Aux Petits Gourmands
Aux Petits Gourmands is a Chamonix café for speciality coffee, pastries and light meals. Ideal for a morning stop, quick lunch or a relaxed break between mountain adventures. Book ahead. Book ahead in peak season.
Last updated: 2025-12-23
- Website: https://boutique.petitsgourmands.fr
- Phone: +33 4 50 53 01 59
Key takeaways
- Great for coffee, pastries and a quick refuel in town.
- Central location in Chamonix—easy to reach on foot.
- Check the latest menu and opening times before you go (seasonality is common in the valley).
- Check the latest menu and opening times before you go (seasonality is common in the valley).
Quick answer
Aux Petits Gourmands is a Chamonix café for speciality coffee, pastries and light meals. Ideal for a morning stop, quick lunch or a relaxed break between mountain adventures. Book ahead. Book ahead in peak season.
On this page
Overview
Aux Petits Gourmands is a paradise for lovers of French pastries and sweets,
seamlessly blending the function of a high-end patisserie shop with a charming salon de thé (tea room).
Located at 168 Rue du Dr. Paccard – the busy pedestrian core of Chamonix – its enticing window
displays of elaborate cakes, colorful macarons, and glossy chocolates inevitably draw in passersby like a
magnet. The interior is elegant and inviting: mosaic-tiled floors, marble-topped tables, and glass cases
filled with confections that are nothing short of edible art. This patisserie is operated by the Fattier
family, a name behind some of Chamonix’s finest baked goods (they also run the famed Chalet 4810
bakery nearby 31 ). That heritage is evident in every bite at Aux Petits Gourmands. It’s an ideal spot for
a luxurious breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or the quintessential French “goûter” (afternoon tea) after a
day of skiing or hiking. Given its central location and impeccable offerings, it has become a staple for
both locals celebrating special occasions and tourists seeking an authentic patisserie experience.
Pastries & Offerings
The array of pastries and desserts here is dazzling. In the morning, you can stop in for viennoiseries
like butter croissants, pain au chocolat, almond croissants, and seasonal fruit danishes – all flaky,
buttery perfection. There’s also a mouth-watering selection of gâteaux and tarts: for instance, the
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classic tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart) referencing local mountain blueberries, a silky tarte au
citron meringuée (lemon meringue tart) with peaks of toasted meringue, or rich opera cake layered
with coffee and chocolate. One signature item is their Mont Blanc pastry, an homage to the mountain –
typically a mound of sweet chestnut cream vermicelli atop whipped cream and a merengue base,
absolutely divine and fitting for the setting. Aux Petits Gourmands doubles as a chocolaterie as well,
with an in-house chocolatier crafting pralines and truffles. Notably, they have Mont Blanc-shaped
chocolates that are popular souvenirs – white chocolate peaks dusted to resemble snow 32 . If you’re
looking for something savory, they do offer quiches, gourmet sandwiches on their fresh baguettes, and
often a soup du jour or small salad, making it a pleasant lunch stop. To drink, a full coffee and tea menu
is available – lovely cappuccinos, rich hot chocolate (made with their own couverture chocolate), and a
curated selection of fine teas. They also serve fresh juices and even indulgent items like a glass of
Champagne with your pastry if you feel celebratory. Everything is crafted with top-quality ingredients –
real butter, high-grade chocolate, seasonal fruits – it’s the kind of place where one taste can transport
you. While you can take away anything from the shop, it’s highly recommended to sit and savor at least
once; the staff will present your pastry on delicate china with artistic drizzles or garnish, truly elevating
the experience.
Ambiance & Experience
Despite offering gourmet products, Aux Petits Gourmands maintains a warm and accessible
atmosphere. The staff greet you kindly as you step in, and if you choose to dine in, they’ll usually guide
you to an open table in the back tea room or upstairs mezzanine if it’s open. The dining area feels
refined yet cozy – cushioned chairs, soft background music (maybe classical or acoustic tunes), and
often the gentle murmur of content customers. Many locals pop in daily for a morning espresso and
croissant at the bar, so you don’t feel like it’s tourist-only. It can get quite busy during peak hours (mid-
morning and around 4 PM “goûter” time), and you might observe families treating their kids to post-ski
hot chocolate, couples sharing a pastry, or friends clinking tea cups. Service is polite and professional; if
you dine in, it’s table service, and they allow you to slow down and relish the moment – there’s no rush
to turn the table. One can easily lose track of time here, admiring the pastries, chatting, and watching
the world stroll by outside the window. The establishment’s connection to Chalet 4810 (the famed
patisserie a few blocks away, named after Mont Blanc’s height) suggests a level of excellence – indeed,
the Fattier family’s recipes have been honed over decades 33 . You’ll see nods to this heritage around –
perhaps a display about their original shop or an award certificate on the wall. Cleanliness and
presentation are impeccable: staff in pressed uniforms, pastries in neat rows like jewelry. Overall,
indulging at Aux Petits Gourmands feels a bit like stepping back to the golden age of European
patisseries, where the enjoyment of fine pastries was nearly a ritual – and here in Chamonix, that
tradition carries on vibrantly.
Tips
If you have a specific cake or a large order in mind (say, picking up a birthday cake or a box of
assorted macarons), it’s wise to call ahead or visit earlier in the day to reserve it, as items can sell out by
late afternoon – especially in high tourist seasons when the word about this place spreads quickly. They
open typically around 8 AM and close in the early evening; note that they may have a mid-day lull or
brief closure between lunch and tea time in quieter months. Prices are commensurate with the quality –
a touch higher than a basic bakery, but still good value given the craftsmanship and the fact you’re
effectively in a salon de thé. Dress code is casual, but this is the kind of place you might feel like
dressing up a notch just for fun (though ski attire is not out of place either – Chamonix is casual after
all). They do lovely gift boxes of their chocolates and biscuits – great to take home or gift. If you want to
experience a range, they sometimes offer a formule (set menu) for breakfast (like a viennoiserie + hot
drink + juice combo) or a teatime platter with mini pastries and tea – ask if available. Also, the upstairs
seating, if open, gives a nice view over the shop and out the front windows, and is often a bit quieter.
Whether you’re fueling up in the morning or capping off an afternoon with something sweet, Aux Petits
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Gourmands delivers a true taste of French patisserie art in a setting befitting a mountain epicurean.
Getting there
Aux Petits Gourmands is in the Chamonix valley. In high season, it’s often easiest to arrive on foot or by local bus—parking in town can be limited.
Map: Open Aux Petits Gourmands on Google Maps
Need an airport transfer?
If you’re arriving via Geneva Airport, we can help you get to resort quickly and comfortably. See our Geneva to Chamonix Transfer options.
FAQs
Do I need to book in advance?
It depends on the time and season. Aux Petits Gourmands is busiest in winter and peak summer, so booking is a good idea for evening meals.
Is it suitable for families and children?
Aux Petits Gourmands can still work for families, but the atmosphere may be quieter or more adult-focused at peak dinner times.
Do they serve food as well as drinks?
Yes. Alongside coffee and tea, you can usually find pastries and light bites. Offerings change with the day and season.
Where is it in Chamonix?
Aux Petits Gourmands is in the Chamonix valley. Use the Google Maps link on this page for the exact location and the quickest walking route.
