The Ladurée pastry house, based in Paris, has been making macarons since the mid-20th century and there is a reason why their queues stretch out the door and down the street – they are simply the best.
Discover Ladurée Experiences in London
Rich History
Ladurée became a place for people to gather and socialise way back in the 1860s. It all began when Louis Ernest Ladurée opened his shop in Paris in 1862. After opening the shop, Ladurée’s became known as a place to enjoy beautiful food and have a pleasurable, social experience as well. “Parisian tea rooms” are now considered to be closely tied with the history of the Ladurée family.
Amazingly, Ladurée sell over 15,000 of their famous double-decker macarons every day. They have become the most famous maker of these delicious sweet treats in the world. In fact, in the year 2011, they were chosen to design unique macarons for the wedding of Albert II Prince of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock.
Their gorgeous and decadent treats were even featured in the film Marie Antoinette, as directed by Sofia Coppola.
As well as six stores in Paris, there are also several locations in cities all over Europe including Istanbul, London, Luxembourg, Rome, Milan, Dublin, Geneva and Antwerp. They have also expanded around the world with locations in Dubai, Bangkok, Beirut, Qatar, New York, Sao Paulo, Miami and Sydney.
The Art of the Macaron
Ladurée is known the world over for lovely, double-decker macarons, which are made from a recipe that remains a Ladurée secret. Unchanged over the decades, the head chef is the only person who knows the recipe, making each macaron a wonder to taste.
David Holder, chairman of the company, says,
“Of course we have evolved the collection, bringing astonishing new flavours with striking colours such as the liquorice macaron which is jet black and which was at the time a revolution, and the Lily of the Valley macaron was unthinkable as well… but the recipe is always the same.”
Macarons are mostly made from egg whites, granulated sugar and almond flour. What makes the French macaron special is the decadent buttery filling in the centre. The Ladurée macarons are the perfect balance of flavours – just sweet enough and with the perfect texture that simply melts in your mouth. The shells have a light and crunchy texture and are slightly chewy on the inside.
If you have a sweet tooth, tasting one of these delicious sweets should be on your culinary bucket list. Nibble on one slowly while sipping a French coffee or tea, preferably while sitting on an outdoor patio on a beautiful sunny day.
Also, an elegantly wrapped box of these treats makes a perfect gift for your family and friends. The hardest part is resisting the urge to open up the box and eat them yourself!
A Dazzling Array of Sweets
One of the most impressive things you notice when you walk into Ladurée is the stunning array of flavours and varieties of macarons available.
From the typical chocolate and pistachio to more unique varieties such as macha tea, salted caramel, orange blossom and raspberry, there is a macaron for every taste. If you are adventurous, order a few different flavours so that you can try them and find your favourite.
My Sweet Trip
On a recent trip to Paris, I stopped in to see what the buzz was about. One of the most impressive things you notice when you walk into Ladurée is the stunning array of flavours and varieties of macarons available.
From the typical chocolate and pistachio to more unique varieties such as macha tea, salted caramel, orange blossom and raspberry, there is a macaron for every taste. If you are adventurous, order a few different flavours so that you can try them and find your favourite.
I was especially impressed by the chocolate macaron. I was lucky to snatch the very last one they had! I enjoyed it so much I had to visit the store in London as soon as I returned. Here I ordered the salted caramel macaron and the lemon cake along with a fresh cup of English breakfast tea. I enjoyed my treats with a friend and we both spent most of the afternoon enjoying the charming atmosphere. My first afternoon tea in London could not have been better!
If macarons aren’t your thing, Ladurée offers other treats that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Pastries, scones, and sweet cakes are made each day, and breakfast is also served in the morning.
Ladurée in London
If you live in London there is no need to travel to Paris to try these macarons – you can taste them for yourself at the Ladurée location in the English capital.
We at TRULY have teamed up with Ladurée to offer Macarons and Champagne, or the full works Ladurée Afternoon Tea at their Covent Garden boutique in London. The latter quite possibly being the most elegant and delicious afternoon tea experience in London.