French baked sweets and desserts are my soulmates. Macaron? Canelé? Opéra? Tarte? Which French pastry is your favorite?
On days when you suddenly crave those French confections, “AndMERCI” is the place to go.

Today, I’ll introduce many of the charming sweets from the French pastry shop AndMERCI in Ōishida Town.

The French Pastry Shop “AndMERCI” Born in Ōishida

The French pastry and chocolate specialty shop “AndMERCI” is run by pastry chef Andries Donis, originally from northern France, and his wife, Noriko Shimizu, who is from Ōishida Town. It’s a small patisserie where the breeze of France meets the charm of northern Japan’s ingredients.

Their sweets highlight the freshness of seasonal Japanese fruits and the gentle sweetness of milk, spreading softly across the palate. Each bite brings out delicate seasonal aromas and textures, delivering moments that naturally make you smile. Whether on a cold day or a sunny one, it’s a place where you’ll find a treat that instantly brightens your mood.

The Story Behind “AndMERCI”

The husband, born and raised in the northernmost part of France bordering Belgium, and the wife, raised in snowy Yamagata—the two met during their student days in France, as if by fate.

After years of honing his craft as a pastry chef in Tokyo, the couple moved their base to Ōishida Town—where the wife’s family home is located—on November 22, 2019. (Yes, “Good Couple Day” in Japan… how lovely.)

Traveling back and forth between Tokyo and Yamagata was never easy, especially considering her parents. But the climate of Ōishida, the warmth of its people, the delicious fruits, the ingredients they encountered—and above all, the presence of his wonderful wife—naturally drew him in. And so, in the land they chose together, their story and passion for French pastries intertwined, giving birth to “AndMERCI.”

Inside the Ōishida Main Store | A Colorful Welcome of Sweets

I visited the AndMERCI store in Ōishida Town!

The first thing that catches your eye is the showcase filled with colorful sweets. Cakes loaded with fruits, tarts, and baked goods were displayed in neat rows. With so many varieties, it’s hard to choose just one.

Since I visited around Valentine’s Day, the shop was filled with Valentine chocolates. Each piece had a unique design, showing the care and craftsmanship behind them.

Cookies, financiers, and other baked treats were also plentiful. They look perfect for small gifts or souvenirs!

Tasting the Cakes I Purchased from AndMERCI

This time, I picked up several cakes from AndMERCI! Here are my impressions after actually tasting their gorgeous tarts, choux pastries, and more. ※ Prices listed are as of February 2026.

“Chloé” — A Tart Loaded with Fresh Strawberries

The Chloé tart (¥670) is generously topped with perfectly ripe, seasonal Japanese strawberries.

The glossy rouge color of the strawberries is irresistible. Open the box and a soft, sweet‑tart aroma rises gently. The fresh strawberry fragrance fills your mouth, blending beautifully with the silky custard made from snow‑country milk and the crisp tart crust. Each bite captures the freshness of the season—an adorable, ruby‑red tart that embodies AndMERCI’s charm.

“Saint‑Marc” — Crisp on Top, Soft Inside

The shimmering surface resembles crème brûlée—this is the **Saint‑Marc** (¥620). The crisp, bittersweet caramelized top pairs with rich chocolate mousse and lightly sweet vanilla chantilly. Below that, the moist almond‑flavored sponge, *biscuit joconde*, completes the harmony. The “crisp” caramel, “fluffy” mousse, and “moist” sponge create a refined French classic perfect for teatime or a special day.

Enjoy Both Choux and Cookie Textures: “Cookie Choux – Chocolate”

The Cookie Choux – Chocolate (¥550) is perfect for chocolate lovers who enjoy a crunchy texture. Cocoa‑infused choux pastry is topped with a cookie layer and baked until crisp, giving a delightful “crunch” with every bite. Inside is plenty of custard made with Hokkaido milk—smooth and creamy.

The chocolate cream on top and the bittersweet cocoa pastry create a balanced, lightly sweet indulgence. Ideal for a treat during snack time or a small personal reward.

