It is difficult to do justice to a place like Lenotre. Founded by Gaston Lenotre, the man who wrote the definitive book on pastry, it now has 7 outlets throughout Paris and has maintained a quality in all facets and departments that is unparalleled.

The French have long since been known for taking the utmost pride and care over their culinary affairs. Down to the finest detail from preparation to presentation the process is a fine art and no one does it better than the French.

For a perfect example of French expertise in this area just walk into Lenotre. The pastries are perfect, the cakes immaculate and the breads, fresh and irresistible. In particular try the chocolate cake - a devilishly intense combination of a hardened flaky chocolate exterior covering layers of rich chocolate mousse. Admittedly, its heavy, but what a sinfully tasty treat. You'll also find irresistible citron, strawberry and raspberry tarts and lemon merangue pies amongst the other delicacies.

Beautifully wrapped and presented classic French 'bonbons' make for a good gift. Also on the 'must try' list at Lenotre are their own brand soft scoop ice creams. France has a high standard of ice creams and sorbets and many of the patisseries do make their own brands. These are often extremely creamy and have intense flavours.

At Lenotre you have a choice of over 6 or 7 soft scoop flavours including vanilla with pecan, chocolate mousse, coffee and citron. The chocolate in particular is heavenly with shards of dark chocolate chips lacing the chocolate base. The vanilla is also exceptional with the black spots of the vanilla pod still visible in the cream base.

The service is friendly and helpful but beware - Lenotre, like many other famous Paris landmark shops, closes down for part of August. In a land that prides itself on the quality of its patisseries, Lenotre is rightly regarded as one of the very best.