3 new tea times to try in Paris

© Elise Dumas / Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel - Marriott Champs-Elysées - Prince de Galles

Treat yourself to a princess-style afternoon tea as chic as something out of Downton Abbey — it’s the kind of affordable luxury we all dream of when we need a pick-me-up. The best part? These three beloved addresses are launching their brand-new tea times. Book yours ASAP with your date, your mom, or your BFF. You’ll thank us later.

The atmosphere: Tucked between the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne sits the magnificent Prince de Galles hotel, where the world’s greatest figures  from Churchill to Marlene Dietrich once crossed paths. With its Art Deco codes at the height of elegance and luxury, guests gather facing the hotel’s iconic patio for an unforgettable gourmet interlude, created in collaboration with Maison Cointreau.

Tea time: Pastry Chef Hélène Kerloeguen, a native of Angers like Cointreau itself, has designed a light and indulgent menu perfectly in tune with the orange liqueur’s signature notes. After a few savory bites  mushroom fritter, Jerusalem artichoke millefeuille, or a refreshing corn and egg appetizer come the sweets fit for royalty. Start with a mint-cucumber granita with Earl Grey tea jelly and green anise, inspired by Maison Cointreau’s cocktails, then move on to the pear and bergamot crémé d’Anjou. The Blueberry Cosmopolitan flan pays homage to Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite drink, while Crêpe Suzette transforms into a caramelized citrus cake. Finally, dive into the chocolate-orange bite and shareable cream puffs to dip into smooth Cointreau® cream or hazelnut-chocolate sauce. To sip: the Princess Margarita — Cointreau®, Tequila, Earl Grey and chamomile cordial, and coriander seeds.

Prince de Galles, 33 avenue George V, Paris 8th. Tea time served until January, Friday to Sunday, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. €65 per person. Online reservation or by phone at +33 (0)1 53 23 78 50.
© Prince de Galles

The atmosphere: Under a spectacular glass roof bathed in light, Chef Valentin Langlais, at the helm of Jenny – the brand-new couture restaurant paying tribute to French designer Jenny Sacerdote – unveils a tea time where elegant silhouettes meet champagne flutes in a girly, dollhouse-like décor. A dreamy, pastel-pink moment perfect for sharing with your B.F.F., swapping secrets between pastries, all for under €40…

Tea time: The experience begins with delicate savory bites like the gougère enhanced with black garlic and caramelized sweet onion, topped with melted Comté and a creamy Mornay sauce, or the salt-crusted celery and piquillo focaccia with thyme and lightly smoked vinaigrette. Then comes a haute-couture-inspired dessert selection: a succès cake with pistachio and orange blossom, an airy pear pavlova, and a chocolate soufflé tart topped with caramelized peanuts. A pure delight. The whole experience pairs beautifully with a Dammann Frères tea, a perfectly roasted coffee, or a rich hot chocolate and for the indulgent, a glass of champagne!

Marriott Champs-Élysées, 70 avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8th. Tea time served on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. From €39 per person.

© Salomé Rateau

The atmosphere: Overlooking Place de la Concorde, the Crillon takes on a royal glow this autumn. The palace pays tribute to Marie-Antoinette through an exclusive collaboration with Manolo Blahnik. The legendary shoe designer unveils a collection inspired by her world, displayed in the hotel’s historic salons. The setting blends history, elegance, and femininity  rumor has it the queen once took piano lessons in one of the palace’s private salons! Today, a suite bears her name in homage to this story. Step back in time and, for one afternoon, join the royal court to taste the queen’s favorite pleasures.

Tea time: Pastry Chef Matthieu Carlin reimagines Marie-Antoinette’s favorite indulgences, whose sweet tooth was legendary. From savory to sweet, the experience begins with a truffle croque crisp yet melting and a French-style lobster roll, before the sugary delights take center stage. A coquette raspberry and rose religieuse, a lemon tart infused with Earl Grey blue tea, a reinvented Petit Écolier blending childhood nostalgia with royal flair, a pear and spice cake with warm, comforting notes, and a flaky brioche with blackberries and violet create a delicate, refined harmony. To finish: an old-fashioned hot chocolate, rich and velvety, or a glass of Rare Champagne, a nod to Marie-Antoinette’s fondness for bubbles. Close your eyes and let yourself be carried away by these flavors from another era.

Crillon, 10 Place de la Concorde, Paris 8th. Tea time served from Thursday to Sunday, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. from October 9 to November 23. €88 per person including a hot drink, or €130 per person including a glass of Rare Rosé Champagne 2014.

© Elise Dumas

The Atmosphere: Nestled in Paris’s upscale neighborhoods, Saint James Hotel exudes an air of exclusivity. Its stunning interior, reimagined by Laura Gonzalez, celebrates refined maximalism with wallpapers, grand staircases, and tapestries. Just the entrance, adorned with its 4 Michelin Keys, makes a bold luxury statement with a fountain, an elegant façade, and a winter garden visible from afar. Our favorite spot? The Bar-Bibliothèque, typically reserved for exclusive hotel club members, now hosts a dreamy tea time in an English-inspired atmosphere with antique books, plush velvet chairs, and magnificent rugs. It’s a true cinematic setting!

At snack time: Curated by the talented pastry chef Coline Doussin, the experience begins with a chicken club sandwich on brioche bread. Next, a refreshing jasmine green tea sorbet paired with Williams pears sets the tone. Then, indulge in an array of pastries: a crisp Madagascar vanilla and caramel Saint-Honoré, a citrusy pavlova, a nutty tartlet with Périgord walnuts, and a maritozzo filled with chestnut ice cream. Don’t miss the Montville mint baba with Madagascar chocolate whipped cream or the duo of house hot chocolates (50% Madagascar milk, 50% Colombian dark). Round it all off with tea from Maison Dammann or L’Arbre à Café’s “Canopée” coffee.

Saint James, 5 Place du Chancelier Adenauer, Paris 16th. Tea time available weekends, 3 PM to 5 PM. €65/person.

© Saint James © Instagram - @peatchyprod 

The Atmosphere: Steps away from Place Vendôme, the Park Hyatt Paris showcases understated elegance behind a historic façade. Inside, the palace-style setting offers serene tones, a cozy fireplace, and plush seating for a refined tea time experience. Soft music complements the sophisticated crowd.

At snack time: Pastry chef Naraé Kim has crafted a biscuit-inspired tea based on childhood memories. The delights arrive in a chic lacquered jewelry box. After a refreshing plate of butternut jelly and mango-passion sorbet, guests dive into a variety of biscuits: cookies, langues de chat, spritz, and gangjeong (Korean specialty). Terroir-inspired biscuits, rolled like cigars and dipped in creamy vanilla, elevate the experience. Finish with a seasonal fig tart and a perfect marble cake.

Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme, 5 Rue de la Paix, Paris 2nd. Daily, 3 PM to 7 PM. From €65/person.

© Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme