On my last trip to Paris, all I can remember is that my only goal was to make it to La Maison Odette, Paris, the oldest pastry shop in Paris that apparently had the best cream puffs in history.
Could this be true? I mean, not only did it have the most beautiful exterior, but to make such a bold claim about its dessert pastries?
Odette, Paris immediately made it to the top of my list of places to visit in the Latin Quarter. On day 2 of my Paris itinerary, I made my way over.
Located in the Latin Quarter and not too far from the coveted ‘Shakespeare and Co’ bookshop, lies a cobblestoned street called ‘Rue Galande’. It is here that you will find the beloved cafe ‘Odette’, which stands tall at 3 stories high.
This is, without a doubt, one of my new favorite cafes in Paris. It checks every single box when it comes to the ambiance, service, coffee, top-tier choux pastries, seating, AND location. It definitely lives up to its iconic reputation.
Want some cafe recommendations near the Eiffel Tower? Check out this list here.
What is Odette Paris known for?
Odette Paris is known for its ‘Les choux à la crème’, which translates to cream-filled pastries. Odette cafe offers both gourmet and classic pastries, and blend different tastes and flavors from everywhere.
You can finish one of these bite-sized treats in one or two bites! They also carry a variety of coffees and hot chocolate. In addition, they offer a gorgeous lined-platter of pastries that you can purchase to try a variety of their flavors.
As you can see from the photo below, there is about 6 pastries in each line-up. In this photo, we tried the raspberry, pistachio, and caramel flavors. Each one was to die for, but the raspberry was probably my favorite.
Are Choux Cream Puffs the Most Popular Pastry in Paris?
These choux pastries have become a beloved delicacy of Parisian and French life, and no one does it better than Odette Paris.
Just look at the gorgeous presentation of the choux pastries! They had a mini version of their Cream Puff Tree on top of the display counter, but you should check out their true Cream Puffs Tower here. It’s something to be in awe of!
History of Cream Puffs
The choux pastry is a light, airy pastry, filled with sweet creams or custards. It is one of Paris’ most-loved pastries now, but how did it come about, anyway?
To understand the history of the choux pastry, or profiteroles, one must go back multiple centuries, and multiple cultures.
These pastries originated in Renaissance Europe, between France and Italy. It is believed that a French chef named ‘Pantarelli’ played a significant hand in developing the dough for this delicious pastry.
The choux pastry started gaining populating in the 17th century, and soon the dough evolved into the creation of cream puffs, éclairs, and the best profiteroles in Paris.
This was also when chefs began experimenting with the filling of these pastries with sweet cream & custards. Not long after, these choux pastry desserts began spreading across Europe, becoming beloved treats of various countries, wherein each one put its own spin on the pastry.
Odette Paris Menu
Odette Paris offers a range of Choux pastries in 9 delectable flavors, including: chocolate, coffee, passion fruit, caramel, raspberry, vanilla, pistachio, lemon and praline. There are special flavors that do make an appearance specific times of the year. Each pastry comes in at around $2.50 each.
Right now, this is the only Odette Paris location in all of France, but Odette has 3 total locations, the other two located in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Odette Tea Room Paris
One of the aspects I appreciated most about this cafe, is that it is 3 stories high, and each floor has an adequate amount of seating.
There are also windows on each floor, lined with beautiful florals that hang down from the window sills. It is something truly out of a movie! If you’re looking for a restroom, it’s located on the 3rd (topmost) floor, and you will have to climb a narrow, windy staircase to get to it.
You can also opt to sit outside, as there is ample seating located in front of the cafe. This is the perfect spot to people-watch, amidst the quietude of the beautiful Latin Quarter.
Other Places to Visit near Odette Paris
The Abbey Bookshop: This beautiful bookshop packs literature from floor to ceiling, creating a cozy, cave-like space. An incredible basement overflows with even more books to explore and discover! Between the carved doors and cave-like passages, this unique bookshop will bring you back to historic times.
Notre Dame: Situated in the historic center of Paris on the Île de la Cité, Notre Dame Cathedral has stood for centuries in the oldest part of the city. It is perhaps the most famous cathedral in the world. For a small fee, visitors can climb the cathedral’s towers and take in stunning panoramic views of Paris.
Aux Vieux Paris d’Arcole: Located on a small tucked away street lies the beautiful and authentic French restaurant, Aux Vieux Paris d’Arcole. This restaurant is filled with Parisian locals and really is just as (if not more) beautiful as the pictures convey.
More Things to Do in the Latin Quarter of Paris
Final Thoughts
I absolutely adored Odette cafe in Paris, and will definitely be back for some more of these delicious choux pastries.
Check out this video of the vibes surrounding Cafe Odette Paris in September. This is one of my favorite times of the year to visit Paris. It is just beginning to brim on cooler weather, less tourists, and hardly any wait-time at the best cafes. Odette Paris Instagram ↓
