Pastries are undoubtedly a pillar of French culture and cuisine, with the first pâtisserie in Paris opening in 1730. Here, you can enjoy world renowned pastries in the very city they originated. Whether honoring tradition with the classics, or sampling innovative new recipes, these 12 pâtisseries are the best of the best in Paris.

Cédric Grolet, winner of the 2018 “Best Pastry Chef in the World” award, champions one of the most popular pâtisseries in the world. His own pastry shop, Cédric Grolet Opéra, is situated near the L’Opéra Garnier, and lines start early in the morning. Foodies queue up for his reinvention of a traditional croissant.

Over at La Pâtisserie du Meurice, Grolet is well known for his inventive, technical masterpieces displayed daily. The absolute must-tries are the beautifully hand-crafted trompe-l’oeil sculpted fruits the patisserie is known for. From lemons to apricots, these incredible works of chocolate art are full of delectable cream, ganache, and fruit compote. Another notable Grolet creation is his famous Rubik’s cube, made up of 27 cube-shaped pastries, perfect for trying one of everything. No matter what you choose, bask in the wondrous smell of coffee, cookies, and of course, freshly baked pastries at La Pâtisserie du Meurice par Cédric Grolet.

As the son of a pastry chef, Sébastien Gaudard has made quite the name for himself as an ice cream maker, chocolatier, and confectioner. His creations often appeal to childhood nostalgia with 19^th century recipes, some passed down from Gaudard’s own father. If you do pop in, the éclairs and tarts made with seasonal fruit come highly recommended, so don’t miss out.

Celebrity chef Cyril Lignac is highly regarded for his modernization of traditional recipes. One of the most popular pastries here is the Equinoxe, richly flavored with bourbon vanilla cream, salted butter caramel, and a crispy speculoos praline: undeniably delicious. Loaves of perfectly crusted French bread are available as well, if you want to live out your authentic baguette dreams while in Paris. If nothing else, try the chocolate covered marshmallow bears, as they are an unsurprising favorite of all ages.

Founded by the pastry chef for King Louis XV in 1730, Stohrer is a certified historical monument as the oldest patisserie in Paris. Inside, you’ll find intricate chandeliers and murals painted by Paul Baudry, whose work is also on display in the Opera Garnier. The shop won an award for Best Chocolate Éclair in Paris and was even visited by none other than Queen Elizabeth II, who tried one of the esteemed Puits d’amour, said to be her favorite French sweet. Another essential Stohrer pastry is the Rum Baba, a rum syrup-dipped cake invented by the founder himself.

If simple, perfected classics are what you’re after, look no further than Clare Damon’s Des Gâteaux et du Pain. Modernized bakes are refreshing creative endeavors, but traditional recipes take the cake here. There is a dough preparing specialist, or tourier, on hand to ensure the best quality dough and only organic, in season ingredients are used. This patisserie offers some of the best croissants in Paris, and that’s saying something, so don’t miss out.

Part bakery, part specialty coffeeshop (beans from Café Lomi), La Goutte d’Or Patisserie is run by a finalist on the French baking competition show, Qui sera le prochain grand pâtissier? Here, you can try a mix of traditional patisserie finds and more unique creations, such as a trompe-l’oeil fried egg filled with vanilla mouse and coconut. The shop’s signature dessert is La Goutte d’Or, a chocolate buckwheat biscuit with roasted hazelnuts and chocolate cream. Homemade flavored butter is also available for purchase – the perfect topping for that quintessential French bread.

Mamiche is a women-owned patisserie offering countless locally beloved baked goods such as cinnamon buns, babka, fresh bread, and cream puffs for only €1 (some of the cheapest in Paris!). Definitely come hungry so you can try one of their gourmet-sounding sandwiches before your dessert.

At Carl Marletti, even the standard options are revamped in new and ingenious ways. Every pastry here is an outright work of art, with perfectly balanced flavors so you can taste everything in a single bite. The patisserie has been awarded Best Lemon Tart in Paris, with the vanilla millefeuille not far behind in popularity.

Bontemps is a patisserie as well as a tearoom with pastel vintage décor, velvet seats, and floral prints galore. The large sitting area stands apart from the tiny standing room only patisseries throughout the city. Come here for brunch for outstanding chorizo, eggs, or smoked salmon, and end the meal on a sweet note with a seasonal fruit tart or perhaps a signature shortbread cookie with a fun fruit filling.

Opened in 1903 by confectioner Anton Rumplemayer, Angelina is an Art Nouveau café where Coco Chanel used to frequent for a cup of the most indulgent chocolat chaud in Paris. High society French women often used to host events in the elegant space, sharing various delectable treats. Even today, Angelina maintains its famous clientele and iconic tearoom status, over 100 years after its establishment.

Owners of Michelin starred restaurant Septime decided to try their hand at pastries, using all organic, ethically-sourced ingredients. Chefs bake throughout the day, using only one oven and serving certain treats on the hour, with the schedule written on a piece of paper taped to the door. Tapisserie’s menu is somewhat limited compared to other bakeries, but the tart selection isn’t lacking, especially with the must-try Clamatarte, made with sweet maple syrup and a light cream.

Inside of a chic, bright store with wooden floors and green accents throughout live countless exquisite pastries made with seasonal ingredients. Yann Couvreur specializes in combining well known flavors with slightly offbeat seasonings, appealing to a wider audience of less adventurous pastry connoisseurs who prefer classics with a modest twist. If you’re overwhelmed by all of the delicious looking options, don’t hesitate to try the shop’s trademark buckwheat millefeuille.