Toulouse, a city famous for its gastronomy, is brimming with exceptional patisseries. Whether you’re a student, entrepreneur, or young professional, we’re here to tempt you with delicious addresses that are the pride of the Pink City. In this article, we’ll introduce you to:
- A selection of our top 10 bakeries in Toulouse
- Each establishment’s must-try specialties
- Practical information to plan your visit
- Tips on choosing the patisserie that best suits your taste
Get ready for a true flavor journey in the heart of Toulouse, where tradition and innovation blend to create unforgettable desserts. From macarons to éclairs, and even the famous Fénétra, you’ll discover why the Pink City has become a must-visit destination for pastry lovers.
The cream of Toulouse’s bakeries: Our Top 10
Pâtisserie Conté: An unmissable institution
Located in the heart of Toulouse, Pâtisserie Conté has been a true institution since 1938. For four generations, it has been renowned for its croissants and chocolatines -let’s not upset the locals!-, frequently awarded as the best in town. Strawberry tarts, cream puffs, and more: this iconic patisserie offers a wide range of traditional cakes as well as their signature treasure, the hazelnut crunch – a specialty made with chocolate-coated puffed rice and praline buttercream that is sure to win you over. Visit them at 37 Rue Croix-Baragnon in Toulouse! You can also find them on Instagram and their website!
Au Poussin Bleu: Honoring craftsmanship
A family-run patisserie located in the Carmes neighborhood since 1932, Au Poussin Bleu emphasizes artisanal expertise while evolving its creations over time. Chef Gaëtan Dupart and his team craft distinctive cakes from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Triangle d’Oc, Macao, Paris-Brest: you’ll find around twenty types of cakes, along with hand-made macarons. With the holiday season approaching, Au Poussin Bleu offers a wide range of cakes and yule logs. Visit them at 45 Rue du Languedoc and 19 Rue de la Bourse in Toulouse! You can also find them on Instagram and their website!
Perlette: Creativity and magic await
More than just a patisserie, Perlette is, like the Capitole, a Toulouse icon. More than ten years after opening, it continues to stand out for its unique creations and cozy atmosphere in the city center. Inspired by the founder’s “gourmet grandmother,” chef Jérôme Dijoux crafts 100% natural pastries, blending classic and innovative flavors that bring a twist to your afternoon snack. Cheesecake, autumn pumpkin tart, or gluten-free tropical cakes: you’ll be delighted! You can even take pastry classes here or order cakes online. Visit them at 57 Rue des Filatiers, 5 Rue du Poids de l’Huile, 2 Place de la Bourse, and other locations throughout Toulouse! You can also find them on Instagram and their website!
Maison Pillon: Tradition reinvented
Established near Place des Salins since 1967, Maison Pillon is one of Toulouse’s most renowned patisseries. Chocolatier and pastry chef René Pillon, with the support of his wife Anne-Marie, elevated this institution’s reputation. Taken over by the Best Craftsman of France, Yves Thuriès, in the early 2000s, Maison Pillon is celebrated for its entremets with exceptional flavors. Saint-Honoré, Soleillade, macarons, chocolates, and pastries: you can enjoy a variety of homemade delights. Visit them at 3 Place du Capitole, 2 Rue d’Austerlitz, and 2 Rue Théodore Ozenne in Toulouse! You can also find them on Instagram and their website!
Antoine Fornara: The perfect balance between tradition and modernity
Located in the heart of the Minimes district, Antoine Fornara masterfully blends tradition and innovation. As a pastry chef and chocolatier, his exquisite and elegant creations are worth a visit. Abricotin, Citrus, rum baba, Grandma’s apple tart, chocolates: his fruity and chocolatey creations are particularly renowned, offering unique flavors that delight the most discerning palates. Visit at 31 Avenue des Minimes and 24 Place Dominique Martin Dupuy in Toulouse! Find them on Instagram and their website!
Sandyan: Cakes like jewels
Founded by renowned Toulouse chef Yannick Delpech (if you’ve watched cooking shows, you know him), Sandyan has been offering exceptionally refined pastries since 2013. The “Egg in the Shell,” combining fresh mango and green tea, is a must-try. Delpech also revisits seasonal classics, such as tarte tatin with caramelized apples and mascarpone cream, or lemon tartlets with beautiful citrus supremes. If you don’t want to rush home, the adjoining tea room lets you savor these wonders in a relaxing setting. Find them at 54bis Rue d’Alsace Lorraine, also on Instagram and their website!
Mirarosa: Bold creativity
Located in the Saint-Michel neighborhood, Mirarosa stands out with its personalized approach. Decadent entremets, fruity or chocolatey creations, pastries, number cakes: each dessert is a true work of art, reflecting the tastes and passions of the clients. Have a birthday? Celebrating a new home? This is the perfect spot to order a custom cake for your special events. Approved by Big Flo and Oli, Toulouse’s finest ambassadors. Visit at 65 Grande Rue Saint-Michel and find them on Instagram.
