Paris rivals London when it comes to luxurious, high tea service. Many of the top, five-star hotels serve high tea that even the most jaded tea aficionado will be impressed with. So, if that’s on your wish list during your visit to the “City of Light,” here are two, extra-special options.
Ritz Paris
One of the new highlights following the renovation of the Ritz Paris in 2016 was the addition of the Salon Proust, a tearoom named after France’s most celebrated author, Marcel Proust, a frequent guest at the hotel. Proust's elegant style is mirrored in the salon with cushy lounges and club chairs, shelves lined with vintage books, sconces, a handsome marble mantle with a fireplace below, and an oil portrait of Proust himself.
The Goûter à la française menu begins with a vast 17-page tea menu with paragraphs-long descriptions, offering over 20 types of tea—a selection which includes green, black, white, fermented, and herbal from China, India and South Africa.
Renowned pastry chef Francois Perret prepares a sweets-only menu, which starts off with an unusual ritual: A madeleine (Proust’s favorite pastry) served in a bowl filled with either coffee, milk, tea or cocoa nib syrup. The madeleine is followed by a lineup of decadent pastries and treats that were inspired by Perret’s youth, such as chocolate-dipped butter cookies, lemon meringue tarts, a filled madeleine, raspberry bars, paper-thin almond tuiles, multi-flavored meringues and chocolate-flavored bread.
The cost of the goûter à la française menu is €68 per person, and there are additional menus that include a glass of wine or Champagne for an extra cost. Reservations are strongly recommended. High tea is served from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Insider tip: You can take home a box of madeleines and other Francois Perret’s delectable pastries at the retail shop and café next to the rear entrance of the hotel at 38 Rue Cambon, 75001.
Visit www.ritzparis.com .
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
The iconic Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris serves high tea in its sumptuous La Galerie on the lobby floor, decorated with period furniture, oriental rugs and 19th-century artworks on the walls.
For the George V Tea Time, Chef Alan Taudon creates delicate tea sandwiches served on tiered trays, while Pastry Chefs Michael Bartocetti and Guillaume Cabrol serve an irresistible variety of their most beloved pastries and desserts. The service, for €95 per person, also includes coffee or their signature hot chocolate served with whip cream and marshmallows or tea (the extensive menu lists oolong, green, black, herbal, matcha and Japanese tea), plus a flute of Champagne Brut or a glass of rosé wine or non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
In case the George V Tea Time is too decadent, à la carte desserts are offered, including George V French toast, chocolate and vanilla profiteroles, a chocolate souffle, and house-made ice cream and sorbet.
Visit www.fourseasons.com.
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