Bac Sucré: The 2nd Annual Event on the Paris Pastry Street

If you’re looking for just one pastry street in Paris, most Parisians with a sweet tooth will guide you to the Rue du Bac. Situated on Paris’s Left Bank (Rive Gauche) in the 7th arrondissement, it has been a shopping street for centuries. It’s also where the classic French Millefeuille pastry was invented by Adolphe Seugnot in 1867. Today the Pâtisserie Seugnot no longer exists but to make up for it, the street has branched out with the most concentrated plethora of high-end pastry and chocolate shops in Paris. Rue du Bac has become known as the sweet quarter of Paris. Last year saw the opening of the new event, Le Bac Sucré, created by Florence Mazo Koenig and inaugurated by the Mayor of the 7th, Rachida Dati. The event highlights the creative artisans’ savoir-faire and celebrates their creative sweet magic – this year through summer fruits to help bring out the Paris sunshine! Officially opened last night by Josiane Gaude, deputy mayor with the organizing team, the Bac Sucré event kicks off today until Sunday 19th June. So here’s a tasting of what’s especially in store over the next 5 days. LA PÂTISSERIE DES RÊVES Pastry chef Philippe Conticini opened his first patisserie here in Rue du Bac. Popular for his award-winning Paris-Brest (a praline cream choux pastry wheel), his pastries are all designed to evoke the sweet dreams of childhood. As the event this year centres around fruits and new fruity sensations, receive a surprise fortune cookie with any seasonal fruit pastry, such as the Fraisier, Raspberry or Strawberry tarts. 93 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris ANGELINA Particularly known for its legendary Mont-Blanc pastry, there will be Mont-Blanc lollypop (sucette) workshops over the weekend. Special Edition: “Un été à Paris” – a raspberry compote, a light vanilla mousse, topped off with raspberries and redcurrants on the most deliciously crunchy praline crumble base. 108 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris. Tel: +33 (0)1 42 22 63 08 or sign up directly at the boutique. CHOCOLATERIE CHAPON Patrice Chapon will be giving demonstrations how he makes his chocolate from cocoa bean to bar this Saturday 18 June. Hour-long sessions can be booked online here. Hurry as they’re free and only 8 people maximum per group are permitted in the tight workshop area behind the boutique. There are no special editions for the event but try a cornet of mousses from the bar – including the Venezuelan 100% Chocolate Mousse (I recently made the recipe here on le blog), or his prize-winning chocolate with a salted dome (chocolat au dôme de sel). 69 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris LA MAISON DALLOYAU Last year, the highlight was the launch of Dalloyau’s surprising savoury Réligieuses (double decker filled choux buns), which are still available on order at the boutique here – but the Réligieuse star for Father’s Day on Sunday is the Papa Poule, filled with a vintage rum cream. This year two more new macarons are in the spotlight from pastry chef Jeremy del Val, amongst seasonal favorites such as orange blossom, rose-raspberry, lemon, and Earl Grey (Bergamot tea). Special Editions: Strawberry-Yuzu and Raspberry-Grapefruit macarons. 63 Rue de Grenelle (just on the corner of rue du Bac), 75007 Paris JACQUES GENIN Famous for his melt-in-the-mouth caramels (particularly exotic fruits) and fruit jellies, last year he surprised us with more fruit jellies (I think I polished off the tasters of rhubarb jellies!) and even vegetable jellies! His pastries, including a Millefeuille, are also just as legendary but these are enjoyed at the main boutique and tea salon in the Marais, on rue de Turenne. During EACH of the five Bac Sucré days, free demonstrations take place at 3.30pm Wed 15th-Sun 21st – no reservations needed! Special Editions: Fruit jellies (kiwi, pear, blood orange, pineapple, lychee, raspberry, mango-passion) 27 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris LA MAISON KAYSER Boulanger Eric Kayser has followed the last three generations in his family as an artisanal bread-maker. Special Edition: Sweet honey bread with raspberry chips. 18 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris LA GRANDE EPICERIE DE PARIS Recently renovated, Le Bon Marché classy department store at the end of the Rue du Bac is renowned for its gourmet food hall, luring us from stands of cheeses and cured hams to its bakery and patisserie sections. Their pastries are exquisite, from billowy lemon meringue tartlets to the latest seasonal temptations. Special Edition: Almond crumble choux bun, with apricot cream, Madagascan vanilla cream (crème légère) and poached apricot. Le Bon Marché, 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris There are even more patisseries, bakeries and chocolate shops on and around this street to enjoy: Acide Macaron, Des Gâteaux et du Pain, Hugo & Victor, Boulangerie Galland, Foucher Chocolatier, and Secco bakery… Ready, steady, let’s go! Bac Sucré Event: Rue du Bac, 7th Arrondissement. Wednesday 15- Sunday 19 June 2016. For the full program, visit BacSucre.com