La Bonbonnière: Authentic Toulouse charm
Run by pastry chef Henri Lopez, La Bonbonnière is famous for its indulgent, traditional cakes. An iconic bakery in its neighborhood, you absolutely must try their pyramids of macarons with varied flavors. From vanilla to violet, poppy, and mandarin, macarons are undoubtedly their star product, along with “pomponettes”, delightful little brioches. Visit at 41 Rue des Tourneurs and check their website.
Boulangerie & Pâtisserie Cyprien: Warmth above all
This spot skillfully combines quality bakery and pastry offerings. Here, authentic, artisanal savoire-faire thrives, with a beautiful friendship behind it, shared by three kind-hearted individuals from vastly different backgrounds who came together to create Boulangerie & Pâtisserie Cyprien. Each day, they offer customers pastries and bread made with Aveyron flour (local, as they say), a range of snacks, and, most importantly, simple yet delightful pastries. Favorites include tropéziennes, strawberry-basil or fig-balsamic cream puffs, Christmas, Epiphany, and Valentine’s Day specialties, and the Gascogne tart with Armagnac, all with a modern twist. It’s easy to see why they’ve won several awards and even participated in the well-known show “La Meilleure Boulangerie de France” in 2018. Visit at 55 Rue de la République, and find them on Instagram and their website!
Le Régal Oriental: An unexpected flavor journey
If a toy store is heaven for children, then Le Régal Oriental is paradise for food lovers. Whether you’re exploring familiar flavors or discovering new ones, expect a pastry experience unlike any other. Le Régal Oriental offers sweets from North Africa and the Middle East. Baklava, fig, date, or almond makrouts, gazelle horns, pistachio halva, and kunafa: these oriental pastries add a touch of exoticism to Toulouse’s pastry scene. Find them at 38 Rue Charles de Rémusat and on Instagram!
Must-Try specialties
Le Fénétra: The traditional cake of Toulouse
Le Fénétra is the iconic cake of Toulouse. Made with shortcrust pastry, candied apricots and melon, and an almond dacquoise, it is a true symbol of the city. No need for patience—you can enjoy it in numerous patisseries around town, each adding its personal twist to the traditional recipe.
Perlette’s Macarons: Unique flavors
As mentioned earlier, Perlette is THE place for Toulouse macarons. Known for its original flavors, Chef Jérôme Dijoux reinvents this classic of French pastry with bold combinations, offering a unique tasting experience.
Conté’s Eclairs: A revisited classic
Patisserie Conté is famous for its éclairs. These cream-filled delights, available in various flavors, are a must for French pastry lovers.
Antoine Fornara’s chocolate creations
Antoine Fornara, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France), excels in the art of chocolate. His creations, blending textures and flavors, are true masterpieces that should not be missed.
Practical guide for your tasting experience
The best times to visit
To fully enjoy your pastry experience, here’s a beginner’s tip: avoid peak hours. Late afternoon or Sunday mornings around 11 am are ideal. As most know, mornings are usually the best time for enjoying fresh pastries and a perfectly crisp baguette. Save early afternoons for buying cakes and pastries. Pro tip: bakeries sometimes offer discounts on unsold items just before closing, so consider stopping by 10 minutes before they close. You never know!
Enjoying on-site: Our recommendations
Several patisseries, like Perlette, Sandyan, and Le Régal Oriental, offer tea rooms or seating areas. This is the perfect opportunity to savor your pastries in a pleasant setting, paired with a good tea or coffee, taking your time.
Opting for takeaway: Tips and advice
If you prefer to take your pastries home and enjoy them in peace, don’t hesitate to ask for advice on transportation and storage. Some shops even offer an online order/click & collect service.
Which bakery to choose based on your preferences?
For tradition lovers
If you’re seeking authentic Toulouse flavors, head to Pâtisserie Conté or Au Poussin Bleu. These spots excel in keeping traditional recipes alive while adding their own personal touch.
For taste adventurers
Perlette and Sandyan are ideal for those who love to explore new flavors. Their innovative creations are sure to satisfy your culinary curiosity.
For gluten-free enthusiasts
More and more patisseries, like Sandyan -again!-, offer gluten-free options. Feel free to inquire at various establishments or check Instagram accounts and specialized websites for their offerings.
For student budgets
As mentioned before, Boulangerie & Pâtisserie Cyprien offers great value for money, ideal for students who want to indulge without breaking the bank.
Toulouse bakery: Between history and innovation
Toulouse’s patisseries are a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Ancestral recipes like Fénétra sit alongside bold creations crafted by equally daring pastry chefs, reflecting the constant evolution of this art. Drawing from the region’s rich culinary heritage while embracing international trends, they create unique desserts that stand out.
Toulouse, a city to savor
Toulouse is a must-visit destination for pastry lovers. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, macarons, or traditional cakes, you’ll find something to delight your taste buds in the streets of the Pink City. Each patisserie has its own identity and specialties, inviting you on a true culinary journey. So don’t hesitate—explore Toulouse in a new way by discovering these delightful spots. Let yourself be charmed by the creativity and craftsmanship of Toulouse’s pastry chefs.
