Many of us have a particular sweet spot for Paris, not only thanks to its breathtaking architecture and impressive array of cheese, but because the French capital is home to a lengthy number of quality bakeries (or patisseries if you prefer). We’ve constructed a guide to the city’s must-stops when it comes to sugary treats, with help from Trafalgar’s French travel director Jonathan Holburn.

1. Le Moulin de la Vierge
The mill of the virgin (translated) is a hidden gem, one that is frequented by Parisiennes over the tourist set. The charming shop is decorated in the gold-laden style of the 19th century and overflows with traditional French pastries; from mille-feuille to eclairs. While the macarons have quite the reputation, there’s plenty of freshly baked bread for savoury fans to tuck into instead.

64 Rue Saint-Dominique, Paris
facebook.com/Le-Moulin-de-la-Vierge

2. Ladurée
The inventors of the macaron certainly deserve a visit. The pastel-laden outlet is worth a stop for an Instagram alone, but it’s array of macarons are rather iconic for a reason. Buy individually or by the box (no judgement), and stay for a tea in the accompanying salon if you have the time to spare.

75 avenue Des Champs Elysées, Paris
laduree.fr

3. Des Gâteaux et du Pain
This bakery may be sleek and modern when it comes to interiors, but its pastry is as traditional as they come. Considered to create one of the best (and most buttery) croissants in the French capital, it’s a petite sweet den that is well worth a stop during your trip to the city of lights.

63 boulevard Pasteur, Paris
desgateauxetdupain.com

4. Du Pain et des Idées
A touch of almond in its pastry is the reason why this patisserie’s croissants tend to make the shortlist when it comes to Paris’ offerings. Tradition is at the heart of this quaint Parisian institution; escargot, chocolatine, and croissants mingle with hearty loaves of bread. A particular escargot chocolat-pistache is a stand-out.

34 rue Yves Toudic, Paris
dupainetdesidees.com

5. Carette
With a view of the Eiffel Tower, the Carette tea room is pretty hard to beat when it comes to location. There you can nibble on some celebrated macarons, whilst taking a gander at the city’s largest icon. The self-declared sweets temple has been catering to the sweet of tooth since 1927.

4 Place du Trocadéro, Paris
carette-paris.fr