Before I start, I am going to say that this is by no means an exhaustive list of the best macarons in Paris. The main reason is that I am not yet diabetic. Also, I do not make them. That out of the way, macarons are freaking delicious when they are done well. Have 2 at a time (better, share 4 with a friend). Try them from the most well known shops and eat them within a few hours after buying them to avoid drying or damage. Get common flavours (to compared between shops) and interesting flavours to open your mind. I have realized that there is a spectrum of density for the shell and the filling that can all be great – it’s personal preference really. The 3 most important aspects for me are:

• Texture of the shell is airy and not dried up
• Flavour is prominent and not artificial
• Macarons are invariably sweet, but there is a balance still. Too sweet then you can’t taste the flavour. Balance please.

Here are a few of the best shops and simple gorgeous. I will add more. Sorry, I can’t take these back to Australia.

Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki - macarons on the wall decoration

Aoki - here you can find Japanese flavours such as various teas, yuzu and sesame

Laduree - very famous and for a good reason. If I was to pick one shop for macarons then this is it.

Their salted caramel macaron (not pictured) is a must try. Though the filling is thicker and denser than their other flavours, it is an explosion of salted caramel

Patisserie Pain de Sucre

Patisserie Pain de Sucre - more on the denser side. They have an espelette/saffron flavour.

Looks good and will not disappoint

Weiss - a chocolate company. Very genuine flavours. I am pretty sure it was the best pistachio I have had so far.

Café Pouchkine - originating from Russia, brings a new range of flavours and textures with very refined techniques. Here are double flavoured macaron shells.