Boule is a smart synthesis of Parisian-inspired sweets, including a pâtisserie (pastries), glacerie (ice cream and sorbet), chocolaterie (truffles) and confiserie (assorted confections). Locals rave about the bakery's take on French macarons, those soft, light and luxurious sandwiches that are a cross between cookie and pastry. Adventurous palates will appreciate the playful combinations on offer with these macarons, including apricot miso, chocolate yuzu, apple pie and grapefruit peppercorn. Another true highlight are the chocolates. Unusually fresh (due to a short shelf life), they also play with global flavor conventions, from red-hot Scotch bonnet pepper and citrus-cool kalamansi lime to spicy curry gianduja and classic peanut praline. Boule has great treats to savor on the spot or back at your room as both locations (408 N. La Cienega in West Hollywood and 413 N. Bedford Drive in Beverly Hills) are very close to the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills and the Sona/Comme Ca. And if you're selecting gifts for loved ones back home, you'll appreciate that the packaging is like the confectionery equivalent of that iconic blue box from Tiffany & Co. What are the tastiest and best-wrapped sweets that you've encountered on your travels? Does packaging influence your purchases?

[image via Boule]