Fiona LeLuc devotes herself to sablé biscuits as the base for her signature creations, celebrating the potential of these humble biscuits, which are integral to the French pastry tradition. Her fanciful fruit treats include ‘Le Ballet des Vénus’ of poached comice pear, chantilly, and Madagascan vanilla cream on sablé; and ‘Carmen’ of black cherries, raspberry confit, and a melting almond biscuit. Bontemps, also known for its mini sablé sandwiches filled with flavored creams, might be the prettiest shop in all of Paris. Its two locations - two pâtisseries with a ‘secret garden’ courtyard restaurant at Rue de Bretagne - are full of charming antiques sourced by chef LeLuc and her sister Fatina Faye, from delicate glass pendants to decorative tiles and vintage plates.

Travel with us to Vienna, one of the world’s most treasured destinations for fine pastry and coffee houses, and step inside Demel, a cavernous mirrored shop and café with elaborate gilded cornices and huge globe chandeliers. A Viennese fairytale founded in 1786, Demel produces the finest examples of haute Austrian breads and cakes, protecting the legacy of classics such as strudel, Sachertorte, Esterhazy torte, and Dobostorte, as well as the grand tradition of making time for coffee and cake in beautiful surroundings. King Charles and Queen Camilla recently visited during their Royal visit to Austria.