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Gourmet addresses And local specialities
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Culinary specialities not to be missed

at Saint Germain Boucles de Seine

Wines and spirits, characterful cheeses, sweet and savoury delights, there are plenty of food and drink shops in Saint Germain Boucles de Seine, showcasing France’s wonderful gastronomy. Some are emblematic of the area because they are the only ones to sell certain products that were born here, such as the Saint-Germain cake, Debussy cheese or “Maurice Denis”.

Saint Germain Boucles de Seine is packed with restaurants serving traditional, gourmet and exotic cuisines, cosy tearooms and producers offering fresh produce and local products. Among all these treasures, the town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye stands out for its many culinary specialities. As you stroll through the historic centre of the town, your taste buds will be tantalised by the aromas of typical desserts such as Saint-Germain and Debussy. You’ll also find a wide range of local delicatessens offering a choice of meats and local cheeses to suit all tastes.

Maurice Denis cake of Maison Grandin

A little newcomer is making its appearance to celebrate the 150th birthday of the painter Maurice Denis!
A special cake, like the one the famous patisserie had already created in 1925 in honour of Claude Debussy a few years earlier.
This one is a sweet blend of hazelnut cream, caramelised roasted whole hazelnuts and raspberry jelly, all laid out on a hazelnut shortbread pastry.

Local specialities: Maurice Denis cakeLocal specialities: Maurice Denis cake
©Local specialities: Maurice Denis cake|OTI SGBS
    Saint Germain cakeSaint Germain cake
    ©Saint Germain cake|OTI SGBS

      Le Saint-Germain 1920

      This speciality was created by Monsieur Blanc, who worked in what is now known as the Hardy* patisserie. The cake is made with eggs, butter, sugar and almond powder. The added bonus of the Hardy pastry is the whole almonds inside.

      Le Debussy 1925

      This pastry was created by Maison Grandin in 1925 in memory of the great musician born near the shop on rue au Pain in 1862.
      It is a small cake made with a hazelnut biscuit, praline mousse, rum raisins and chocolate icing. This patisserie also offers its own version of the Saint-Germain cake, as well as the Aigle d’Or bakery.

      Debussy cake, Grandin patisserieDebussy cake, Grandin patisserie
      ©Debussy cake, Grandin patisserie|OTI SGBS

        Other culinary specialities of Saint Germain Boucles de Seine

        Pommes Soufflées - 1837

        The origins of the famous pommes soufflées go back to a culinary accident in 1837, when the cook at the Pavillon Henri IV, running late, dipped some cooled potatoes back into the hot fat, creating a new recipe.

        Pavillon Henri IV, 19-21 rue Thiers, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

        Béarnaise Sauce - 1837

        Created by mistake at the Pavillon Henri IV in 1837, the sauce béarnaise, as it was nicknamed by the chef Collinet, was actually born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, not in Béarn. A bust of Henri IV inspired the name of this culinary emulsion.

        Apple juice from Saint-Germain

        Produced by the Lycée agricole de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the artisanal apple juice is made from 17 varieties of apples grown on the Route des Princesses farm. With an annual harvest of 30 to 40 tonnes, it is 100% pasteurised and consistent in texture and taste.

        Les Serres des Princesses
        Route des Princesses, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

        Le Potage Saint-Germain

        Originating on the roads to the North, this soup made with fresh peas has become a classic, symbolising the cuisine of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

        Le Potage Dubarry

        Created in the 18th century for the Comtesse Du Barry, this cauliflower velouté is an essential part of French gastronomy.

        Le Debussy" and "Le Saint-Germain" cheeses

        Affected by the Sainte Suzanne cheese dairy, these soft cheeses are rich and creamy, one coated in chopped almonds.

        La Ferme Sainte-Suzanne, 37 rue au Pain, 78100 Saint-Germain-en-Laye

        Le Vin des Grottes - 1999

        Replanted under the Terrasse de Saint-Germain, the local vines have given birth to “Vin des Grottes”, a Burgundy-style wine made from pinot noir grapes. A wine-growing tradition brought back up to date, celebrated every year at harvest time.

        Purée of Saint-Germain

        A tribute to the region’s market gardeners, this purée is made with the famous Saint-Germain peas.