With a name that translates as ‘lightning’ because they disappear in a flash, the éclair has quickly worked its way into the hearts and mouths of the French since it was created in the 19th century. The best place to go for one of these heavenly finger-shaped pastries stuffed with cream is Paris, and, in the City of Light, one place stands alone as the home of the éclair.
Unlike a traditional French pastry shop, L’Éclair de Génie in the Marais specialises in just one thing – éclairs. They come in a huge variety of flavours, which change with the seasons: in different months, you can expect rose lychee, lemon meringue or vanilla pecan.
Then there are souped-up versions of classics, like grand cru dark chocolate, while, in the summer, frozen éclairs glacés are the perfect stand-in for your run-of-the-mill ice cream.
Special occasion themed éclairs – often with intricately painted fondant toppings – have also been known to appear in this shop’s pastry case.
