Elegant patisserie windows glow with color and promise as the most indulgent flavors dance around, tempting your palate with their sweetness. Amidst this exciting world of French pastry culture arises an icon! The macaron is a delicate, vibrant and unmistakably iconic French dessert that makes any trip to this European destination into a gastronomic experience to remember.
Learning more about this storied sweet, which has traipsed its way from the royal courts to Parisian cafés, is to make one of the most iconic French desserts the perfect excuse to have a holiday to remember. Get ready to discover delicious flavors, encounter the finest pairings and gain knowledge from local experts. Shall we unveil the essence of France in a bite?
A Brief History of the Macaron
Who would have thought that the history of French macarons would bring us to Renaissance Italy? Back in the 1500s, a simple almond-based cookie delighted the Florentine court, sparking a new chapter in European culinary history. With its origins in a rustic single-layered macaron, this dessert is thought to have found its way to France when Catherine de Medici married Henry II of France, bringing this delight with her.
Over the centuries, the French macarons history flourished and evolved. However, it was in Paris that ingenuity took flight, elevating this small delicacy into art. By the 1900s, the manufacturer Ladurée pioneered the filled macaron Parisien by sandwiching a decadent ganache between two crisp shells. Today, macarons take center stage in all patisserie windows of Paris, acting as symbols of Parisian chic!
Macaron Varieties and Flavors to Try
Looking for the best macarons in France? Tasting macarons is a journey! In Paris, a raspberry macaron pairs perfectly with a stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg. In Provence, the subtle green of pistachio mirrors the countryside’s calm, while a rich chocolate one feels just right with an espresso at a quiet café in Lyon or Bordeaux.
For a twist, modern patisseries offer lavender in spring, chestnut cream in autumn, or citrus blends that capture the Riviera’s brightness. Take a seat at a café, let the shell crack, the filling melt, and let the flavor anchor you to the moment - the macarons taste better in France!
Pairing, Gifting and Savoring Macarons
There’s no better way to enjoy a macaron than seated at a Parisian café, coffee in hand, watching the world go by in a peaceful pause on your French trip. But you can indulge it elsewhere in France: say, in a vineyard in Bordeaux or a quiet tea room in Aix! Consider pairing flavors thoughtfully. Champagne elevates rose or vanilla varieties, while a glass of Sauternes complements richer notes like caramel or chocolate. It’s a ritual, one that turns tasting into travel.
Looking for a meaningful souvenir that symbolizes your trip to France? A box of macarons from a local patisserie, with pastel colors and elegant packaging, makes a charming and tasteful gift. Each bite will present your loved ones with a piece of France’s history, tradition and heritage. And then relive your French journey, one luxurious bite at a time.
Learn to Make Macarons During Your French Trip
Tasting is one thing, but have you thought about learning how to make French macarons? Taking part in a hands-on macaron workshop is an ideal way to fully immerse yourself in France’s authentic spirit while traveling through the country. Such is more than a baking class; it is a window into the French art de vivre! An expert local pastry chef reveals the secrets to achieving the perfect meringue through precise piping techniques and a luscious filling.
This kind of first-person experience is a sample of what tailor-made food tours France can offer: a connection with local culture, where learning, tasting, and storytelling are the guiding compass to a travel adventure to remember. Taking part in a Paris macaron tasting tour or participating in a workshop shows you how to embrace French culture delightfully during your holidays!
A Simple Macaron Recipe to Try at Home
Ever wondered how French macarons are made? Yes, you should travel to France and book a workshop with us to learn how to do it, but while waiting for your trip, you can try baking it on your own! That is why we are sharing with you a simplified recipe.
You will need easy-to-find ingredients at your local supermarket. The key is to value good quality, as it will make a difference in the final product. For the shells, you only need almond flour, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar (100g each), and 75g of egg whites. Start by sifting the almond flour and powdered sugar. In a different bowl, whip egg whites until frothy. Gradually add granulated sugar and beat to stiff peaks. Gently fold in the dry mix until the batter flows like lava. On a tray lined with parchment paper, pipe small rounds of batter and let them rest for 30 minutes. Bake at 300ºF (150ºC) for 12–15 minutes.
The filling is a simple buttercream made with unsalted, softened butter (100g), powdered sugar (150g), and a tablespoon of vanilla extract. Cream the butter first, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy. Once your shells are baked and cooled off, sandwich them together with the buttercream filling – and voilà, you have your very own French macarons!
Find France’s charm in its most iconic dessert!
The macaron is a symbol of beauty, taste and pleasure, where delicate and colorful shells joined together by a sweet, indulgent filling! Each bite of this small delight embodies the essence of French pastry culture, beckoning travelers from all over the world. From savoring macarons in a Parisian patisserie to pairing them with a glass of Champagne or sweet wine in Provence, following the roots and flavors of this iconic dessert will lead you to unforgettable culinary experiences in France. At TourTailors, we can help you design a memorable tour where authentic food, wine and lifetime experiences invite you to savor authentic France!
