A window display of pastries in the shape of triangles.

La Pâtisserie Des Rêves

This fine pâtisserie on Rue du Bac — one of the most splendid blocks in all of Paris — has more the feel of a high-end fashion store than a place to buy pastries. The first time I drove by I missed it – its sleek exterior truly looks like a boutique where you’d find trendy clothes or other high end goods, and Rue du Bac is known for its couture. I tried a second time, on foot this time, only to discover that the place was closed for Christmas break.

A lawyer friend of mine here in Paris, who seems to know everybody and everything, insisted I keep trying so I was determined to get there and try their famous “saint-honoré†pastry (a profiterole topped with light cream) to see if it was as special as my friend said it was. Of course, the primary problem when going to La Pâtisserie Des Rêves is picking one dessert, as they are all to die for.

The pastries are showcased in glass domes, and look more like “objets d’art†or pieces of jewelry than something you’d eat. But simple they are not. I had an apple crumble that was heavenly. The eclairs are simply magnificent, and they’ve created a whole new way to make the classic Paris-Brest. Le millefeuille (layers of pastry dough with vanilla cream) is spectacular, and the tarte tartin is no simple apple tart, but a finely crafted upside down tart.

To add to the experience, the staff wear smart matching uniforms, and have these handy ipads where they take your order. The pastries themselves are neatly packaged in a pink triangle dome. Service is very efficient and friendly, and the prices are what you would expect to pay for a world-class treat — slightly above market prices from your “ordinary†pâtisserie in Paris, but not stratospheric like some other well-known shops.

Address: 93 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris

Open Monday-Saturday.

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