Delightful French Macarons at Le Bon Macaron

We had our first taste of real, authentic macarons back when we visited France a few years ago. We were supposed to be in Europe, Paris more specifically, on a press trip for my birthday this year, but since everything the world over was cancelled, we sought out some local substitutes. I was very pleased with the flavor and variety of the macarons at Le Bon Macaron in Ann Arbor, also located in Grand Rapids. This locally owned bakery makes each macaron lovingly by hand, and they’re fresh daily, giving locals who can’t get away to Europe at the moment a taste of French elegance.

Naturally gluten-free, as traditional macarons call for almond flour rather than wheat flour, these macarons are all gluten free, with only one or two exceptions of flavors that include cookies in the shell mixture. If you have a gluten allergy, ask for flavors that are prepared away from wheat, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the vast variety of flavors available, like champagne, violet, chai, earl grey, chocolate raspberry, pistachio, and dozens more!

Le Bon Macaron

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Address: 209 S 4th Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Food Type: Handmade Macarons
Dining Experience: Indoor
Price: $3+ per Macaron
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Reservations: Not Available
Special Diets: Gluten Free

I felt like being extra, so I wanted to match my macarons to my pink outfit, because I had no other way to make a selection from their great assortment of flavors, all of which sounded fantastic. I’m not normally a big fan of sweets, but when I know that hours of love, hard work, and fine-tuned skill went into making these elegant, French delicacies, I couldn’t say no to sharing a few with Robin. We selected poppy, crème brûlée, strawberry swirl, rose raspberry, strawberry swirl, and champagne, and they were all positively phenomenal, totally on par with macarons we’ve had around France.

Le Bon Macaron in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids Michigan Authentic French Macarons in Michigan by Annie Fairfax

The café also serves a variety of coffees, espresso, teas, and hot chocolates, as well as handcrafted sodas, for a truly Parisian experience. Macarons are around $3 each, and coffee or tea runs about $5, making it a bit cheaper (and easier to experience) than a flight to France. Until the European Union begins allowing visitors from the United States once more, I will continue seeking out the tastes of Europe wherever I can find them.