Best hot chocolate and best macaroons in Paris

Before traveling I did much research; I noticed Angelina's commended frequently. Due to excursions we missed their opening times twice. The third time we made it for dinner. It is a popular place. Thus very busy! We were satisfied with our experience there. It introduced us to the macaroons.

You can find croissants at La Maison Pradier and Blé Sucré Beatriz da Costa

For me the best macarons (macaroons are a rather different British biscuit) in Paris are those from Pierre Herme (several branches in Paris, see http://www.pierreherme.com/storelocator/?country=FR&map=paris). The best known is Laduree, but I prefer Herme's which are less crunchy and have more intense and less sweet flavours. If you want to try Laduree, go to their original shop near Madeleine and avoid the one on Champs-Elysees which is a mob scene.

this is a duplicate post. Both flavours are being replied to. There are more answers on the additional post.

Hot chocolate, melted to order at Jacques Genin. It was just amazing.

If Chani doesn't answer in this thread, send her a private message - she's quite a fan of macarons, and will definitely have good advice for you.

I also vote for Angelina. However, I prefer their white hot chocolate. If you don't mind too sweet, go for this flavor. Pierre Herme is good. Just be aware that they some some odd flavor combinations. On a side note, I highly recommend you try some bread from Poilane.

We haven't had huge differences in quality for macarons; to me this is like asking about 'amazing cupcakes' -- an unsophisticated sweet, the range is not astonishing.

We have been to several places that specialize in hot chocolate; many of the thickest and richest are actually unpleasantly sweet. If you have a choice, opt for one that is less intense to start.

I'm not sure I quite agree about the uniformity, Janet. I find most macaroons cloyingly sweet, but some have a lovely full flavor.

I'm also not sure that Angelina isn't running on an outdated reputation. It's been run by a corporation for years, and I always feel sorry for the employees, many from eastern Europe, who look so downtrodden. It's as if everyone is playing a 19th C. game with those in service going home to a hovel after serving a grand clientel of tourists all day. You are much better off at a reputable chocolatier, owner operated, where everyone takes pride in their product and serving you, JeanPaul Hevin for example.

A place that specializes in hot chocolate is La Petite Rose near the Courcelles Metro on the edge of the 8th. Charming area, lovely pastries, several strengths of hot chocolate.

Thanks, Harold!

I tried my first macaron in Paris last month (after several visits over the years to Paris) at Herme and was immediately hooked - must have eaten dozens over the next couple of weeks. The worst were the ones sold in the bakeries. The best are the ones sold by the top chocolatiers. I tried Laduree once - the one I had fresh was sooo good, but the one that was left for the next day wasn't. I liked La Maison du Chocolat but my favorite was Pierre Marcolini on Rue Scribe 3 (not far from the Opera Garnier), maybe just because they were a little less expensive. All have several locations in Paris.

My favorite is the salty caramel.

I've been to Angelina's in the past, loved it for hot chocolate "a l'ancienne" and their pastries aren't shabby either. Looked once for hot choco in Paris this trip, found something else. . . but that's another story. I ate a lot of really good chocolates instead, from the places I mentioned above and some others too . . . notably Henri Le Roux, Patrick Roger and Josephine Vannier (a block from the Place des Vosges).

Bon appetit

One of the best hot chocolates I have had in Paris was a chocolate ancienne at the Orsay Museum in the little cafe by the clock. Unlike some of the specialty shops it was rich and sweet without being too intensely bitter or too sweet. ( when traveling I often have chocolate rather than coffee in the morning and in Paris that is usually out of a packet just like in the US, but occasionally really good -- especially if you see a machine stirring the stuff) The key in non specialty shops is the 'ancienne' which implies something made in the old fashioned way with chocolate rather than just opening a packet of cocoa mix. I used to always bring a couple of containers of powdered hot chocolate home from grocery stores in Paris, but the last time we were in Paris, we could no longer find the brand that was so good.

Angelina's "Africain" is all it's cracked up to be. Absolutely fabulous. Living in Beijing I was lucky enough to be close to a Galleries Lafayette that had an Angelina. It was my escape. I've never tried their macarons, but I would die for their Mont Blanc (if you're a chestnut fan)

Ladurée ALSO has an excellent hot chocolate. I love to sip it in the bar on the Champs Elysees. Their Macarons are very famous and they have some unique flavors. Though, you'll pay la peau des fesses for anything you get. They used to be the "go to" place for their Religieuses , but have since jumped on the macaron bus. (Their religieuses are still the best)

Both places also have pastries that you cannot pass up.

Now I'm disgusted with living in rural Illinois. :)