Every year, the Syndicat des boulangers du Grand Paris awards a coveted trophy for the best almond cake of the year.
So, who took home the title at this year's 38th edition of the contest? The answer was revealed on December 5, 2025, during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Grand Paris Baker’s Union, located in the 4th arrondissement. Drumroll, please... The First Prize for the Best Almond Kings' Cake of 2026 in Greater Paris went to Patrick Dumont from Maison Dumont (in the entrepreneurs category). This delightful bakery-pastry shop is based in Clamart in the Hauts-de-Seine. It’s worth noting that Patrick Dumont’s bakery had already received the trophy for the Best Almond Kings' Cake in Greater Paris in 2022. And in 2026, the chef is proudly bringing the trophy home once again!
Just behind them isThierry Maillardfrom La Maillardisein Levallois-Perret. Finally,Mohamed Khouildi from La Tradition in Bagnolet andHanai Horikoshi, the Japanese contestant, tied for third place.
This year, 165 almond galettes were made by artisans from Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, and Val-de-Marne. To decide between them, the jury—made up of professionals and foodies—took into account the baking, decoration, flakiness, and how well they held together when cut.
Of the 10 winners at the awards ceremony, four Parisian bakeries and pastry shops are included in the 2026 ranking! The first of these is theModerne Rabineau bakery, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris.
Congratulations to the winners and all participants! All these almond pastries can be enjoyed until the end of January 2026 at each of the bakeries that received recognition.
What happened to the winner of the competition for the best almond tart in Île-de-France – Greater Paris? On January 12, 2026, the top spot in the 5th edition of this regional contest was claimed by Frédéric Boulay from Maison Boulay in Beaumont-sur-Oise, Val-d'Oise. It's worth noting that Boulay's bakery had already earned recognition at the departmental level for the best almond tart in the Val-d'Oise. With this latest achievement, Frédéric Boulay secures a spot in the national finals scheduled for December 2026, aiming to crown the ultimate almond tart champion. Congratulations to him!
This regional contest brought together talented artisans from bakeries in Seine-et-Marne, Essonne, Val-d'Oise, and Yvelines.
