The amazing Le Loir dans la Theiere in the Marais is among my most favorite dessert spots in all of the City of Light.

This funky, gay-friendly tea room offers a daily changing menu of homemade tarts and cakes, usually with five or six choices available for €8.50 and discounted to just €6.50 after 4 p.m.—if any are left. There’s usually at least a couple of desserts remaining, but if you don’t want to take a chance on missing out, show up around lunchtime when the selection is abundant.

During our visits we sampled such delightful treats as pistachio shortbread with strawberries, chocolate crumble tart, mango cake and the most amazing mile-high lemon meringue tart. In all seriousness, it was a foot tall with the top of the meringue caramelized to a perfect brown crunchiness

The ambiance in the two large dining rooms is shabby-chic, with sofas, leather chaises and tables with mismatched chairs scattered about. And best of all, a sign at the entrance asks patrons to leave their laptops at home. Hallelujah!

Le Loir dans la Theiere
3 Rue des Rosiers
Metro: Saint-Paul