts that mix puzzles with indulgence. One of the most popular is in Montmartre, where families and groups follow clues through the artistic streets, solving mysteries along the way.

The best part? The hunt ends with the perfect food stop. Whether it’s meringues from Aux Merveilleux de Fred, quiche and fruit tarts from "Les petits Mitrons", or the Bakery French bastards the sweet treat becomes part of the story. Parents often tell us it’s the highlight of their trip because everyone—kids, teens, and adults—finds something to love.

Practical Tips for Food Lovers in Paris

• Go early: bakeries often sell out of their specialties by the afternoon.

• Share portions: Parisian pastries can be rich—splitting them lets you taste more.

• Balance sweet with savory: croissants are perfect, but don’t skip a baguette sandwich for variety.

• Book in advance: cooking classes and tastings fill up quickly, especially if they are popular

Paris in October is the perfect excuse to indulge. From buttery croissants in the morning to decadent hot chocolate in the evening, every food break becomes part of your Paris story. Whether you’re a family rewarding kids with pastries, a group sharing macarons, or a couple enjoying wine and cheese, food is what makes memories last.

And if you want to make it even more special, combine indulgence with play. A treasure hunt through Montmartre ending in a sweet stop is more than a snack break—it’s a Parisian experience you’ll remember long after your trip ends.