If you're looking for an exceptional Yule log to impress your guests, Lenôtre is taking us on a journey this year. The Parisian brand unveils the Train des Merveilles, a spectacular creation designed by Etienne Leroy, world pastry champion and head pastry chef at Lenôtre. Come aboard this gourmet journey that transforms tradition into a true edible work of art.
The Train des Merveilles is the kind of creation that makes you say "wow" before you even taste it. Imagine a locomotive made entirely of chocolate, hand-assembled from around fifty delicate pieces, followed by two elegantly designed log-shaped carriages. It looks as if this little train is about to set off across your Christmas table. Every golden detail sparkles, from the finely chiseled wheels to the marshmallow-powdered roof that evokes snow. This piece of pastry artistry weighs over 2 kilos and serves 8 to 10 people for €190. Yes, it's an investment, but above all, it's a memory that will linger in the minds of those who taste it.
In terms of flavors, we're heading into comforting territory with a generous blend of chocolate and hazelnut: crunchy hazelnut and cocoa nibs, creamy hazelnut praline, soft cocoa biscuit, creamy dark and milk chocolate, old-fashioned hazelnut praline, smooth dark chocolate mousse... All enhanced by a cocoa glaze and that famous snow-covered marshmallow roof that adds that little touch of nostalgia we love. It's indulgent, generous, and frankly, it looks devilishly good.
Etienne Leroy's inspiration comes directly from the Christmas stories he watches with his daughters. "That's how the Train des Merveilles was born, a creation designed as a journey to the heart of the holidays, with comforting flavors that bring people together and immediately evoke the spirit of Christmas," says the chef. This creation combines all the magic of childhood with the expertise of the house. It is both touching and delicious.
A major stop on the Train des Merveilles, the Haussmann log cake catches our eye with its unapologetic nostalgia. It evokes the sweetness of homemade French toast, you know, the kind grandma used to make on winter Sundays. Underneath a thin layer of marzipan with intricate arabesques and a chocolate bow that looks like a precious gift package, we discover a carefully crafted harmony: crunchy roasted hazelnuts, soft vanilla biscuit, velvety cream, and milk mousse infused with Bourbon vanilla from Madagascar. The whole thing is enriched with amber rum and fragrant cinnamon, with a center of melting caramel that ties it all together. For 6 people, expect to pay €89. A true sensory journey that reconciles tradition and modernity.
The Parisian house hasn't forgotten its must-have Yule logs, which return year after year and are eagerly awaited. Noël sous la neige combines dark chocolate and Isigny caramel with a little almond-hazelnut crunch, Mont-Blanc plays the classic chestnut-vanilla card with its chestnut cream and pieces, while Pyrénées focuses on hazelnut and caramel with fleur de sel. A trio of sure bets for lovers of intense delicacies.
Those with a taste for freshness will turn to the Riviera, which awakens the taste buds with its citrus fruits: mandarin, Corsican clementine, Menton lemon, and bergamot bring a welcome touch of tartness after a hearty meal. Alsace, meanwhile, plays the raspberry-vanilla card with its light mousse au fromage blanc. Lighter options that do you good.
These creations are available in several formats: individual logs for €10.50 (perfect for small appetites or to prolong the festivities, available from December 4), then logs to share for 4 people (€48), 6 people (€69), or 8 people (€90) available from December 17. Something to suit every family size.
Lenôtre is bringing back its Rothschild ice cream soufflé, a classic dessert created in the 19th century and reinterpreted by Gaston Lenôtre in 1963. This frozen parfait with candied fruit, sprinkled with Grand Marnier liqueur pearls and decorated with nougatine crackers, is the kind of dessert you can serve with pride. It serves 4 to 5 people for €69 and reminds us that classics are always a good choice.
The company also offers the Palais des Glaces ice cream log, which delicately combines pear sorbet and chestnut ice cream with candied chestnut pieces, all covered with a thin layer of marzipan. It's fresh, elegant, and a nice change from the chocolate versions (serves 6-7 people, €69). These ice cream versions are available from December 1, just in time for the holidays.
In short, whether you're looking for original Yule logs or classic pastries, whether you're a fan of intense chocolate , vanilla treats, or ice cream creations, the Lenôtre 2025 collection has everything you need to make your Christmas table shine. Don't miss out on a visit to the Lenôtre boutiques in Paris and the Île-de-France region. This year, we're boarding the Train des Merveilles, and we can assure you that the journey is well worth it.
This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.
Location
Lenôtre - Victor Hugo
48 Avenue Victor Hugo
75116 Paris 16
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.lenotre.com
