We tried the Lutetia's Christmas 2025 tea time, and we'll tell you all about it.

In the Christmas tea time family, we have a wonderful discovery for you. That of the Lutetia's pastry chef, Nicolas Guercio. This pastry virtuoso offers us a tea time with Christmas flavors to be discovered every weekend in December, from Friday to Sunday, from 3pm to 6pm, under the sublime glass roof of the Saint-Germain, which we never tire of. 

Once again this year, we went to try the Lutetia's Christmas tea timebecause, yes, we have a sense of sacrifice in the editorial office (yes, really), and frankly, we were not disappointed. Pastry chef Nicolas Guercio creates sweet treats that celebrate winter flavors with great originality.

As soon as you arrive, the atmosphere transports you. The architecture, which oscillates between Art Nouveau and Art Deco, the facade sculpted by Léon Binet, the glass roofs, and the frescoes create a unique ambiance in the Parisian landscape. You immediately feel as if you have stepped back in time, ready to enjoy a gourmet interlude far from the hustle and bustle of the capital. Festive tea time is available for €95 per person, or €105 with a glass of champagne.

What did we sample from the savory selection at Lutetia's tea time?

We begin our tasting with the savory creations, and here we are in for a pleasant surprise. The Lutetia breaks new ground with offerings that are a real change from the usual finger sandwiches.The black truffle cocotte egg won us over from the very first spoonful. Cooked to perfection, it will delight truffle lovers with its gourmet elegance. 

Next, we discover the lobster brioche. This little gem adds a refined, maritime touch that makes a change from the classics, although we would have liked the brioche to be a little softer. The brioche delicately envelops the lobster, and we wholeheartedly approve of this original approach. To finish off the savory part of the meal, the foie gras lollipop accompanied by redcurrants and gingerbread brings the taste of the holidays to an original lollipop. If you like tart flavors, this creation is for you. Our hearts lean more towards the cocotte egg, a real little treasure that perfectly opens this experience.

Which pastries did we like best?

Now it's time for the sweet creations, and this is where Nicolas Guercio shows off the full extent of his talent. We loved the frosted mandarin orange trompe l'oeil, which awakens the taste buds and gets the tasting off to a great start. This fresh and fruity little marvel perfectly prepares the palate for what's to come, and visually, it blew us away.

The panettone with candied fruit transports us to Italian traditions with its light texture and perfectly balanced fruit. Next, we completely fall for the Black Forest cake, which brilliantly revisits the great classic. The layers of chocolate biscuit, whipped cream, and cherries harmonize beautifully. It's our sweet favorite of this tea time.

The Mont-Blanc with chestnuts and lychee surprises us with its bold combination of French tradition and exotic notes. We appreciate this risk-taking, which works perfectly.The buchette dessert gives us a taste of the palace's Christmas log, and we can tell you that it really makes you want to order it for the holidays. If you like citrus fruits, you'll love it, as the flavors are well balanced.

• To be read
• Winter and Christmas tea times in Paris in 2025: gourmet experiences not to be missed
• This week's top deals in Paris and Île-de-France, from December 22 to 28, 2025

The Lulu marshmallow, a true signature of the Lutetia, brings this culinary journey to a delightful close. This soft and chewy treat has become the emblem of the palace, and it's easy to see why regulars ask for it every time they visit. The scones and Christmas jam complete this gourmet picture with that comforting note we love so much during the holiday season. We particularly appreciate the homemade marmalade that accompanies it. 

What accompaniments are available for this Christmas tea time?

To accompany all these delicacies, the Salon Saint-Germain offers a selection of teas, coffees, and hot chocolate. Don't miss out on the Viennese chocolate, which has everything to please, creamy and comforting. For our part, we opted for a glass of champagne to enhance this moment of sharing. Champagne adds that festive touch that is essential at this time of year and goes wonderfully with all the creations on offer, both savory and sweet.

Why do we love the Lutetia setting?

Beyond the quality of the creations, what makes this Christmas tea time so special is the unique atmosphere of the place. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood surrounding the palace is full of treasures. Just a few steps away are famous literary cafés such as Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, as well as the majestic Saint-Germain-des-Prés church. After your tea time, we recommend a stroll through the Luxembourg Gardens to digest your meal at a leisurely pace.

Le Bon Marché is also nearby, making it the perfect opportunity to go shopping and discover the beautifully decorated Christmas windows.

The service, which was impeccable during our visit, allows you to really take your time and enjoy the moment. You don't come here to rush, but to savor every moment, every bite, in a setting that invites contemplation. Our advice: book your table in advance via the Mandarin Oriental Lutetia's official website, as places fill up quickly during the festive season.

If you want to discover more of Nicolas Guercio's creations, the palace also offers its famous Yule log and galette des rois to prolong the festivities. This is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas tea times in the capital.

In short, if you're looking for a gourmet and refined experience to celebrate the holiday season, we highly recommend the Lutetia's Christmas tea time by Nicolas Guercio. Whether you want to impress a loved one, get together with family, or simply treat yourself, this exceptional moment under the glass roof of the Salon Saint-Germain is definitely worth a visit.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.