Croissants à la Marie-Antoinette to savor in Fontainebleau

The Marie-Antoinette-style croissant is making its way into bakeries across the Pays de Fontainebleau, in Seine-et-Marne (77). Until the end of November 2026, five bakeries in Fontainebleau and Barbizon are offering their own take on the famous viennoiserie, all united by one color: pink.

At first, four bakeries took up the challenge set by Fontainebleau Tourisme, the local tourism office, together with the town, the château and the local retailers’ association. A fifth bakery has just joined the adventure. Turning a simple coffee break into a little royal tour of the imperial city.

The timing could hardly be better. In autumn 1786, 240 years ago, Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI left Fontainebleau for the last time. The château is marking the anniversary with the major exhibition “Marie-Antoinette and Louis XVI at Fontainebleau: Splendor and the Art of Living”, on view from October 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027, and royal apartments refurnished as they were in 1786, where visitors can discover, among other things, the bedroom Marie-Antoinette never saw. Local businesses, meanwhile, are extending the celebrations with gourmet treats.

Why a croissant to pay tribute to Marie-Antoinette?

The choice is no accident. According to a persistent legend, it was the young Archduchess of Austria, who became Queen of France, who introduced the croissant at court, as a reminder of Vienna’s sweet treats. A charming story that gave Viennese pastries their name.

Historians remain more cautious. As Brut points out, no source proves it was served at the Queen’s table, and the flaky croissant as we know it probably only became established in France in the 19th century. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter: the croissant remains one of the most evocative symbols of the French art of living, and that is precisely what the campaign aims to celebrate.

Which Marie-Antoinette croissants should you try in Fontainebleau and Barbizon?

Each artisan interpreted the theme in their own way, with red berries, roses and finishes worthy of a ball gown. Here are the five creations on the menu:

• Dardonville (Fontainebleau): a golden, delicately pink croissant with crisp, airy layers, filled with a compote of fresh raspberries brightened with a hint of lemon.
  
  
• Frédéric Cassel (Fontainebleau): a croissant shaped like an eighteenth-century gown, with caramelized layers, a red-fruit confit scented with rose, and a small golden figurine perched on top like a jewel.
  
  
• Suzy et Arlette (Fontainebleau): buttery layers made with AOP Isigny butter conceal a soft raspberry compote and crémeux filling.
  
  
• Maison Deudon, La Fournée d'Augustine (Fontainebleau): the latest addition to the initiative, this organic bakery on rue de France, which uses natural sourdough, offers its own delicious interpretation, true to the Queen’s signature pink theme.
  
  
• La Galerie des Pains (Barbizon): pink two-tone dough, a rose and raspberry insert, then a cloud of pink Reims biscuits—a final dusting of powder before appearing at court.

• To be read
• The best things to do in Paris and Île-de-France from November 2 to 8, 2026

Good news for latecomers: some of these creations have been such a hit that their bakeries have decided to keep them on the menu beyond the promotion. And at under €4, this little royal treat won’t break the bank.

Where can you find Marie Antoinette-style croissants?

In Fontainebleau, everything is within walking distance of the château. Dardonville bakery and pastry shop awaits you at 24 rue des Sablons. Frédéric Cassel welcomes customers at 71–73 rue Grande, and his tea room at 21 rue des Sablons opens at 10 a.m. so you can sit down and enjoy his creation. Take the opportunity to try his Paris-Brest, recently named the best in Île-de-France. These establishments are closed on Mondays and Sunday afternoons.

At Suzy et Arlette, at 95 rue Grande, stop by on weekdays before 2 p.m. or after 3:30 p.m., or any time on Saturday (closed Mondays and Sunday afternoons). Maison Deudon is at 2 rue de France, just a short walk away. Finally, in Barbizon, La Galerie des Pains welcomes food lovers at 70 Grande Rue every day except Wednesday.

From Paris, the Transilien’s line R connects Gare de Lyon to Fontainebleau-Avon in about 40 minutes, then a bus takes you to the town centre. For Barbizon, it’s best to plan on driving or cycling through the forest.

Who is this gourmet tour for?

This little hunt for pink croissants will appeal to curious food lovers, families and anyone planning a visit to the château. It fits easily into a day in Fontainebleau: a croissant for breakfast, the exhibition in the morning, then an afternoon snack in Barbizon after a walk in the forest. A fun way to discover local artisans without breaking the bank.

A quick tip: these pastries are made in limited quantities, so it’s best to come in the morning to avoid finding the display case empty. Also, keep an eye on the closing days: Mondays in Fontainebleau and Wednesdays in Barbizon.

To keep the good times going, we also recommend discovering the best croissants and pain au chocolat in Seine-et-Marne, and, back in Paris, our selection of places to enjoy traditional French pastries.