L’Escargot at Du Pain et Des Idées

There is another type of escargot in France, and while I have no trouble eating snails, many may find the other version, a delicious and decadent pastry made by many of the city’s best boulangeries, a bit more palatable. At Du Pain set Des Idées in the 10th Arrondissement, arguably Paris’ prettiest boulangerie with a historic facade that dates back to the 1800’s and interior with gilded mirrors and bowls oveflowing with mouthwatering pastries and breads like their famed pain des amis, they make L’Escargot, a snail shaped pastry featuring swirls of buttery dough flecked with various flavorings. Known for unique twists on classic french pastries, Du Pain et Des Idées’ flavors range from a more traditional rum raisin, to pistachio and chocolate and lemon with bits of nougat di montélimar– a candy made with whipped egg whites, honey and pistachio and almond.

When I first spotted this bakery on a run, I skidded to a halt and immediately ran towards it enticed by the postcard perfect exterior and scent of butter and yeast that all Paris’ best bakeries produce. Walking inside felt like a dream. I couldn’t resist buying some bread and after eyeing the baskets of pain au chocolate with banana, sacristan and chausson a la pomme,  I knew I’d be back for more. This weekend I decided to indulge in the L’Escargot aux pralines which includes caramelized nuts and bits of pink candy.

As I started to eat the crispy outer layers working my way to the more moist center, I thought about how much it reminded me of the sugar cookies my mom makes every Christmas. The dough has a healthy hint of almond and vanilla and is sort of like a palmier but more moist. The L’Escarogt truly is the perfect marriage between a croissant and a cookie and while the syrupy pink parts were sweet, maybe a bit too sweet, I enjoyed the flavor of the dough and the texture immensely. Ofcourse their are more flavors to try. I’ve heard they make a fresh berry version in summer…….

34 rue Yves Toudic

Paris, 75010

01 42 40 44 52