Walking Tour

2.5 hrs

Paris

Truffles, pralines, ganache...What's the difference? Beginning in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, your pastries and chocolates tour with a food expert will answer these questions and more. You'll indulge your sweet tooth at several chocolate shops, and maybe even stop to admire the whimsically detailed chocolate sculptures at a classic chocolaterie. As you taste their wares, you'll discuss the process behind the transformation from cocoa bean to the various chocolate delicacies sold in shops today, and maybe touch on chocolate's transformation from luxury good to affordable treat.

Next, you'll go on to discuss the rich dessert history associated with Paris and, more importantly, the evolution of the celebrated Parisian treat, the macaron. Stopping at a variety of these confectionery shops, you will compare and contrast the flavors, products, and techniques used. You may visit a top boutique to sample their flavorful take on the macaron, or try a colorful array at a family-owned boulangerie. From marvelous meringue and tartes to rich pure chocolate, this walk will tantalize every one of your senses.

This edible adventure through an upscale and iconic Left Bank neighborhood will enhance your appreciation for this sweet treat, as well as open your eyes to the complex science involved in the chocolate-making process.

Choose this tour if...

You have a serious sweet tooth. Not only will you get your fill of sweets on the tour itself, but you’ll come away with a list of shops and other specialties to try during your time in France.
You want to visit the beautiful Left Bank of Paris in a fun and different way, by discovering its sweetest shops.
You love deep diving into particular subjects and want to learn about the history of pastries and chocolates in France.

What you’ll taste

Macarons- what trip to Paris would be complete without tasting an elegant macaron? Your guide will introduce you to some of our favorites.
Chocolate-some of the world’s best chocolate makers have set up shop here, you would be remiss not to pay a visit.
Seasonal specialties-bûche de noel in December, tarte aux fraises in late spring, part of life in France is savoring what is available according to the season.

Logistics

While the number of tastings can vary depending on the guide and your tastes and interests, we can guarantee you will not come away from this tour hungry. As one client recently put it, "We thought we would never want to eat again!". You may want to plan for something savory after the tour is over, however, to mitigate the sugar rush!
We are taking you to local establishments that are often family-run, hours and availability may vary.
Dietary restrictions should be shared in advance in order to possibly adapt the tour. We don’t recommend this tour for gluten allergies or those with illnesses which make them sensitive to sugar.

Additional Trip-Planning Resources

For more information on planning your travels to Paris, take a read through our Context Stories.
If you are looking to learn more about … prior to a visit, check out our online lectures at Context Learning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet? Where does it end?

The walk begins near the Église St-Germain-des-Prés in the 6th arrondissement on the Left Bank, and stays in a concentrated area in the neighborhood. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

What if it’s raining?

Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your guide will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to have an umbrella on hand.

Is this tour good for kids?

Yes! We have some excellent family friendly guides who can appeal to the learning styles of children, and what kid wouldn’t want to spend half the day eating chocolate?

There are 7 in my group but your website won't allow me to include more than 6 participants. Can't you make an exception?

Unfortunately not. The small independent shops we visit on our tour are small and prefer we keep our group sizes to 6 maximum for the best experience.

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?

Some of the shops we visit are small and many will have a step up to access them. The general route may include small streets with narrow sidewalks; please contact us if you have any questions regarding accessibility.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Various Chocolate and Pastry Shops in Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Unless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Paris Food Tour: Pastries and Chocolate general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

424 Reviews

An unforgettably lovely couple of hours spent wandering St. Germain in the company of a charmingly knowledgeable and companionable guide to some of Paris’s lesser known, at least to us, chocolatiers and pastry houses. More than just the delight of discovering these off the beaten track gems, Rachel proved to be a knowledgeable guide to the history of each of the establishments we visited, thereby giving us a fuller appreciation of the chocolates and pastry we sampled as we wandered, as flaneurs in search of things we would never have discovered on our own, even if we were residents of the labyrinthine streets of the Left Bank. Particularly memorable, unforgettable in fact, was the chocolate sorbet at Plaq, which if not life changing was certainly life affirming. Highly recommended and worth the investment of time in broadening our experience of Paris and the Parisians.

Pamela Apr 8, 2026

Susan gave a wonderful tour! She was very knowledgeable, and so friendly! My 16 yr old daughter and I had a magical tour and enjoyed every minute of our trip. We are extremely happy with our guide and the tour.

Ginette Apr 7, 2026

This was our second tour with Marie. She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about her work. I highly recommend her.

Deborah Apr 5, 2026

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.