Ladurée ; Macarons, Tea Time and French Elegance

The Ladurée house is famous for its refined macarons and its elegance.

Ladurée ; A House Born in Paris in 1862

From Bakery to Tea Room

Louis-Ernest Ladurée founded his house in Paris in 1862, at 16 rue Royale. At first, it was just a simple bakery. In 1871, a fire ravaged the premises, which were reborn as a pastry shop. Jeanne Souchard, the founder’s wife, then had an avant-garde idea: adding a tea room. The painter Jules Chéret designed the decor and its famous celadon green. In 1930, Pierre Desfontaines, a member of the family, came up with the double macaron. Two crisp shells joined by a melting ganache changed the brand’s future forever. These iconic treats have charmed food lovers around the world ever since.

Photo credits ; Ladurée

Between Elegance and Refinement

Ladurée in Switzerland

Bought in 1993 by the Holder family, also owners of the Paul bakeries, the house then opened up to the world. Shops opened in London, Tokyo, New York and even Switzerland. Geneva, Lausanne and Montreux host addresses that embody French luxury. A little-known fact: the famous macarons are made in Enney, in the canton of Fribourg. This Gruyère site produces all the brand’s macarons, Paris included.

In Geneva, the tea room on the Quai des Bergues charms locals and visitors with its refinement. In Lausanne, the shop on Rue de Bourg fits perfectly into the city’s gourmet landscape. Montreux also hosts the house on the Grand-Rue, not far from the Montreux Palace afternoon tea (in French).

Ladurée Creations beyond the Macaron

The house’s creations go far beyond macarons. Seasonal treats and gluten-free delights complete the range, such as the Eugénie. Dedicated to Empress Eugénie, this creation combines a shortbread biscuit, a melting heart and a chocolate coating. It comes in eight flavours.

An Iconic and Creative Brand

Artistic Collaborations and Gourmet Books

Each macaron is a true delight. Some packaging stands out for its boldness, notably thanks to artistic collaborations. The one with Higuchi Yuko is a fine example. In Paris, the iconic Champs-Élysées shop also invites you to enjoy an exceptional hot chocolate.

The house also likes to blend pop culture and tradition. Bridgerton thus inspired a diamond-shaped box and a refined selection of pastries. An exclusive Tea Time on the Champs-Élysées completed this original collaboration. The Christmas packaging by l’Atelier d’Offard is just as appealing. For Easter, the Mimosa collection reveals the illustrations of Cécile Perrin. Her watercolours recall the paintings of Claude Monet.

Photo credits ; Zack Frikhi, Ladurée

Several books devoted to the brand deserve pride of place on the bookshelf. Tea Time celebrates the art of tea, tracing its history and offering delicate recipes. In Sucré, chef Philippe Andrieu shares 100 iconic recipes, from macarons to exceptional pastries. Le Petit Livre de Pâtisserie Ladurée reveals 30 recipes, from the caramel macaron to the Ispahan. Its illustrations by Iris Hatzfeld invite you to recreate the house’s pastry art at home. A real favourite.

Photo credits ; Ladurée

Tea Time at the Quai des Bergues

The Ladurée House in Geneva

Ladurée embodies the quintessence of pastry à la française. Its many macaron flavours and regular new releases keep food lovers curious. Among the must-haves is the raspberry macaron, ideal for red fruit lovers. The Marie-Antoinette (in French) tea, a Chinese black tea with citrus, goes with it wonderfully.

On the Quai des Bergues, the little pastel shop reveals the house’s classic assortment. A delicious French toast opens the tasting, with cookies and an indulgent drink. Generous fresh raspberries, mixed with smooth whipped cream, top the drink. An assortment of macarons and a yuzu pastry complete this sweet moment. Citrus lovers leave not a crumb. Ladurée remains that gourmet jewel box where time stands still. For other refined breaks, afternoon teas (in French) offer lovely ideas.

Find the Ladurée shops in Switzerland on this map

Quai des Bergues 33, 1201 Genève
Website

Ladurée

Article written as part of a collaboration with Ladurée