Mon dieu, the search for that perfect macaron sometimes seems next to impossible here in Melbourne. Too dry? Too chewy? Doesn’t taste quite right? Or perhaps it’s not actually even a macaron after all?

Pas de problème ! Melburnians rejoice, because here’s your ultimate guide to where to get your hands on macarons that rival les authentiques in France.

A La Folie

Owner and director Mercédé Coubard could only be called a fairy godmother, as her macarons are something out of storybooks. Her pâtisserie, A La Folie, is home to delicious macarons in both traditional flavours like pistachio, raspberry and vanilla, and more adventurous varieties, like Matcha Redcurrant and Fairy Floss.

But don’t stop there: their signature petits choux (small choux pastries filled with crème and topped with fondant icing) are not to be missed. Plus, the South Yarra store was apparently a favourite of Michael Bublé when he came to town!

Choukette

Nans Wojtcak’s pâtisserie and café in Brunswick is old-school at its best. When you walk into his café, you will be greeted by one of his many French or French-speaking staff at the front counter. French is also spoken in the commercial kitchen out the back. This creates a sense of authenticity, which comes through in Choukette’s range of classic pastries and cakes, including their macarons.

For their macaron selection, Choukette typically has ten flavours on offer at any one time, which could be anything from mango and goji berry to Russian Caravan tea. The macaron shells are quite dry, with the star of the show being the filling. Choukette’s caramel salted butter filling is a standout, as the caramel is taken to a dark (almost burnt) point that pairs so well with its sweet shell.

La Belle Miette

At La Belle Miette, owners Maylynn and Hugh take their macarons so seriously that they specialise in the tiny confection alone. They have two boutiques located in Melbourne, one in Richmond and a smaller store in Chadstone Shopping Centre.

La Belle Miette’s aesthetic is feminine and chic, with each store looking like the macarons themselves: perfectly coloured, delicate and well proportioned, with adorable macaron gift boxes in pretty pastels to match. La Belle Miette is our pick for best texture in a macaron – these beauties are ridiculously light and even.

Cacao

Founders and pastry chefs Laurent Meric and Tim Clark sure know a thing or two about les sucrés, and their macaron range is nothing short of impressive. Chocolate, raspberry and vanilla are old favourites, but they also stock other flavours seasonally, ranging from key lime pie to New York cheesecake, and salted hazelnut and caramel.

Their macarons are beautifully colourful with just the right amount of chewiness. And considering that Cacao’s macarons are served in First Class on Qantas flights, you know they must be pretty good!

You’ll find Cacao’s chocolate lab in the CBD, as well as boutiques in Doncaster and Highpoint Shopping Centres, and a pâtisserie in St Kilda.

Bibelot

A venture from the team at Chez Dré, this brand new sweet-tooth’s heaven in South Melbourne boasts a beautiful range of macarons in killer flavours like native pepper-berry, lemon myrtle and peanut caramel. In French, the word ‘bibelot’ means a small and attractive trinket, and that describes their macarons perfectly – these babies are bold, beautiful and highly instagrammable!

Gânache

Despite Arno Backes’ background as an expert chocolatier, you cannot go past Gânache’s macaron range. Our picks are the more cocoa laden ones, such as the hazelnut and dark chocolate, but don’t forget to try the salted caramel, too! In fact, why not goûter un peu and create your own assortment box? Handmade in their kitchens in South Yarra, you can find Backes’ macarons at his chocolate lounges in South Yarra or Melbourne CBD, which is conveniently open for late-night snacking.

Tell us, where have you eaten the best macarons in Melbourne? Did they make our list? Follow us on Instagram and don’t forget to show us your macaron photos using the hashtags #MyFrenchMelbourne, #MyMacaronMelb and #MyFrenchLife!