© Tahia Lehartel
In January, we’re happy to ditch alcohol, but there’s no way we’re giving up on desserts... especially when they’re crafted by Maxime Frédéric! The pastry chef, already a magnet for gourmets at Cheval Blanc and Louis Vuitton, brings his expertise to his first bakery-pastry shop, Pleincœur, located in the Batignolles. It’s a must-visit!
A Shop to Fall in Love With
Located opposite the Sainte-Marie des Batignolles Church in this charming, village-like neighborhood, Pleincœur immediately catches the eye. In the window, a giant stone millstone crushes hazelnuts. Inside, the space features an ornate ceiling, parquet floors, mosaic tiles, and a mesmerizing wall decorated with vintage copper cake molds. Straight ahead, an elegant round display showcases precious pastries under glass domes. At the center of the shop, a wooden counter displays chocolate delights, while the back is filled with bread and pastries in wooden racks and glass cases. All around, a heavenly aroma blends the scents of bread, chocolate, and coffee.
The Story of a Family Close to the Heart
A regular in the kitchens of luxury hotels (Meurice, Four Seasons George V), head of the pastry division for the three restaurants at Cheval Blanc and creator of sweet collections for Louis Vuitton, Maxime Frédéric, crowned Pastry Chef of the Year in 2022, wanted to connect with Parisians’ daily lives by taking over a neighborhood bakery-pastry shop in the 17th arrondissement, where he and his wife live. It’s no surprise, given that he’s the grandson of a Normandy dairy farmer and proud co-owner of a family farm with his sister. With a love for tradition, top-quality ingredients, and respect for the land, Frédéric explains: “I love the idea of bringing what I stand for into homes, so customers can enjoy not only my team’s work but also that of our passionate farmers.”
Come Get Your Dose of Love!
From a simple croissant (€1.90) to a vanilla entremets masterpiece (€9.50) and hazelnut-speckled spread (€9.80), it’s impossible to leave Pleincœur without a bag full of indulgent treats! Start at the pastry counter, where six individual desserts (€9–€9.50) and larger cakes (€47.50) await, including a heavenly cheesecake tart as light as a cloud.
Next, explore the self-serve grocery section (danger alert!). It’s packed with goodies like marshmallow boxes (€16), colorful chocolate eggs (€22 per box), cakes (€21–€23), chocolate bars (€6.50–€9.50), and adorable hazelnut-shaped delights filled with gianduja, homemade crêpe shards, caramel, vanilla, and chocolate (€22 per box). Pure bliss!
Before heading to the bread section, grab a homemade yogurt from the fridge (the marbled dairy one is insane, €2.40). In the bakery, it’s a feast: rye, whole grain, buckwheat, fruit, and gluten-free breads (starting at €1.90). Don’t miss the Kouign aux Pommes, hands down the best in Paris (€4.90). And for the ultimate treat, sip on the house coffee, grown in Bolivia, served as a latte with a hint of Madagascar vanilla (€5).
Nota Bene: January calls for the divine galettes des rois, offered in two flavors: Hazelnut (€39) and Pear-Chocolate (€54).
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
