Tea Time in Paris

Tea time in Paris can be great fun. Yes, it is nice to take a break from a busy day, but more importantly, you get to snoop into grand hotels and other fascinating buildings around Paris.

La Reserve Hotel

The bar at La Reserve Hotel, 42 Avenue Gabriel, is a wonderful spot for afternoon tea. Just a short stroll off the Champs-Elysees. The building was built in 1855 and the interior has been redesigned by the legendary Jacques Garcia. They also happen to have wonderful macaroons and pastries.

La Reserve at Tea Time

Miss Marple is a quaint little gem at 16 Avenue de la Motte-Piquet. Created by Marie-France Cohen (owner of the unusual Merci Shop in the Marais) and her sister-in-law Martine Cohen. You can easily imagine Miss Marple sitting here enjoying a scone or two, topped with their homemade strawberry jam.

Miss Marple

Angelina at 226 Rue de Rivoli is a Paris legend (since 1909) and it shows; the place is always packed with tourists. Even so, you should plan at least one visit in your lifetime. They serve their own brand of tea and have very tasty sandwiches and delicious pastries. Of course, their claim to fame is their decadent hot chocolate, which truly is spectacular; as thick and rich as the best chocolate pudding. If you do have the hot chocolate, plan on a late dinner--really.

You cannot ask for a grander location than the Hotel Ritz Paris located at 15 Place Vendome. If you're not staying at the Ritz, tea time is a good excuse to visit. Since its opening in 1898, the hotel has hosted everyone who is anyone from Ernest Hemingway to Edward VIII, and they still do. Tea is served in the Salon Proust or the Bar Vendome; choose the Salon, it is a beautiful space.

Hotel Ritz Paris

Tea Time at the Salon Proust

Café Antonia at the Hotel le Bristol serves a particularly tasty tea. The Café is light and airy and a very pleasant place to spend the afternoon. The grand hotel, opened in 1925, is located at 112 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore. The hotel is owned by one of Europe's richest families, the Oetkers. During the Second World War, Hotel le Bristol became the home of the American Embassy and displaced American nationals. Charlie Chaplin and Rita Hayworth stayed here, and in 1975 Josephine Baker held a fabulous 50th anniversary party here.

L'Hotel at 13 Rue Des Beaux-Arts, on the left bank, is a hidden treasure. The hotel, built in 1828, is the smallest 5-star hotel in Paris, with only twenty rooms. The interior was also redesigned by Jacques Garcia. This hotel was the final home to Oscar Wilde (room 16). During the late 1960's the hotel was frequented by the likes of Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jim Morrison. Afternoon tea is served in the restaurant, but only between the hours of 3:00-5:00 pm. (The restaurant has a Michelin Star and presumably thereafter they are preparing for the evening meals.)

The spectacular stairwell at L'Hotel