Fitzwilliam D.
Yelp
Meeting the French.
Of course one is expected to meet the French while in Paris, but I'm referring to the popular tour which takes you inside Gerard Mulot's bakery, spending time in each section of the kitchen: macaron room and chocolate room. You get an introduction into the art of making macarons (see all the cool equipment, ask the patissier for all his secrets!) and chocolates. I did not take the tour, but am compelled to mention it because it was such a great experience for a close friend and his wife. They so loved it, that they kept returning to Gerard Mulot to sample different desserts and macarons - to the exclusion of other, critically acclaimed patisseries. So, as deference to their judgment, I feel I must identify what could be a really cool experience for visitors to Paris...
What I remember most about Gerard Mulot is how crowded the shop was with locals. I suppose it's the location, but I definitely think many of the other patisseries I visited to had a lot more tourist clientele. The staff was helpful, and described (briefly) to me the various pastries and macarons. I quite liked the flavor combinations at Gerard Mulot, eventually purchasing four: Rose with Cherry, Mint Leaf, Pineapple Ginger and Strawberry Poppy. I found the combinations different, but not weird - unlike some combinations at other shops that I thought were weird just for the sake of it! Just one bite of the macaron, and you appreciated both the texture and flavor. I also tried three pastries from here:
Palerme: shortbread topped with pistachio mousse, enrobing a centre of dark chocolate mousse & kirsch soaked dark cherries, topped with fresh fruit (strawberries and raspberries)
Duo poire caramel: biscuit with walnuts and rice krispies, pear mousse, caramel mousse, caramel icing
Coeur Frivole: chocolate almond biscuit, milk chocolate mousse, dark chocolate mousse, almonds, dark chocolate ganache
They were all good, though not transcendent - and have been favorably profiled in other reviews as well. The one I liked most was the Duo Poire Caramel, with the delicious, translucent caramel icing, and the creamy (though not intense) caramel mousse playing starring roles...
Would I be back? Only if I were in the area. Sailors are said to have a sweetheart in every port... In Paris, tourists should find amour in every arrondissement... ;)