TORONTO — In celebration of 50 years of connecting Paris and Toronto, Air France has launched a one-of-a-kind pastry shop, La Pâtisserie, in the heart of downtown Toronto – the airline’s first pastry pop-up worldwide.

Bertrand Pous, Consul General for France in Toronto

As Jean-Eudes de La Bretèche, Country Manager for Air France-KLM in Canada, put it, “Our goal is for Torontonians to experience the authentic taste and elegance of French pastry, mirroring what our Business Class guests enjoy at 35,000 feet.”

Open from April 25 until May 17, the pop-up offers visitors and dessert enthusiasts a rare opportunity to savour authentic French pastries beyond the airline’s cabin.

A select group of media guests, along with Bertrand Pous, the Consulate General of France in Toronto, did just that in a private tasting yesterday.

Attendees sampled creations such as Lemon Delight, Raspberry & Montelimar Nougat, Mango Coco, Chocolate & Caramel, and Hazelnut. The pastries artfully combined crunchy textures, tangy citrus notes and smooth cream on a delicate base. Their thoughtful presentation elevated both flavour and appearance.

The pop-up features all five pastries crafted by renowned French pastry chefs Yann Couvreur and Laurent Le Daniel, who was awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France.

These pastries are identical to those served in Air France’s Business Class, exemplifying the airline’s dedication to French cuisine and bringing a taste of the in-flight experience to the ground for the first time.

The pop-up features all five pastries crafted by renowned French pastry chefs Yann Couvreur and Laurent Le Daniel

BOUTIQUE CAFE EXPERIENCE

This unique pop-up is open to the public, inviting guests to enjoy an exclusive aspect of the Air France culinary experience alongside a cup of coffee.

Located at 151 Bloor Street West, La Pâtisserie is designed to resemble an Air France Business Class boutique. The stylishly designed salon de thé (tea room) offers a taste of France and embodies Air France’s signature sophistication, inviting guests to experience French elegance and artisanal pastry craftsmanship.

Moreover, the shop includes a retail area where pastries can be purchased for take-home, as well as a coffee service, and a cozy lounge where guests can relax and enjoy their treats.

Beyond the tasting experience, the pop-up also pays tribute to Air France’s history in Toronto.

Visitors can explore a dedicated wall featuring nostalgic Air France memorabilia, including an original Concorde menu, tableware and glassware, all artfully displayed throughout the space.

These pieces were created in collaboration with French designers and artisans who embody French identity and have long been part of the Air France experience.

Influencers and content creators can pre-book a dedicated Creator Studio to capture their experiences.

The cafe is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. (closed Mondays).

50 YEARS OF CONNECTION

Ushering in a brand-new campaign in 2026, Air France is highlighting its shift towards an “upmarket” experience – and that includes this showcase of its high-end pastry collaborations in its long-haul Business class. The initiative is part of a larger strategy to upgrade the passenger experience, featuring menus by Michelin-starred chef Régis Marcon.

Air France proudly remains the only airline in the world to serve champagne across all three cabin classes: economy, premium, and business.

Air France launched its Toronto-Paris service on May 21, 1976, using a Boeing 747 aircraft. At that time, it was the only airline serving that route, operating three flights per week.

Today, Air France will expand its summer flights from Toronto to twice daily service, underscoring its continued commitment to the gateway.

“Historically, we see a bit more traffic coming from Canada, so the Canadian market is very important, especially for groups,” said de La Bretèche. “Not only for Paris, but also for the entire network of destinations beyond Paris. That’s why the flights are really well connected to the rest of Europe, India and Africa.”

Getting to France is increasingly convenient with direct service across multiple Canadian gateways. As the peak summer season unfolds, Air France will also operate flights to Paris from Montreal (28 flights), Quebec City (4 flights), Ottawa (7 flights), and Vancouver (7 flights), for a total of 60 flights per week.

“Next month, we will be celebrating 50 years of connecting Toronto to Paris. It’s a significant milestone when you consider Air France’s 92-year history,” says de La Bretèche, adding, “and a big part of that story is written in Canada.”

Lead image caption: Jean-Eudes de La Bretèche, Country Manager for Air France-KLM in Canada, pictured at Air France’s new La Pâtisserie pastry pop-up in downtown Toronto