Choupettes de ChouChou Paris Review

I don’t even remember how I first heard about Choupettes de ChouChou, someone must’ve whispered it to me like a secret. One of those “you’ve got to try this place, but don’t tell too many people” kinds of tips. And that’s exactly what it feels like when you finally find it, like you’ve been let in on something special.

It’s a tiny little shop in Montmartre that does just one thing: cream puffs. But they do them so well, so delicately, that you start to wonder why more places don’t just focus on one perfect thing. Paris is full of amazing pâtisseries, but there’s something about this one that feels refreshingly humble and quietly brilliant.

Location and Ambiance

You won’t find ChouChou unless you’re looking for it or someone takes you on a Paris food tour!. It’s tucked between two busy Montmartre streets, on a peaceful corner where things feel slower. The wooden storefront is small and unassuming, and the only clue that something delicious is going on inside might be the faint smell of baked choux wafting through the air.

Inside, it’s cozy with no seating and no big display case. Just a simple counter, a few trays of choux, and usually one person behind the counter doing everything: baking, filling, serving. It’s not flashy, and it’s a little dark inside, but that somehow makes the cream puffs stand out even more. They shine like tiny pearls under the soft light, topped with little flecks of sugar that catch your eye.

Signature Creations and Menu Overview

There’s not a huge menu, but what they have is gold. The classic whipped cream-filled choux is always on offer, and depending on the day or the season, you might spot flavors like pistachio, chestnut, or even something floral and unexpected. The best part? If you’re lucky and get there at the right moment, they’ll fill the choux right in front of you, still warm from the oven.

They’re small and delicate enough to eat in two bites, but they pack in so much flavor and texture that you don’t need more. (Though, to be honest, you’ll want more.)

Quality and Taste

It’s the freshness that gets you. So many cream puffs sit in a fridge for hours, the pastry turning soggy or the cream getting heavy. Not here. These are light, crisp on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, and the creams are velvety without being too sweet. They taste like they were made with care, because they were.

If you’ve been to more well-known places like Mamiche or Tranché, you might notice the difference in size and price here. ChouChou’s puffs are on the smaller side and not exactly cheap. But the quality, the simplicity, and that just-filled freshness? For me, that’s what makes them totally worth it.

Service and Experience

There’s something kind of lovely about how quiet and personal the service is. It’s just one person doing it all, and they’re usually laser-focused on their craft. They’ll help you choose a flavor, fill your choux with a steady hand, and hand it over with a little smile. It’s fast, but it never feels rushed. You get the sense that everything happening behind that counter is deliberate and thoughtful.

Pricing and Value for Money

I’ll be honest, the cream puffs are not cheap, especially considering the size. But they’re so fresh and so clearly handmade that it feels fair. This isn’t an everyday bakery, it’s the kind of place you go to treat yourself. And when you take that first bite, it really does feel like a treat.

Ideal Time to Visit

Timing matters here. The shop closes between 1–2pm for lunch, closes early on Sundays, and is closed on Mondays altogether. So don’t show up hungry on a Monday afternoon, or you’ll leave disappointed.

Your best bet is to pop by late morning or early afternoon, when the puffs are fresh and the shop is quiet enough that you can chat a bit or watch them being filled.

Why Visit Choupettes de ChouChou?

ChouChou isn’t trying to be the next viral Paris pastry spot. It’s quiet, tiny, and easy to miss, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. If you’re into discovering places that feel like secrets, or you just want to taste what a cream puff should really taste like, it’s 100% worth the detour.

It’s also a perfect stop if you’re on a Montmartre food tour and want something sweet without the crowds. You won’t find it in every Paris guidebook, but you’ll be so glad you found it here.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

ChouChou is for the pastry purists, the flavor seekers, the locals-in-the-making who want to go beyond the tourist trail. I’ve been a few times now, and every visit feels like a little moment of calm and indulgence.

Would I go back? Without a doubt. And next time, I’m getting two of the pistachio.

Tips for First-Time Visitors:

Avoid Mondays, they’re closed.
Get there in the morning for the freshest puffs (and the best chance of seeing them filled on the spot).
Don’t judge it by the size. One bite and you’ll understand.