Inside Paris’ oldest patisserie

Forget the chic boutiques on the Champs Elysees. For one of Paris’ most beguiling shopping experiences, head to Rue Montorgeuil.

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This charming pedestrian street in the second arrondissement is lined with old-school grocers, bakers, fishmongers and wonderfully-aromatic cheese shops. All of them are worth taking a look at, but number 51 is something special. This is where you will find Maison Stohrer, the oldest patisserie in Paris. It dates all the way back to 1730, when royal pastry chef Nicholas Stohrer – who had come to Paris in the entourage of Poland’s Princess Marie, who married Louis XV.

The windows are filled with delicately-crafted creations of all kinds, from coffee eclairs to the rum baba, invented – according to legend – by Stohrer himself. However, it’s not just the pastries that make this a must-visit. The compact shop also retains its original interiors which are simply spectacular. From the glittering chandeliers to the delicate frescoes painted by Paul Baudry, the same 19th century artist responsible for the ornate interiors of the Opera Garnier.

Since 2017, Maison Stohrer has been run by the Dolfi family, who also preside over one of Paris’ most historic chocolatiers, À La Mère de Famille. The family is committed to maintaining the many traditions of Maison Stohrer, and have resisted the temptation to create a chain of outlets. If you want to try one of Stohrer’s storied pastries, you will have to visit Rue Montorgueil – and isn’t there something delightfully old-school about that?