chocolate and pastry tour paris

Paris Food Tour: Pastries and Chocolate

Learn how France made sweet treats famous

The Finer Details
Truffles, pralines, ganache...What's the difference? Beginning in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, your pastries and chocolates tour with a food expert will answer these questions and more. You'll indulge your sweet tooth at several chocolate shops, and maybe even stop to admire the whimsically detailed chocolate sculptures at a classic chocolaterie. As you taste their wares, you'll discuss the process behind the transformation from cocoa bean to the various chocolate delicacies sold in shops today, and maybe touch on chocolate's transformation from luxury good to affordable treat.

Next, you'll go on to discuss the rich dessert history associated with Paris and, more importantly, the evolution of the celebrated Parisian treat, the macaron. Stopping at a variety of these confectionery shops, you will compare and contrast the flavors, products, and techniques used. You may visit a top boutique to sample their flavorful take on the macaron, or try a colorful array at a family-owned boulangerie. From marvelous meringue and tartes to rich pure chocolate, this walk will tantalize every one of your senses. 

This edible adventure through an upscale and iconic Left Bank neighborhood will enhance your appreciation for this sweet treat, as well as open your eyes to the complex science involved in the chocolate-making process.

Choose this tour if...


  • You have a serious sweet tooth. Not only will you get your fill of sweets on the tour itself, but you’ll come away with a list of shops and other specialties to try during your time in France. 
  • You want to visit the beautiful Left Bank of Paris in a fun and different way, by discovering its sweetest shops. 
  • You love deep diving into particular subjects and want to learn about the history of pastries and chocolates in France. 

What you’ll taste

  • Macarons- what trip to Paris would be complete without tasting an elegant macaron? Your guide will introduce you to some of our favorites. 
  • Chocolate-some of the world’s best chocolate makers have set up shop here, you would be remiss not to pay a visit. 
  • Seasonal specialties-bûche de noel in December, tarte aux fraises in late spring, part of life in France is savoring what is available according to the season. 

Logistics


  • While the number of tastings can vary depending on the guide and your tastes and interests, we can guarantee you will not come away from this tour hungry. As one client recently put it, "We thought we would never want to eat again!". You may want to plan for something savory after the tour is over, however, to mitigate the sugar rush! 
  • We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run, hours and availability may vary.
  • Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to possibly adapt the tour. We don’t recommend this tour for gluten allergies or those with illnesses which make them sensitive to sugar. 

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

  • For more information on planning your travels to Paris, take a read through our Context Stories.
  • If you are looking to learn more about … prior to a visit, check out our online lectures at Context Learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
The walk begins near the Église St-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement on the Left Bank, and stays in a concentrated area in the neighborhood. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

What if it’s raining?
Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.

Is this tour good for kids?
Yes! We have some excellent family friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children, and what kid wouldn’t want to spend half the day eating chocolate? 

There are 7 in my group but your website won't allow me to include more than 6 participants. Can't you make an exception?
Unfortunately not. The small independent shops we visit on our tour are small and prefer we keep our group sizes to 6 maximum for the best experience.
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Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
Some of the shops we visit are small and many will have a step up to access them. The general route may include small streets with narrow sidewalks; please contact us if you have any questions regarding accessibility.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
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Where You’ll Go

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

  • Various Chocolate and Pastry Shops in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
  • English-speaking expert guide
    Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
  • Intentionally sized groups
    A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
  • Tickets and entrance fees
    All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
  • Headsets
    Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
    We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
  • Food and drink
    Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
  • Transportation to and from the meeting point
    Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
  • Hotel pickup or drop-off
    Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Map of Paris Food Tour: Pastries and Chocolate general meeting point area

Make the Most of Your Tour

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:
  • Wear comfortable footwear
  • Check the weather and dress appropriately
  • Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
  • Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
  • Bring firearms or weapons
  • Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
  • Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always contact us.

Don’t just take our word for it

415 Reviews

My family and I (two adults, two young adults) were delighted to have Rhona as our guide! She was not only delightful company but also very accommodating to a family member dealing with a health issue, so each stop had a place to sit and rest in between walking. As a pastry chef, cookbook author, and longtime Paris resident, Rhona took us to unique and special places with so many wonderful things to taste and enjoy - we even took with us some treats to enjoy later on. She shared such interesting history and fun facts along the way. I would definitely book Rhona again!

Photo Shared by Teresa with their review

Our morning Pastries & Chocolate tour with Susan was exceptional. She is incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and engaging! Our wander through Saint-Germain with her was an absolute highlight of our trip and the perfect way to celebrate our daughter's 13th birthday. Susan is a total treasure and we'd love to tour with her again.

Michelle was amazing!! She truly made or anniversary special. She put so much extra time into making our tour so amazing. We are actually trying to schedule Michelle specifically for out son's honeymoon!!!

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