Sugar-Coated Paris

Everyone knows, Paris is crazy delicious all hours of the day.
A lively, mouthwatering city, the Paris food front is delectable if not sinful. 
But admit it, few memories can be more vivid than those of the sugared sort,
be it breakfast, lunch, dinner or in-between.

The choices out there are endless. 
Whether or not you consider yourself a sugar fanatic, your taste buds will
  be tempted by the abundance of special indulgences Paris brings to the table.
French artisans offer honeyed palate pleasers that define both taste and desire.

 Concerns about diet/nutrition?
  I doubt even the most belligerent nutrition-obsessed-
stick-in-the-mud could spoil the mood when presented
with irresistibly named treats like roudoudou and pets-de-nonne*.
And who wouldn't run to a bistro** that offers a
  massive bowl of chocolate mousse, throwing caution to the wind?
*translation: flatulence of nuns
**served at Chez Janou

Dessert in Paris means only one thing:
  EPIC JOY

One of my favorite stops in Paris is Le Bonbon au Palais
where charming owner Georges knows how to celebrate life.
His assorted French wares will fill your heart and tummy
with more than just sugar and empty calories.

The shop is a virtual museum of regional artistry,
candy tradition steeped in history and french pride.
  Located in the Latin Quarter, Le Bonbon au Palais is as essential
to your Paris memory bank as the Eiffel Tower.
  Charlie and his Chocolate Factory pale in comparison to the
  curated collection of sweet treats available in this amazing boutique.

  The school-room presentation is adorable and the hundreds (yes, hundreds)
of choices will capsize even your most vivid childhood wishlist.
  Apothecary jars filled with tempting bonbons promote the heritage
and expertise of France's accomplished candy artisans.
  It's a bit of a lesson, too, about French geography as Georges lovingly
underscores each region or town where the sweet was created.

  Calissons, pâtes de fruits, licorice, caramels, marshmallows, lollipops,
candied flowers & herbs .... too many temptations to count.
  Colorful and intriguing, these sweet treats will make you nostalgic for your childhood, but far better because you don't have to wait for Halloween.

"The only way to rid of a temptation is to yield to it."
Oscar Wilde

Floating Islands (Ile Flottante) is standard issue at many bistros but imagine
the added finesse of delicately crushed lavender candy sprinkled on top.
Oh happy day!
That's how Restaurant Lazare presents it
and yes, bon appetit to you, too.
  If that's not a taste of France, I don't know what is.

I never ever ever ever order extraneous mix-ins in my ice cream.
  It ruins the texture of the creamy treat.
  But at Berthillon, they somehow have figured out how to do it
without killing the velvety mouth-feel.
  Chocolate Mendiant is over the top, filled with luscious bits of candied fruit & nuts.

"Ice cream is exquisite.  What a pity it isn't illegal."
French Writer/Philosopher Voltaire

Have you ever considered ordering a dessert soufflé? 
Is there anything in the world as over-the-top
as a mile-high miracle of sugar and eggs?
  That's one chemistry class I'll sign up for.
  If you're anywhere near La Cigale Récamier, don't miss
their salted caramel soufflé....
or Grand Marnier .... or Petal of Rose ..... or .....

A chocolate topped profiterole, a heaven-sent vanilla mille-feuille,
a homey serving of cherry clafoutis, which will it be?
  In Paris, you're served the best of the best.
  Don't get stuck on one favorite. 
Try something new every chance you get.

Speaking of trying something new, my favorite Paris self-indulgence
is the most humble sounding confection in the history of dessert cuisine.
  When I rave to my American friends about Les Pruneaux d'Agen au Fumet
de Madiran et sa Glace* (wine-soaked prunes and ice cream),
they immediately make the "ick" face.
  Stewed prunes are for sickly old people, right?
  Wrong, this dessert is happiness in one bite.
  And it doesn't even involve chocolate -- unheard of in my tummy DNA!
A dessert so exquisitely french, it's the perfect last dance of the day.
*served at Aux Charpentiers

But that's the thing about french cuisine.
If they can make things like goose liver and blood sausage delicious,
then you know they have no problem elevating the lowly prune to food of the gods.

Think beyond the usual creme brulée and tarte au chocolate. 
And remember, you only live once.
  Help yourself to a large serving of Happy.

---

A few sweet addresses to remember:

Le Bonbon au Palais - 19, rue Monge (5th)
Chez Janou - 2, rue Roger Verlomme (3rd)
Berthillon - window, rue Saint-Louis-en-Île (4th)
La Cigale Récamier - 4, rue Récamier (7th)
Aux Charpentiers - 10, rue Mabillon (6th)
Restaurant Lazare - Gare Saint-Lazare, south-side, rue Intérieur (8th)

Georges knows how to make everyone happy at Le Bonbon au Palais.