In brief
- 7 renowned establishments make up this selection of the best palace tea times in Paris.
- Haute pâtisserie menus offered from 55 to 220 euros per person, depending on the establishment.
- Signature creations from renowned pastry chefs such as Michaël Bartocetti, Maxence Barbot and Léandre Vivier.
The art of afternoon tea achieves a high level of refinement in the capital, where the Paris palace tea time stands out as a complete gastronomic experience. Between savoury creations crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, top-flight sweet treats and bespoke tea rituals, each address develops its own distinct identity. Here is an overview of seven notable spots on the Parisian scene.
The Peninsula Paris: the creative audacity of Anne Coruble
The Peninsula Paris
At The Peninsula Paris, pastry chef Anne Coruble offers a multi-stage journey that shakes up traditions while retaining the three-tiered cake stand. The tasting begins with three savoury creations prepared with culinary precision, before giving way to a structured sweet sequence. The menu includes a light pre-dessert, original pastries combining, for instance, toasted Tahitian vanilla with tobacco leaf, as well as travel cakes such as cookies or flan. For this gourmet break, the hotel offers an ‘Heure du Thé’ option at 85 euros and a Prestige version at 220 euros including pairings.
Practical information: BR• Style: Chic and creativeBR• Prices: L’Heure du Thé at €85; L’Heure du Thé Prestige at €220BR• Establishment: The Peninsula Paris (200 rooms, from €1,658), 19 avenue Kléber, Paris 16th arr.
Ritz Paris: sweet nostalgia at Salon Proust
Le Ritz Paris
In the heart of Place Vendôme, the Ritz Paris houses Salon Proust for an afternoon tea centred around the classic French repertoire. The offering celebrates madeleines, artisanal biscuits (lunettes, tuiles, spritz, sablés) and iconic cakes such as baba, marble cake or Gâteau Basque. The tea selection brings together fine Chinese grand crus served in accordance with a precise ritual. In this plush setting, Salon Proust presents its Goûter Royal at 105 euros per person with a glass of house champagne.
Practical information: BR• Style: Plush and literaryBR• Prices: Goûter Royal at €105; L’Impérial at €125BR• Establishment: Ritz Paris (142 rooms, from €2,423), 15 place Vendôme, Paris 1st arr.
Le Bristol: the gourmet promenade of Café Antonia
At Café Antonia, pastry chef Maxence Barbot teams up with three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Faye to design a balanced menu. The experience opens with two savoury creations, including a lobster brioche and a salmon pastrami finger sandwich. Following a tangy citrus pre-dessert, the cake stand reveals a Parisian brioche and an apple turnover featuring highly technical puff pastry. The sequence concludes with a pear charlotte and the signature Saint-Honoré. Today, afternoon tea at Café Antonia is served daily at €95 per guest.
Practical information: BR• Style: Classic Parisian eleganceBR• Prices: €95 per person including a hot drink and a glass of champagneBR• Establishment: Le Bristol Paris (188 rooms, from €2,115), 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris 8th arr.
Four Seasons George V: haute gastronomie in three acts
Le Four Seasons Hotel George V
Pastry chef Michaël Bartocetti and chef Alan Taudon orchestrate a multi-course interpretation of afternoon tea at the George V. Service begins with a rich hot chocolate and whipped cream, followed by three savoury items made to order. The tasting continues with a delicate pre-dessert, seasonal entremets and a sharing viennoiserie crafted by head baker Guillaume Cabrol. Set in the heart of the lobby, this three-act experience is available for 125 euros per person with a hot drink and a glass of champagne.
Practical information: BR• Style: Gastronomic and seasonalBR• Prices: €125 per personBR• Establishment: Four Seasons Hotel George V (244 rooms, from €3,262), 31 avenue George V, Paris 8th arr.
Lucas Carton: British spirit on Place de la Madeleine
In the Art Nouveau decor of Lucas Carton, chef Sylvain Goujon combines British influences with French techniques. The tasting features an interplay between reinterpreted pastries, such as the vin jaune baba or lemon-buckwheat madeleine, and creations like bread miso ice cream. Warm scones are served with raw cream, jam and lemon curd, while a fresh herb trolley allows guests to create a bespoke infusion. This experience is offered at an accessible price of 55 euros per person in a historic setting.
Practical information: BR• Style: British inspiration and Art Nouveau settingBR• Prices: €55 per personBR• Establishment: Lucas Carton, 9 place de la Madeleine, Paris 8th arr.
Prince de Galles: an inventive alliance with Cointreau
At the Prince de Galles, pastry chef Hélène Kerloeguen has crafted a menu highlighting the citrus aromas of Maison Cointreau. The savoury selection features a Jerusalem artichoke mille-feuille with roasted pepper and liqueur gel. On the sweet side, the Blueberry Cosmopolitan Flan combines crispy puff pastry with a lime and liqueur custard. The tasting is accompanied by a dedicated cocktail combining tequila, Earl Grey cordial and coriander seeds. This adult-only offering is available from Friday to Sunday at 65 euros per person.
Practical information: BR• Style: Contemporary and mixologyBR• Prices: €65 per personBR• Establishment: Prince de Galles (159 rooms, from €1,213), 33 avenue George V, Paris 8th arr.
Le Burgundy Paris: the sensory journey of Léandre Vivier
Le Burgundy Paris
Under the glass roof of Bar Charles at Le Burgundy, pastry chef Léandre Vivier unfolds an all-sweet menu designed like a travel journal. Each creation revolves around an ingredient brought back from a trip abroad: propolis and pistachio cake evoking Wadi Rum, fig puff pastry reminiscent of Savoy, or peated whisky tigré inspired by the Isle of Skye. To discover the chef’s seven creations, an all-sweet seven-item menu is priced from 65 euros with a hot drink.
