Where to Eat the Best Macarons in France - A Sweet City Guide
Discover the top places to eat macarons across France, from Paris classics to Riviera twists, with price guides, flavor tips, and a handy FAQ.
Macaron Guide – Your Quick Reference for Prices, Towers and Buying Tips
Macarons can feel pricey, fancy, and a bit intimidating, but they don’t have to be. This guide pulls together the most useful info from our best posts so you can shop smart, price out a party, and even build a show‑stopping tower without a bakery degree.
How Much Do Macarons Really Cost?
First up, the money talk. A single macaron can range from £1 to £3 depending on the bakery, ingredients and location. If you’re ordering a box of 12, expect to pay between £12 and £30. Want a hundred? Our How Much Does a Hundred Macarons Cost? post breaks down the average £120‑£250 range for 2025, noting that bulk orders from wholesale bakers can shave 15‑20% off the retail price.
When you compare a box versus a hundred, think about the occasion. A small gathering can get away with a single box, but a wedding dessert table often needs a macaron tower – that’s where the cost per piece drops as you order more.
Building a 5‑Tier Macaron Tower
Now for the fun part: the tower. A 5‑tier tower typically holds about 150‑180 macarons, depending on how tightly you space them. To keep it stable, use a sturdy cake stand or a wooden dowel inserted into the base. Start with a solid cake layer, then stack each tier with a thin layer of frosting or ganache to act as “glue.”
Design matters too. Choose three or four complementary flavors and repeat them in a pattern – it looks intentional and saves you from mixing too many colors. Our How Many Macarons Fit in a 5‑Tier Tower? guide gives the exact math and warns against over‑loading the top tier, which can tip the whole thing.
When you’re ready to assemble, do it on the day of the event. Macarons stay fresh for about 48 hours at room temperature, but a chilled tower in a cool room will keep them crisp for longer.
Beyond pricing and towers, here are a few quick buying tips:
- Check the bakery’s reputation – look for reviews that mention texture (crisp shell, smooth interior).
- Ask about ingredient quality. Real almond flour and fresh fruit purées make a noticeable difference.
- If you have dietary needs, ask if they’re gluten‑free or dairy‑free. Some shops can customize.
- Don’t be afraid to sample a single macaron before committing to a large order.
Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving so the flavors come alive.
With these basics, you’ll feel confident ordering, pricing, and even building your own macaron displays. Ready to treat yourself or wow a crowd? Grab a box, plan your tower, and enjoy the sweet, colorful bite of a perfect macaron.
