Two grand macaron cafés sit side-by-side on Paris’ famous avenue, Champs Elysées. Although both Ladurée and Pierre Hermé feature a stylish interior and, most importantly, a delicious selection of macarons, they offer their visitors a very different macaron experience.
While Ladurée represents the decadence and grandeur of tradition, Pierre Hermé stands for contemporary elegance and innovation. Even so, both offer the perfect place to take a break from a day of exploring. Surely no trip to Paris is complete without sampling the crème de la crème of these delicate and crisp French treats?
Ladurée
Founded in 1862, Ladurée is one of the oldest macaron creators in the world. The Champs Elysées shop is lavished with gold details and velvet fabrics. The café and restaurant offer an opulent setting to escape to and enjoy a sumptuous afternoon treat – a few macarons, a slice of cake or a rich hot chocolate.
Open until 11pm on most days and midnight on Saturdays, it’s also the perfect indulgence when a late-night sugar craving strikes. Or you can take away a selection of macarons from the counter, presented in Ladurée’s iconic pastel green box.
Signature single flavours include caramel, pistachio and raspberry. This season’s latest theme is ‘La Vie En Rose’, brought to life with a new pineapple, mango and rose mixed-flavour macaron for a summer twist on the classic floral.
Address: 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris.
Pierre Hermé
A collaboration between Pierre Hermé and French cosmetics brand L’Occitane, the Champs Elysées store space, 8Champs, is a feast for the eyes as well as the belly. The contemporary candy-coloured decor is the work of interior designer Laura Gonzalez. It features a desert bar, garden terrace and restaurant area offering a delectable selection of imaginative macarons, gourmet pastries and cocktails.
Following in the footsteps of four generations of pastry-makers, Pierre Hermé has been creating sweet treats under his namesake brand since 1997, and has been referred to by Vogue as the “Picasso of Pastry”.
Classic flavours are joined by seasonal specialities. The current April-June collection includes imaginative combinations, such as Ispahan (rose, lychee and raspberry), Mogador (milk chocolate and passion fruit) and Celeste (passion fruit, rhubarb and strawberry).
Address: 8E – 86 CHAMPS, 86 Avenue des Champs-Elysées, Paris.
🤤 These places both look insane! I’m not too into macarons unless I’m in France, it’s just something about them there! X I love your pictures too x
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Thanks 😊 It’s so true, somehow they always taste even better in France! x
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Laduree is such a classic. Delicious!
https://theeatingspree.com/
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And it’s true what they say, classics never go out of style 😊
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So true 🙂
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Love macarons, sumptuous reading.
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Thank you, happy you enjoyed reading it 😊
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I love macarons and whenever I can find them I buy them, admittedly not in such beautiful places like this, but I enjoy trying different flavours!
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Ooh yes, it’s always exciting coming across new flavours! And the great thing about macarons is that wherever you are, they seem to transport you to Paris just by tasting them 😊
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Have you tried to make your own?
I love watching cooking shows and even kids — well, kids who bake all the time — try out their macaron hand.
Just wondering how they would compare.
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Yes, tried making mango flavour but it took around 5 hours in total. They tasted good but not quite as perfect as the pro patissiers make them!
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I love macarons! It’s also been far too long since I last visited Paris, I really must try both of these the next time I make it over there!
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Hope you make it over to Paris again soon! Luckily these cafés are next to each other so it’s easy to visit both even if it’s just a quick trip 😊
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[…] Rockskippers ate macarons in Paris and now I very much want to do the same. Amy talked about some of the shows she’s been binge […]
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I am obssessed with Macarons. However, those in Paris seem super delicious.
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Yes, Paris is definitely the place to go for macaron fans!
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