Montse, L'Artesana

Some years back it was fine lingerie that called the attention of passers-by to the window of this establishment on Voltes d'en Rosés - but today it's not knickers or bras that are on show there, but 'churros', deep-fried doughnuts made from piped choux pastry. Montse L'Artesana - run by the second generation of a family that's dedicated itself to this trade for more than 30 years - offers various types of this sweet treat: from the classic churros with dipping chocolate and with sugar, to Empordà 'bunyols' (small, round deep-fried doughnuts), 'xuxos' filled with 'dulce de leche' (a kind of smooth caramel) or with custard-like 'crema' and even crisps bathed in chocolate. It makes your mouth water, right? Well, now imagine savouring a cup of hot chocolate on the small but welcoming terrace between La Rambla and Plaça dels Raïms (the smallest in Girona and Europe). Generations and generations of Girona residents, who each day cross the Cort Reial to get to the Music Conservatory (located just next door and nowadays transformed into a civic centre), have enjoyed such a treat.