You can't talk about French chocolate and pastries without mentioning the name Pierre Hermé. His original location actually opened in Tokyo in 1998 and the second boutique in 2001 in the Notre-Dame-des-Champs neighborhood of Paris. Since then, his popularity has spread like wild fire.  Even twenty plus years later, he is still a household name in the pastry world.

His macarons are world renowned, with selections ranging from uni-flavored pistachio or candied chestnut, to unique combinations like olive oil with mandarin.  The local favorite pastry, the Ispahan is basically an oversized macaron with fresh raspberries, rose petals and lychees sandwiched within.  You can't go wrong with any of their chocolate specialties like the plénitude or the carrément chocolat. 

There are 16 boutiques to choose from in Paris.  But you can also find his signature sweets throughout the world: Japan, Thailand, NYC, the UK and even Dubai to name a few.

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Pictured: The Ispahan