Just a stone’s throw from the main shop on Rue Grande, Frédéric Cassel has opened a tea room on Rue des Sablons dedicated to enjoying his creations on the premises. It’s a chance to do what the main patisserie – which is always packed on Saturdays – doesn’t really allow: to sit down, take your time, and savour his creations on the spot rather than in a box taken home.

Frédéric Cassel has two addresses in Fontainebleau. This tea room, where you can enjoy a drink whilst seated. And the Frédéric Cassel’s historic patisserie on Rue Grande, which opened in 1994, selling cakes, chocolates and ice cream to take away.

Bellifontaine's most exported pastry chef

Frédéric Cassel is more than thirty years in Fontainebleau. Having worked at Fauchon alongside Pierre Hermé, he opened his first shop here in 1994. Since then, the brand has expanded to Tokyo, Kyoto, Casablanca, Tunis and Berlin. His accolades speak for themselves:

  • chairman of the French national team 2013 World Pastry Champion
  • Chairman of Relais Desserts for fifteen years, from 2003 to 2018
  • Pastry Chef of the Year in 1999 and 2007

For many residents of Bellifontaine, it’s the local pride they mention when they want to impress a visitor from Paris.

A proper living room, where you can sit down

Rue des Sablons is quieter than the main shopping streets in the city centre. The setting is every bit the classic tea room: table, armchair, cup, saucer and conversation. It’s the perfect spot for a couple to spend an afternoon, when you’d rather sit down for a drink than wait around in a shop.

What to try whilst you’re there

Cassel’s identity is shaped by the signature dessertsthe millefeuille, the macaroons whose fragrances change with the seasons, the chocolates, pastries and, as soon as the weather gets warmer, a range of ice creams and frozen pastries. Festive treats punctuate the year: galette on Epiphany, Easter eggs, and Yule logs at Christmas. As for drinks, the menu features a selection of teas and hot chocolates, as befits the establishment.

The lounge is just a few minutes’ walk from the château de Fontainebleau : the perfect break after your visit.