It was an event that thrilled the taste buds of the Left Bank. The Maison de la Mutualité was transformed into a veritable temple of haute gourmandise to welcome the French selections for the 2026 Coupe du Monde de Pâtisserie .
In this historic theater, where acoustics are usually king (especially during the famous Candlelight concerts, where thousands of candles sparkle), it was the whips and spatulas that led the dance under the spotlights!
When “La Mutu” sets fire to taste
The choice of this venue for the national selections was no accident. Its ability to transform from concert hall to gastronomic arena confirms the exceptional versatility of the Maison de la Mutualité. By hosting such a technically demanding event, the venue proves that it is much more than a historical monument: it is a living space, capable of adapting to the demands of the world’s elite of taste.
In fact, it’s here, within these Art Deco walls, that the future of the discipline is taking shape: the recent national selections crowned Yoan Palamara (Chocolate), Axel Lebellanger (Ice) and Abel Nesson (Sugar). This new trio will carry France’s colors high at the Europe 2026 selection, with the ambition of following in their predecessors’ footsteps .
A look back at the 2025 Grand Final
This new generation will be able to draw inspiration from the recent exploits of Team France 2025, at the Grand Final of the World Pastry Cup held on January 24 and 25, 2025 at the Sirha trade show in Lyon.
The trio, made up of Haruka Hatsuji (Chocolate), Jérémy Massing (Sugar) and Mickaël Guyader (Ice), had to create monumental 165 cm artistic pieces and illustrate themselves on the new “Show Chocolat”, a scenographic test inspired by street food.
This 2025 edition also marked a lasting turning point. In fact, the judging process incorporated strict eco-responsible criteria: limiting waste, locally sourced products and responsible energy consumption. Excellence is now measured as much by the precision of the gesture as by respect for resources.
A springboard to the world summit
The high standards set by the Paris team have paid off. Team France 2025 brilliantly defended the colors of France at the Grand Final. After a hard-fought competition, France climbed to the second step of the podium, winning a prestigious silver medal just behind Japan and ahead of Malaysia.
This world title confirms that the walls of the Maison de la Mutualité are not only the home of history: they are also the birthplace of the exploits that make French excellence shine across the globe, paving the way today for tomorrow’s successes.