The Best Afternoon Teas in Paris – Where Tradition Meets Taste

Although we (the royal "we") tend to think of high tea as more of a British tradition, French afternoon tea service in Paris has become a thing in recent decades. Thé à la Française isn't just a tradition borrowed from the British; it's a refined ritual that brings together delicate pastries, fine teas, and elegant settings. In the city's grand hotels and tea salons, afternoon tea is an occasion to slow down, savor exquisite flavors, and indulge in the ambiance. For anyone looking to enjoy a leisurely pause in Parisian style, the city offers some unforgettable afternoon tea experiences

Hotel Le Meurice

Located on Rue de Rivoli, just across from Tuileries gardens, Le Meurice is dedicated to Louis XVI style. Soak up the 18th-century grandeur and heritage at Restaurant Le Dalí (designed by Philipe Starck) for afternoon tea. And while the Meurice respects its past, their afternoon tea is innovative with superstar pastry chef Cédric Grolet at the helm.

What can you expect for tea? A silver three-tired tray full of dainty sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, confiture and pastries are served to you under the fresco that adorns the ceiling of the Dali restaurant. Or, you could choose the Cocooning Champagne Tea option which includes tea plus champagne followed by pampering at the spa with either a facial or a scented-oil full-body massage.

• 228 Rue de Rivoli
• 1st Arrondissement

Four Seasons George V

This Art Deco landmark hotel offers a sumptuous afternoon tea experience in the Galerie lounge. The elegant room is filled with 19th-century furniture, works of art, glittering chandeliers, Flemish tapestries, and an explosion of fresh flower arrangements. You might even hear the tinkling of piano music in the air.

Fresh, decadent desserts and pastries from the trolley will arrive at your table, along with the choice of twenty-five teas sourced from Betjeman & Barton. You can elevate the experience with a glass of champagne or the hot chocolate grand cru option.

• 31 Avenue George V
• 8th Arrondissement

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

Afternoon tea at the Ritz feels like stepping into another era, one where timeless elegance and impeccable service reign supreme. In the hotel's Salon Proust, guests are treated to an array of refined French pastries, delicate sandwiches, and the tea blends favored by the salon's namesake. This experience, steeped in Parisian history, invites you to linger and savor every moment in one of the city's most storied locations.

• 15 Place Vendôme
• 1st Arrondissement

Hotel de Crillon

At Hotel de Crillon afternoon tea takes place in the refined Jardin d'Hiver, a space filled with natural light and a serene atmosphere. The hotel's tea menu emphasizes French pastry traditions, and the carefully crafted selection changes with the seasons. It's a relaxed yet elegant experience that perfectly captures the spirit of French hospitality and craftsmanship.

• 10 Place de la Concorde
• 8th Arrondissement

Hotel Plaza Athénée

Located on elegant, tree-lined avenue Montaigne, Hotel Plaza Athénée, with its signature red umbrellas and awnings, stands proudly in the city's haute couture district. Afternoon tea here is in true Parisian fashion with three tiers of treats. This is a dessert lover's dream. On the menu is Paris-Brest with cashews, tarte aux framboises, Baba Plaza with aged rum, and the hotel's signature 100% Vanille concoction.

• 25 avenue Montaigne
• 8th Arrondissement

Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La Hotel

The Shangri-La's afternoon tea is a sophisticated experience with an enchanting view of the Eiffel Tower. Served in the grand, marble-lined lounge, the tea offerings reflect French culinary artistry, paired with impeccable service. The hotel's pastry chefs create seasonal treats that highlight the finest ingredients, making this afternoon tea as delightful for its flavors as for its exquisite setting.

• 25 avenue Montaigne
• 8th Arrondissement

Hotel Le Bristol's Afternoon Tea

As one might expect, afternoon tea at the Hotel Bristol is a very civilized affair. Adorned with frescoes and crystal chandeliers, Café Antonia is a stellar setting for afternoon tea, served from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Three-tiered plates arrive arranged with darling, miniature club sandwiches and traditional French pastries. You can take tea in the lounge, or in warmer months, in the beautiful courtyard garden. Choose from the classic tea option or Le Bristol high tea which includes a glass of champagne. No need to guess which one we opt for.

• 112 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
• 8th Arrondissement

Afternoon Tea at Ladurée Paris

Ladurée, known worldwide for its macarons, brings a touch of Parisian charm to afternoon tea with its iconic tea salons. In an intimate, vintage-inspired setting, guests can enjoy a selection of teas paired with signature pastries, from macarons to tartlets. Afternoon tea at Ladurée is both a treat for the taste buds and a chance to immerse yourself in the quintessentially Parisian aesthetic.

A Brief History of Tea in France

The French actually do have a tea tradition, it's just that they lost it for a couple of centuries. We can thank the French Revolution for that. In fact, tea was first introduced to France twenty-two years before it arrived in England. It was 1636 when the first shipment of tea landed in Paris via the Dutch trade route.

After its introduction tea became very popular in France, especially among the aristocracy. Louis XIV, AKA The Sun King, became an avid tea drinker. It's no surprise that his top man, Cardinal Mazarin, also took up drinking tea. Famous letter writer Madame Sévigné wrote to her daughter that the Princess de Tarente (Marie Antoinette's lady-in-waiting) drank at least twelve cups a day.

However, its popularity among the French aristocracy may have been the kiss of death for the beverage. Along with Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, another casualty of the French Revolution was tea. Tea, a symbol of privilege, went the way of royalty.

Fifty years after the Revolution, a wave of Anglomania swept the country. Everything English became the rage. It was stylish to take tea, often in the evening along with a patisserie. Around this time the French importer, Mariage Frères, began to expand its business. In 1854, they founded the Mariage Frères tea company in Paris, the oldest in France.

Tea is now trending in France, especially in Paris. French tea aficionados can even study their passion at the École du Thé. The French art of tea is taken seriously with careful attention to choosing quality ingredients, along with exact preparation and elegant presentation. Removing the leaves immediately after the tea is infused is considered a signature of French tea preparation.

Another hallmark of the French approach is a preference for estate-grown tea. Sound familiar? The French are bringing the same love and appreciation they devote to wine to tea. Mon dieu, tea is finally recovering from the French Revolution and taking its rightful place alongside cafê.