L’Éclair de Génie

The macaron may get all the attention in their rainbow of sherbet colors, but the classic éclair reimagined by former Fauchon pastry chef Christophe Adam is proving to be a delicious contender for most fashionable. This genie has taken the same puff pastry with a cream center, reduced the sugar, and transformed them from mainstay to high art. Fun and whimsical, the sweets are frosted in bright shades and topped with cartoon-like fresh fruit, polkadot dollops of icing, or a dusting of edible silver.

Though L’Éclair de Génie also sells ice cream éclairs (in all the greatest hits), chocolate bonbons and caramels, you are there for éclairs to go. Adam has whipped up over 100 flavors – using fanciful ingredients like caramel popcorn, grand cru chocolate, and yuzu – in flavors that quickly disappear when the season ends. Visit often. Be sure to always include the standout classic, his first creation: Caramel au Beurre Salé (salted caramel). Prices are expensive (starting at €4.50) but one bite and you and realize why they are the best éclairs in Paris.

MAIN LOCATION:
      14 rue Pavee, 75004; PHONE: +33 1 42 77 85 11

OTHER LOCATIONS (not open Sunday):

• 122 rue Montmartre, 75002; PHONE: +33 1 42 61 04 67
• 32 rue Notre Dame des Victoires, 75002; PHONE: +33 1 84 79 23 40
• 13 rue de l’Ancienne Comedie, 75006; PHONE: +33 1 84 79 23 44
• Carrousel du Louvre, 9 rue de Rivoli, 75001