The Best Cake of Hauts-de-Seine for 2025 comes as a pleasant surprise this year. While expectations might have leaned towards a cutting-edge, ultra-modern creation, it’s actually a classic apple tart that won the judges over. But not just any apple tart—this one is called "Arcane," a reimagined pastry created by Grégoire Delachaux, based in Rueil-Malmaison. It bears little resemblance to the traditional recipes handed down from our grandmothers. The Best Cake Competition, organized by the departmental council and the Hauts-de-Seine Chamber of Crafts (CMA92), annually celebrates the region’s finest pastry talents.
This Friday, December 6, 2025, in the esteemed venue of the community hall, the winner's creation proudly takes center stage before local officials and a panel of judges led by Stéphane Glacier, renowned Meilleur Ouvrier de France based in Bois-Colombes. And it’s clear that this apple tart is unlike any other. "It’s truly a reinterpretation," explains the creator, a hint of pride in their voice. The theme for this seventh edition, "tradition and modernity," was flawlessly adhered to.
Beneath its sophisticated exterior lies a burst of flavors and textures. This indulgent recipe combines four different varieties of apples with vanilla, crunchy hazelnuts, a creamy vanilla-hazelnut spread, Granny Smith apple marmalade, a Calvados-infused compote, diced apples, and oven-caramelized "pirouette" apples. The entire creation is elevated by an artisanal apple cider glaze that provides an unexpected final touch. "There’s crunch, softness, and a multitude of textures," explains Grégoire Delachaux.
Stéphane Glacier is full of praise. “It’s been a long time since I’ve tasted a cake this good,” he admits, known for his high standards as a jury president. Last year, he even didn’t hesitate to restart the competition, feeling that the entries didn’t quite meet expectations. This year, he was particularly struck by the unconventional journey of the winner. Because Grégoire Delachaux, 43, is no ordinary pastry chef.
Originally trained as a beekeeper, this self-taught entrepreneur first worked as an arborist before turning his attention to bees and their precious nectar. He later transformed the honey into confections, gingerbread, and ultimately, cakes. His shop, Le Miel de Greg, opened in 2019 in Rueil-Malmaison, is a testament to his unique journey. Without any formal pastry training, he took numerous workshops to learn the craft, eventually developing his own recipes. Today, the pastry chef is living a childhood dream, celebrating a well-deserved recognition after years of dedicated effort.
Craving a slice of the famous "Arcane" apple tart? Patience is key—customers will have to wait until January 2026. Overwhelmed with Christmas log orders this December, pastry chef Grégoire Delachaux promises to resume offering his award-winning creation early next year at his shop on Place de l'Église in Rueil-Malmaison. Priced at 45 euros for 8 to 10 servings, this tart’s premium cost reflects the intricate craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients involved.
Winners of the 7th Annual Hauts-de-Seine Best Cake Competition:
Second place goes to Fabienne Zacchi, who also took home the prize in 2023. This pastry chef from Comptoir des Pipelettes in Fontenay-aux-Roses impressed the jury with her inventive take on the classic tarte Tatin. The third spot was awarded to the modernized opera cake by Christophe Bertrand and Mathieu Zuppetti from À la Reine Astrid in Meudon, who cleverly used 75% cacao Haitian chocolate, sourced through their department’s cooperation program supporting fair trade and organic cacao.
To explore these three award-winning creations, visit Le Miel de Greg at 1 Place de l'Église in Rueil-Malmaison, the Comptoir des Pipelettes at 83 Rue Boucicaut in Fontenay-aux-Roses, or À la Reine Astrid at 10 Rue Pierre Wacquant in Meudon. The Hauts-de-Seine departmental council and CMA92 continue to showcase the remarkable talent within the region's artisanal pastry scene.
Prices
Tarte 8/10 personnes : €45
Recommended age
For all
Official website
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