Published April 27, 2022 • Updated April 9, 2026 — Lesson written by French teacher David Issokson for students who want to learn French online. Linked lessons offer native audio by Marie Assel Cambier, a voice artist from France.
French pastries are known worldwide for their rich flavors and delicate textures. This list covers 10 of the most popular French pastry names you’ll see in bakeries across France, with native audio for key terms so you can hear exactly how they’re pronounced. Use this guide to build your food vocabulary and discover your next favorite treat.
Croissants
Croissants are buttery, flaky pastries made from laminated dough. The layers create a light, airy texture that’s crisp on the outside and soft inside. They’re commonly eaten for breakfast with coffee.
Millefeuille
Millefeuille (meaning “a thousand layers”) is made with layers of puff pastry and pastry cream. The contrast between crisp pastry and smooth filling defines this dessert. It’s often finished with icing on top.
Macarons
Macarons are small, colorful sandwich cookies made with almond flour and filled with ganache or buttercream. They have a crisp shell and soft, chewy center. Popular flavors include pistachio, chocolate, and raspberry.
Palmiers
Palmiers are crisp, caramelized pastries shaped like palm leaves or hearts. They’re made from puff pastry rolled in sugar and baked until golden and crunchy. Their texture is light, flaky, and slightly crisp.
Tarte au citron
Tarte au citron (lemon tart) features a buttery crust filled with smooth, tangy lemon cream. It’s known for its balance of sweetness and acidity. Some versions are topped with meringue.
Financiers
Financiers are small almond cakes with a soft, moist interior and lightly crisp edges. They’re typically rectangular in shape and made with butter, sugar, egg whites, and ground almonds. The flavor is rich and slightly nutty.
Chouquettes
Chouquettes are small, airy pastries made from choux dough and topped with pearl sugar. They’re light, slightly crisp on the outside, and hollow inside. Often eaten as a snack or breakfast treat.
Opéra
Opéra is a layered cake made with almond sponge, coffee syrup, buttercream, and chocolate ganache. Each thin layer creates a rich, balanced bite. It’s a classic French pâtisserie dessert.
Éclairs
Éclairs are long pastries made from choux dough and filled with cream, then topped with icing. Common flavors include chocolate and coffee. The texture combines a soft shell with a smooth, creamy filling.
Brioche
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread with a soft and slightly sweet texture. While technically a bread, it’s often grouped with pastries due to its richness. It’s commonly served plain or with jam.
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