Ladurée: Iconic for Luxury Pastries and Sweets

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 foodies and tourists alike. 

Whether you're hoping to score a bag of the pastel-hued macarons to eat on the street, buy a box or two to take home as gifts, or enjoy an elegant pastry and cup of tea while lounging in the tearoom and enjoying overhead frescoes painted with cherubs, a trip to this iconic gourmet address will sate nearly any sweet tooth. Well, 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-Elysées, 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-Elysées store; Madeleine or Tuileries (Rue Royale shop)
• RER: Charles de Gaulle Etoile (Line A) (Champs-Elysées shop)

Ladurée products are also available at certain 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 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m
• Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
• Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Public holidays: The shop is open until 12:00 am.

The restaurant is open:

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

Rue Royale Location

The shop is open:

• Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Sundays and French bank Holidays from 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 Laduree'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, but Ladurée keeps it interesting by inventing a new flavor every season.

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

Enjoy chic afternoon tea? The Madeleine tearoom makes our list of the best places for tea in Paris.

In the realm of the non-edible, you can now also procure Ladurée scented candles, home fragrances, and a range of beauty products that include items such as almond face cream or powders.

Catering and Delivery Services

Ladurée offers delivery and catering for special events such as breakfasts and gourmet receptions or teas in Paris and the Paris region.

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Check out Laduree's top competitor Pierre Hermé, who also makes delicious pastries and chocolates in addition to macarons. For more ideas on where to find high-quality and exclusive food and wine items in the city of light, bookmark our complete guide to food and dining in Paris.