Gentle Custard Sweetness: “Choux Pie Caramelisé”

The Choux Pie Caramelisé (¥550) offers a crisp first bite followed by custard filled with the gentle sweetness of snow‑country milk. The surface is caramelized for a fragrant, lightly bitter accent.

Hidden beneath is flaky, buttery pie crust—crispy, airy, and delightfully textured. A slightly grown‑up choux pastry with layers of crunch and softness.

Unique Design! “Délice Chocolat”

The Délice Chocolat (¥660) combines snow‑country milk with French chocolate. Its appearance is charming—like layers of chocolate flakes rising upward. You’ll want to say “How cute!” without thinking.

Despite its rich chocolate flavor, the cream is surprisingly light, making it easy to enjoy without feeling heavy. The deep chocolate notes blend with the airy cream, offering both richness and elegance. The subtle sweetness allows the cacao aroma and gentle bitterness to shine, leaving a refined aftertaste. Its adorable look makes it a wonderful gift for someone special.

A Simple, Traditional Treat: “Gaufre Flamande”

The Gaufre Flamande (¥380) is a traditional northern French pastry. It recently gained attention on social media and was even introduced by the French Embassy. It’s featured at Tokyo’s **Isetan Main Store**, yet within Yamagata Prefecture, you can only find it here.

Made with Hokkaido butter, Yamagata sakura eggs, and French cassonade sugar, it’s crafted with great care. The thin dough is lightly crisp yet moist, releasing buttery aroma and gentle sweetness with each bite.

Its simplicity highlights the quality of each ingredient—nostalgic, comforting, and quietly elegant. Flavors include chocolate, cassonade, vanilla, café, and rum raisin. Choosing your favorite is part of the fun.

Other Baked Treats

Each cookie and baked sweet offers a unique texture—crisp, crumbly, or melt‑in‑your‑mouth. The gentle sweetness and rich butter flavor highlight the quality of the ingredients. Not overly sweet, they’re dangerously easy to keep reaching for.

Made with Hokkaido butter, Yamagata sakura eggs, and French cassonade sugar, each treat is baked with care. Their comforting simplicity pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea—perfect for yourself or as a small gift.

Madame’s Recommended Dessert: “Snow‑Cellar Tarte Tatin”

Madame spent three and a half years in France, where she encountered traditional desserts she longed to recreate in Japan. One of them is Tarte Tatin.

In France, even wrinkled apples are used for Tarte Tatin, but in Japan, the essential Jonathan apple (*Kōgyoku*) has a short season and wrinkles quickly—making it hard to source. After countless trials with other apples, nothing matched the flavor she sought.

Then came a miracle: Ōishida’s snow cellar.

With 90% humidity and a stable 5°C year‑round, the snow cellar preserves Jonathan apples without wrinkling. Turning the harsh snow of a heavy‑snow region into an ally—how wonderful. From the second year onward, she began using snow‑cellar apples. Thus was born the renowned **Snow‑Cellar Apple Tart** (whole tart ¥2,380). Apples baked with butter and sugar, topped with crumble cookies and honey, and baked *three times* for perfection—an extraordinary creation.

Basic Information: AndMERCI Ōishida Main Store

AndMERCI’s Ōishida main store is about 5 minutes by car from JR Ōu Main Line “Ōishida Station.”

In winter, the atelier windows frame a pure white snowy landscape. The kura‑style building, the quiet snow, and the sweet aroma of French pastries create an atmosphere reminiscent of a small northern French village. Parking is available—please visit if you’re nearby.

Summary

AndMERCI in Ōishida is a local yet refined sweets destination where craftsmanship and charm come together. It’s perfect for a break on the way to Ginzan Onsen or for choosing a thoughtful gift. If you visit the Ōishida–Obanazawa area, be sure to stop by.

French pastry, infused with Japanese heart. A place where Parisian techniques meet Japanese ingredients, creating new delights. Perhaps you, too, will become a “messenger of sweets,” sharing the charm born in this snowy northern town.