Looking for a sweet treat in Paris that’s not just another croissant? I finally stopped by Aux Merveilleux de Fred in the Marais, and I’m really happy I did. These pastries are not as famous as macarons, but they should be. They’re light, sweet, and a bit different from anything I’ve had before.
If you’re walking around the area and want something special, this might be worth the stop.
Here’s my 43-second video to start with:
What Is Aux Merveilleux de Fred?
This bakery is all about one main thing: the Merveilleux.
It’s a round pastry made with two layers of soft meringue and a generous coating of whipped cream. Then it’s rolled in something tasty like chocolate shavings, nuts, or praline.
They don’t feel heavy or too filling.
The texture is super soft—like biting into a cloud.
Some people say it melts in your mouth, and I agree.
The whole brand was created by a pastry chef from the north of France, and now they have shops in Paris and even in other countries. But the one I visited felt very Parisian.
Which Location I Visited
I went to the shop at 24 Rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, in Le Marais.
It’s a beautiful part of Paris, full of little cobblestone streets, cute cafés, and views of the Seine.
The shop is close to Rue des Barres, a peaceful street that’s a bit hidden from the busy tourist spots.
The store itself looks classy.
It has a big chandelier hanging from the ceiling, marble counters, and large windows that let in a lot of light.
You can see the staff working behind glass, carefully putting the pastries together.
It feels fancy but not intimidating.
If you’re not in the Marais, no worries—Aux Merveilleux de Fred has several other boutiques across Paris, and they all follow the same elegant style. Here are some of their locations:
- 2 Rue Monge, 75005 – Latin Quarter
- 94 Rue Saint-Dominique, 75007 – near the Eiffel Tower
- 29 Rue de l’Annonciation, 75016 – Passy area
- 1 Cour de Rome (Galerie des Fresques), 75012 – Gare de Lyon
- 12 Place d’Aligre, 75012 – near the Aligre market
- 23 Rue Daguerre, 75014 – south of Montparnasse
- 129 bis Rue Saint-Charles, 75015 – 15th arrondissement
- 7 Rue de Tocqueville, 75017 – near Villiers
- 13 Rue d’Amsterdam, 75008 – Saint-Lazare station (Cour du Havre)
- 1 Cour de Rome, 75008 – also at Saint-Lazare (Cour de Rome side)
- 1 Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie, 75006 – Odéon area
Each one offers the same treats, the same crystal chandelier, and the chance to watch the pastries being made behind the glass.
So wherever you are in Paris, there’s probably one nearby.
What I Ordered (and Loved)
I wanted to taste without overdoing it, so I picked:
- 1 mini Merveilleux Pistache
- 1 mini Merveilleux Praliné
They cost 2.20€ each, which is a great deal for a handmade Paris pastry.
I took them home and had them as a snack.
Both were very sweet, soft, and airy.
They didn’t feel heavy or too creamy.
The mini size is perfect if you just want a small bite of something sweet.
The pistachio had a delicate nutty flavor, and the praline was a little richer.
It was my first time trying a Merveilleux, and I was surprised by how much I liked the texture.
You don’t get that mix of crunchy meringue and smooth cream every day.
What the Shop Feels Like
The vibe inside is elegant but calm.
Even though I went near the end of the day, around 7 p.m., it wasn’t crowded.
Some pastries were already sold out, so if you want full choice, it’s probably better to go earlier.
What stood out to me most was the packaging.
They wrap everything nicely in soft pastel-colored boxes that feel gift-worthy.
It’s one of those places where the little details make a difference.
This shop, like others from the same brand, seems designed to be consistent—they all have the same decor and setup, including the chandelier and open pastry kitchen.
It’s part of the experience.
Would I Recommend It?
Absolutely. If you’ve never tried a Merveilleux, this is a good place to start.
It’s not a pastry you find just anywhere, even in Paris. And this shop knows what it’s doing.
The flavors I had were both good, and I’d love to go back and try more.
It’s also an easy takeaway option if you’re walking around the Marais or heading toward the river.
Final Thoughts
A Merveilleux might not be the most famous French pastry—but it definitely should be better known.
It’s light, sweet, and different from what most tourists try in Paris.
If you want something tasty and pretty, go to Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Try a mini. You don’t need to order a lot to enjoy it. And don’t be surprised if you end up going back for more.
With a passion for travel and having visited over 50 countries, Dorian is eager to share his favorite spots and expert tips to help you explore Paris and France like a local.
