The 9th annual edition of the deliciously popular Jour du Macaron takes place in Paris on Thursday, March 20, 2014. Macaron lovers are invited to indulge in the tasty confection while supporting a worthy cause!

The way it works is very sweet: On March 20, participating pâtisseries will be accepting donations for Vaincre la mucoviscidose, a non-profit association that helps those who suffer from cystic fibrosis. In return, visitors are offered a free macaron.

In Paris, the participating pâtisseries this year are Sadaharu Aoki, Laurent Duchêne, Pierre Hermé, Jean-Paul Hévin, Arnaud Larher, Christophe Roussel and Dalloyau.

Numerous other Relais Desserts member pâtisseries throughout France will also be taking part.

An international event

This year, Jour du Macaron is also happening in a number of establishments in the United States (François Payard), the United Kingdom (Pierre Hermé, William Curley, Alain Roux), Belgium (Jean-Philippe Darcis, Maison Wittamer, Marc Ducobu, Del Rey),  Germany (Frédéric Cassel, Galeries Lafayette Berlin), Japan, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, with monies raised going to local charities. Note that in Japan, Jour du Macaron will take place in Pierre Hermé shops on June 21, and in Luxembourg (Maison Oberweis) and the Netherlands (Arthur de Rouw), on March 19.

Jour du Macaron was created by Pierre Hermé in 2005 in the aim of creating a gourmand event in support of charities, notably those that help children afflicted with rare diseases and other ailments.

What: Jour du Macaron
When: Thursday, March 20, 2014
Where: Sadaharu Aoki, Laurent Duchêne, Pierre Hermé, Jean-Paul Hévin, Arnaud Larher, Christophe Roussel and Dalloyau shops in Paris as well as other participating shops throughout France and internationally. (Due to the success of Jour du Macaron, some shops will extend the event until Sunday, March 23.)

Jour du Macaron events are also happening this year at participating shops in Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg (March 19), Japan (June 21), the Netherlands (March 19) and the United States.