Michaël Bartocetti's sculptural 2026 Yule log pairs Williams pear, Cuban dark chocolate and cardamom, with Paris pickup from 17 December.
A Christmas dessert with a childhood story
Executive pastry chef Michaël Bartocetti has designed the 2026 Yule log for Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris around the image of Santa's sleigh leaving tracks in snow. The sculptural white exterior gradually reveals the outline of a Christmas tree, giving the traditional French dessert an architectural appearance before it reaches the table.
The hotel unveiled the creation on 22 September, well ahead of the December celebrations. Its story is about a newly announced festive pastry, not an existing restaurant reopening or a yacht-specific catering service.
Pear and chocolate beneath the surface
The flavour inspiration is Poire Belle-Hélène, with Williams pear and vanilla mousse surrounding a Cuban dark-chocolate cream. A pear confit with a little green cardamom, almond-vanilla crunch and pain de Gênes biscuit add contrasting textures beneath the pale exterior.
Bartocetti's recipe places fruit and chocolate at the centre rather than relying on shape alone. Its ingredients and assembly are documented by the pastry team's official announcement, while individual substitutions or dietary suitability should be checked before ordering.
How to order for the festive table
Pre-orders begin on 15 October 2026, with collection at the Paris hotel from 17 December. The published price is €150 for a dessert serving eight people, making this an advance seasonal order rather than a product available for immediate pickup in September.
For guests staying at the hotel, a plated version will also be served during Christmas afternoon tea at La Galerie from 4 December. Reservations and current availability should be confirmed directly, especially during the peak holiday period.
A culinary stop in Paris
A city visit can pair the pastry with the wider food and design culture of Paris, whether before a Mediterranean cruise or as a separate winter escape. The George V's announcement offers a specific reason to arrange a December stay, rather than implying any marine service at the hotel.
The accompanying image depicts Bartocetti's actual 2026 creation and comes from the hotel press room. Published dates and pricing may be revised by the provider, so they remain subject to its current ordering terms.