Ladurée: A Sweet Escape in Paris

Best-known for their incomparable, fluffy, “melty” macarons packed in pastel-green boxes with posh pink ribbons, Ladurée is synonymous with luxury pastries and sweets. First opened in 1862 by miller and baker Louis Ernest Ladurée on Rue Royale near the Opera Garnier, the shop, bakery, and tearoom has several locations around Paris and is a coveted destination for food enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Moreover, whether you’re hoping to indulge in a bag of the pastel-hued macarons to eat on the street, buy a box or two as gifts, or enjoy an elegant pastry and cup of tea while relaxing in the tearoom, a visit to this iconic gourmet address will satisfy nearly any sweet tooth. However, we’re still waiting for the company to roll out a vegan version of their famed little cakes, but let’s not hold our breaths…

Location and Contact Information

• Address: (flagship Paris bakery, tearoom, and gift shop:) 75 avenue des Champs-Élysées, 8th arrondissement; 16 rue Royale, 8th arrondissement (historic bakery, patisserie, tearoom, and gifts). For other locations in the French capital, see below.
• Metro: George V or Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (Champs-Élysées store); Madeleine or Tuileries (Rue Royale shop).
• RER: Charles de Gaulle Etoile (Line A) (Champs-Élysées shop).

Ladurée products are also available at select Paris department store gourmet food sections, including at Au Printemps and at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Champs-Elysées Shop and Restaurant

The shop at the flagship location is open:

• Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Saturdays: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• Sundays: 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Public holidays: The shop is open until 12:00 a.m.

The restaurant is open:

• Monday to Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Fridays: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Saturdays: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
• Sundays: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
• Public holidays: The restaurant opens at 8:30 a.m.

Rue Royale Location

The shop is open:

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sundays and French bank holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

More on Macarons and Other Delicacies at Ladurée

The macaron is the celebrated tearoom’s signature product, invented by a cousin of Ladurée’s founder and considered by many to be the definitive recipe for the airy yet crunchy cake, made primarily with almonds, sugar, and eggs. Composed of two crispy shells pressed together and filled with a small amount of flavored ganache, macarons—never to be confused with the coconut-flavored American cookie spelled with two “o”s—can easily become addictive. Popular flavors include salted butter caramel, chocolate, coffee, vanilla, raspberry, and pistachio. Furthermore, Ladurée keeps it interesting by creating a new flavor every season.

The shops also sell a variety of pastries, signature chocolates, and “Marie Antoinette” brand teas, inspired by the Sofia Coppola film of the same name: the pastel costumes that featured prominently in the movie were modeled on the signature hues of the brand’s macarons and delicate boxes.

If you enjoy chic afternoon tea, the Madeleine tearoom is a fantastic choice!

In addition to food, you can procure Ladurée scented candles, home fragrances, and a range of beauty products, including almond face cream and powders.

Catering and Delivery Services

Ladurée offers delivery and catering for special events such as gourmet receptions and breakfasts throughout Paris and the surrounding region.