Ladurée, the French macaroon legend since 1862

Born in the heart of Paris during the Second Empire, Ladurée has embodied the French art of living for over 160 years. With its pastel elegance, vanilla and almond fragrances and Belle Époque refinement, the House has become a benchmark of Parisian pastry-making, particularly for its macaroons, which have become a worldwide icon.

The origins of a House of Taste

In 1862, on Rue Royale, Louis-Ernest Ladurée, a miller by trade, founded a bakery that was soon to become a renowned patisserie. Following a fire, the premises were redesigned by Jules Chéret, a renowned painter and poster artist, who created a décor inspired by the painted ceilings of theOpéra Garnier. This Belle Époque décor became the Maison's visual signature. At the end of the 19ᵉ century, thanks to the founder's wife, who created one of the very first Parisian tea rooms, Ladurée became a social venue where Parisian women could meet freely in a refined setting.

The birth of the double macaron

The real pastry revolution came in 1930, when Pierre Desfontaines, the founder's grand-cousin, imagined the macaron as we know it today: two crunchy almond shells joined by a melting ganache. This innovation transformed a simple cookie into an emblem of gourmet luxury. This double macaroon in a variety of flavors quickly became the Ladurée identity. Today, Ladurée continues to offer this classic in a range of emblematic (vanilla, pistachio, raspberry, salted butter caramel) and seasonal flavors, with a meticulous aesthetic and an inimitable soft texture.

A house of tradition and elegance

Ladurée has developed its own aesthetic with pastel boxes, floral details, Empire motifs, gilding and ribbons. The House also offers teas, chocolates, pastries and a range of pastries to share. Its flagship creations include Plaisir Sucré, Saint-Honoré à la rose and entremets inspired by great French figures such as Marie-Antoinette.

• To be read
• Stohrer, Paris' oldest patisserie still in business
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• Angelina, over a century of softness and elegance on rue de Rivoli

A global footprint, a Parisian soul

From the Rue Royale to the Champs-Élysées, via Tokyo, New York, Dubai and London, Ladurée has spread all over the world, becoming theambassador of the French macaroon. But despite this internationalization, the soul of the House remains profoundly Parisian. The historic salon at 75 avenue des Champs-Élysées, with its moldings, velvet banquettes and hushed ambience, remains a must for any gourmet in search of sweetness and sweet romance.

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