The House of the Macaron Sisters

In the world of french pastry, few topics spark as much debate as the true origin of the macaron. Some say Picardy, others swear by the Basque Country, and a few point to Ardèche. But here in Nancy, this delicate little treat has a story of its own. Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth, the macaron of Nancy was born from a mix of creativity and necessity. Back in the late 18th century, two nuns from the convent of the Dames du Saint-Sacrement were following a strict diet that completely excluded meat. To make up for this restriction, Sisters Suzanne and Marie-Elisabeth began experimenting in the kitchen, crafting a variety of pastries—including what would become the famous macaron. But in 1792, when their congregation was dissolved during the Revolution,the sisters found refuge with a trusted friend of the convent who helped them start anew. Can you guess how they thanked him for her hospitality? Yes, of course! with macarons! That simple gesture marked the beginning of a delicious success story. The sweets quickly gained popularity, and the two women came to be known as the “Macaron Sisters.” In 1991, their original shop and its closely guarded recipe were passed into the hands of the Genot family, who’ve been preserving the tradition ever since, now for two generations.