Beneath a giant crystal chandelier, Aux Merveilleux' cakes are as decadent and rebellious as the 18th-century Merveilleuse and Incroyables (brazen post-French Revolution new-society folk with a complete disregard for modesty) that inspired them. Watch them being assembled – two meringues sandwiched with whipped cream, then rolled in more cream and chocolate flakes, caramelised hazelnuts or almonds.
The cakes were created in the north of France by chef Frédéric Vaucamps, who now has boutiques across Paris and the world.