The Best Creme Puffs in Paris
Can you imagine a pretty Parisian store filled with display shelves of only creme puffs? Well, Odette, is such a store. Nestled in amongst its surrounding buildings, Odette is at 77 rue Galande, and is well known for selling only creme puffs, or as they are as named in French, choux à la creme.
Odette - A True Parisian Pastry Store
Yes, while there are pastry shops and bakeries everywhere in Paris, almost on every other street corner actually, Odette is different because instead of the array of eclairs, macarons, croissants and baguettes, Odette only bakes and sells creme puffs and because they specialise only in choux à la creme, they excel in both flavour and creative flair.
Visiting Odette and sampling a creme puff was on my 'to visit' list on my first stay in Paris, but because the shop is set so well into the surrounding buildings, I actually walked past and around the shop not seeing it. It wasn't until my following visit to the City of Light that I actually found the store and eventually tasted an Odette creme puff for myself.
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Photo credit: Odette
How Is A Creme Puff Made?
Deciding which flavour to try is not easy and so, if you're like me, you'll not be able to stop at just one or even two! The different flavoured puffs are created by the flavoured creme or custard that's encased by the soft dough and the frosting spread on the top of the puff, usually of the same flavour or as the inside creme.
Flavours usually available include vanilla, coffee, pistachio, coco malibu, caramel, chocolate, citrus, praliné, passionfruit and strawberry. If you're in Paris as a family then a take away box of 6, 9, 12 or 18 might suit, and of course with so many flavours to choose, from your box of creme puffs will always be delicious.
Where Is Odette and What Is It Near?
The store (once I found it on 77 rue Galande) was delightful with outdoor seating and an upstairs area, which if you get a chance to sit near the window, will give you a great view of Notre Dame cathedral. The store itself is built on an angle between other buildings and seems to be almost moulded into the triangular space.
Odette is located in an area that has loads of attractions that I recommend anyone visiting Paris experience including Notre Dame Cathedral, Shakespeare and Company (the most delightful English bookstore in Paris) and the famous booksellers, le bouquinistes, that are just over the road along the Seine River. Odette is also near the stunning Gothic church Saint-Julien-le-Pauve, which is one of the oldest churches in Paris.
After many requests to expand and offer franchise stores, Odette now has three locations in Paris and two franchise stores; one in Doha and one in Jeddah.
For a truly Parisian experience I recommend dining in at Odette and exploring the nearby sites. A secret that most people don't know is that if you walk up the steep, narrow winding staircase at the back of the counter, you'll be able to sit upstairs and enjoy your drinks and cakes. And, if you follow the stairs to the very top and peek out the little window, you'll be rewarded with a stunning view of Notre Dame and Square René Viviani (see above photo).
If you'd prefer to eat outdoors, then the little bistro tables on the pavement are a lovely choice or the park benches in Square René Viviani. A great guide book that helps me navigate where to go and what to do in Paris is the DK Paris (Travel Guide).
Take a peek at the view from the upper window of Odette in Paris
Odette Stores in Paris
Odette Franchise Stores
Jeddah - ARABIE SAOUDITE : +966 12 663 3466
Doha - QATAR : +337 69 57 58 78
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