Paris-Brest, an iconic French pastry

The sweet wheel of France

When you think of iconic French pastries, the Paris-Brest holds a special place, not just for its delightful blend of textures and flavours, but for the rich story it carries on its delicate shoulders. This pastry is a bite-sized slice of French heritage (although they do come in family size too!), cycling culture, and culinary ingenuity melded into one.

The race that sparked an inspiration

The story begins at the dawn of the 20th century, a time of great enthusiasm for cycling in France. Bicycles were racing from a novelty to a national obsession, and a journalist named Pierre Giffard wanted to stir things up. On the 6th of September 1891, he launched the first-ever Paris-Brest-Paris cycle race, a challenging cyclists to pedal an epic 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) from the heart of Paris to the coastal town of Brest in Brittany, and then ride back again. This was a test of endurance, grit, and passion, attracting riders from all over Europe.

A total of 206 riders took part and firmly etched the race into French sporting history. The event celebrated determination and marked the era where the trusty bicycle replaced the penny-farthing as a symbol of freedom.

Not just professionals, but enthusiastic amateurs lined up at the start too. They had support teams in tow, soigneurs (think massage, snacks, and encouragement), mechanics, and trainers kept the cyclists moving. The bikes themselves were an interesting mix: some rolled on hollow rubber tyres, others tried out the new pneumatic inflatables. There were sixteen checkpoints, and newspapers called it “the national bicycle race.” France was buzzing!

Legendary winners
Charles Terront snatched victory, skipping sleep for 71 hours and 37 minutes. He kept a pace of 17.6 km/h heading out and nearly 16.8 km/h coming back. Not too shabby! Joseph-Louis Laval finished second, trailing by over eight hours. Henry Coulliboeuf landed third. Of those 206 brave souls, about half completed the ride, some taking full advantage of a ten-day window and refuelling in local inns.

Louis Durand and the birth of the pastry

Amid this sporting excitement, Louis Durand of Maisons-Laffitte baked up a legend of his own in 1910, the Paris-Brest. Inspired by the race’s fame, Durand shaped his pastry like a bicycle wheel. What seemed like clever marketing soon became a French classic.

Durand’s creation featured the classic pâte à choux dough (just like éclairs and profiteroles) which is light and crisp on the outside with a tender crumb inside. The centre was generously filled with a praline mousseline cream, a luxurious blend of hazelnut and almond praline paste whipped with butter and pastry cream. Finally, it was crowned with sparkling toasted almond flakes, adding the perfect crunch and nuttiness.

The pastry was an instant hit, marrying form and flavour with classic French flair. Durand’s family has lovingly guarded the recipe through four generations. Today, the Durand bakery thrives, and if you’ve ever wanted to taste the real deal, it’s the place to go. Stéphane and his wife Dorothy now proudly carry on this beloved family tradition.

Size matters: treats for one or for a crowd

You don’t have to buy a whole wheel to enjoy Paris-Brest. French patisseries offer smaller versions, perfect for a solo indulgence or a quick sweet bite mid-afternoon with a cup of coffee. These minis are about 10 centimetres across and keep the wheel’s iconic shape.

For family celebrations or sharing, you can buy a full-sized Paris-Brest, which can comfortably serve several people. This is my old neighbour’s favourite pâtisserie which he would order every year on it’s birthday!

Interestingly, some pastry shops even offer Paris-Brest in éclair form, serving the same luscious praline cream and almond flavours but in an elongated shape for easier handling on the go.

Paris-Brest’s place in France’s sweet tooth

While macarons and éclairs tend to grab the spotlight, Paris-Brest sits proudly in France’s dessert hierarchy. A national survey placed it 10th among France’s favourite desserts, a remarkable feat given its more niche appeal compared to universally known classics like the apple tart or a mille-feuille.

A generous 235g serving of Paris-Brest clocks in at around 833 calories, mainly fats from butter and nuts, plus carbohydrates. It’s meant for slow, luxurious enjoyment, best with coffee or sweet wine. French cuisine is all about pleasure, not guilt!

Riding a legend: Paris-Brest-Paris today

The Paris-Brest-Paris event still rolls every four years, now as one of the world’s most iconic endurance rides. Each August, thousands of cyclists from around the globe take on the 1,200-kilometre route, starting and finishing in Paris after reaching Brest on the Atlantic.

No pros racing for trophies here. Instead, it’s a true test of stamina, spirit, and sheer joy of cycling. Riders have up to 90 hours, passing through picturesque French villages, often staying in local inns—just like in the old days. The camaraderie lives on, with everyone hoping to make it into the event’s “Great Book” alongside all finishers since 1891.

The most recent edition was August 2023, and the next is booked for 2027. If you’re tempted to take part or just curious, check out the official website: Paris-Brest-Paris.

Disclosure: Just so you know, this post contains sponsored content and/or affiliate links, If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission. Doesn’t cost you anything extra. I only link to things that are actually worth your time. All opinions are my own!