If one is looking for a break from the same old pastries that is ubiquitous in Paris then visit Cafe Pushkin (click link at the bottom of the page that loads), located on the ground floor of Printemps department store. Originating in Moscow, it has now stores in Paris and New York – although the stores in Moscow and New York seem to be much bigger with 19th century decor and serves more than just pastries and desserts.

No problem, because their sweets are already seriously delicious and original. There is one small bar to sit and eat the dessert with tea or coffee. You just pick what you want from the display and they serve it up. However, the bar is small and rather uncomfortable. Highlights in my opinion include their “rolls” which consist of layers of poppy seed, fruits and a million other wonderful things that go inside. There is also a layered honey cake and a very complex strudel. Nothing I had was too sweet at all. I wont pretend I know what are inside these gems.

Roll - I wish I could tell you what is exactly inside but I have no idea

Strudel with layers of flavours and textures

Macarons with a difference

A very summery dessert with a surprise inside

Paris store - very different to the Moscow and the New York stores