L’Éclair de Génie is one of Paris’ most exciting addresses where the humble éclair has been elevated into the realms of haute patisserie.
Following the macaron phenomenon, éclairs have become the fashionable pastry of the moment in Paris and French pastry chef Christophe Adam’s creations are as innovative as they come.
Adam opened his petite concept store last year in the heart of the Marais, dedicated primarily to exquisite éclairs (and a selection of chocolate treats).
Chef Christophe Adam
Christophe Adam’s pastry heritage is unparalleled, beginning his career at London’s Le Gavroche and then moving over to Paris to invent new sweet delights for Hôtel de Crillon, Laurent Jeannin and Fauchon alongside Sebastien Gaudard. He was the guy behind the fantastic digitally printed Mona Lisa and Brigitte Bardot éclairs at Fauchon.
The boutique
Located on rue Pavée, L’Éclair de Génie is impossible to miss with its striking white exterior and swarm of drooling passersby. Walking through the door, you can’t help but be at the mercy of an intoxicating aroma – freshly-baked éclairs, chocolate and crème pâtissière.
The éclairs
The éclairs sparkle like precious jewels behind the glass counter and the friendly staff wait patiently while decisions are made. There is a permanent collection of signature flavours and limited edition éclairs to keep the interest of its regular connoisseurs.
We chose the pretty Rose Bonbon and Rouge Baiser éclairs to take out and strolled over to the Place Georges Pompidou to devour them. The delicate Rose Bonbon éclair was filled with a light pink Madagascan vanilla crème patisserie and topped with vanilla frosting, mini marshmallows, rose petals and dots of chocolate. It was creamy, fragrant, sweet and ever so dreamy.
The seductive Rouge Baiser éclair was completely red and was filled with a mix of crème framboise and chocolat grand cru, topped with a sticky, intense red gloss. The mix of juicy raspberry and rich, bitter chocolate gave it an interesting tartness.
Most of the éclairs are priced between five and seven euros and are much lighter than traditional éclairs. I can’t wait to return and try more flavours such as Pistache Orange, Passione-Framboise and Chocolate Grand Cru.
For more information and locations, visit: www.leclairdegenie.com
All photos by Chérie City
