We tried an enchanting tea time in Versailles in the Yvelines department.

The Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace offers tea time every day in its elegant Peacock Alley. Orchestrated by pastry chef Eddie Benghanem, this afternoon tea in the Yvelines can be enjoyed from 3pm to 6pm, with a weekday menu and a more elaborate weekend version. We tried it and we'll tell you all about it.

Looking for a gourmet break just a stone's throw from the Palace of Versailles? Afternoon tea at the Trianon Palaceis sure to tempt you. Located in the 78, this legendary establishment is home to Peacock Alley, a signature bar where Eddie Benghanem's afternoon tea celebrates French gastronomy with finesse and creativity.

For several years now, this afternoon tea has been one of the best places to enjoy sweet treats in the Yvelines. Pastry chef Eddie Benghanem, who has worked in the kitchens of the Ritz, the George V, and the Crillon, has been at the Trianon Palace since 2009. Together with his team, he creates desserts inspired by childhood memories and classic French pastries, adding a touch of modernity and surprise. His philosophy? To limit the amount of sugar as much as possible to offer a taste experience where the flavors of the ingredients can truly shine. And this is confirmed when you taste the desserts. The result is a beautiful balance of flavors without being overly sweet.

Peacock Alley takes its name from the majestic marble gallery that connected the two Waldorf Astoria buildings in New York in 1897. This iconic bar concept made its grand debut in France in October 2024, combining New York references with Versailles elegance. The room, with its elegant armchairs and cozy, hushed atmosphere, offers the perfect setting to relax, whether in summer or winter.

The weekday tea time menu at €39 includes a hot drink accompanied by creations made with seasonal produce and inspired by the chef. The crisp of the day is served alongside seasonal cabbage and a moist cake. The menu is deliberately light, ideal for indulging without weighing down the stomach. On weekends, the winter version at €49 is more complete, with seasonal vegetables to spread on crackers, a smoked treasure from the sea combining lightly smoked fish and cream, a parmesan shortbread with crunchy vegetables, a crispy garden tart, a moist cake, and the famous Câlin du Chef, a light marshmallow accompanied by a creamy and crunchy treat.

During our weekday visit, we tried the savory trio consisting of a crispy sobacha topped with a rich and flavorful mixture of parsnips and goat cheese with honey, a cucumber and mustard puff pastry, and a parmesan and cauliflower tartlet with tahini.

We fell in love with the fresh figwith cream cheese and walnuts, which is not too sweet and is coming to the end of its season. With its hibiscus juice and fig leaf, it is a delight. Next up is the wild blueberry, vanilla, and tonka tartlet, and we finish with the chef's "cuddle," a pistachio and orange blossom creation that melts in your mouth.

Special mention goes to the thick hot chocolate, which tastes like a dessert cream. The service is pleasant and attentive, in a cozy atmosphere that invites you to relax.

Don't expect a gargantuan tea time like you would find in a London palace. Here, quality is prioritized over quantity, with measured portions that allow you to savor every bite without feeling overwhelmed. This more contemporary approach appeals to those looking for a balanced gourmet break rather than a hearty feast.

The Trianon Palace is located just a few steps from the Palace of Versailles, making it the perfect stop before or after a stroll through the palace gardens. Open since 1910, the establishment has welcomed personalities such as Marcel Proust and Sarah Bernhardt and even witnessed the signing of the Treaty of Versailles within its walls. Today, it is part of the Waldorf Astoria collection and also offers the Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay au Trianon restaurant and La Véranda brasserie.

To prolong the gourmet experience, Chef Eddie Benghanem also showcases his talents for the holiday season with his Christmas log in the shape of a fir tree, an exceptional creation that causes a sensation every winter at the Trianon Palace.

To reserve your tea time at Peacock Alley, visit the official Waldorf Astoria Versailles website or contact the establishment directly at +33 (0)1 30 84 50 00. The hotel is located at 1 Boulevard de la Reine in Versailles, easily accessible from Paris in about 30 minutes. If you are looking for other gourmet destinations in the Yvelines, check out our recommendations in Versailles.

In short, if you're looking for a great place to enjoy a sweet treat in an exceptional setting, Eddie Benghanem's tea time is well worth a visit. It's a wonderful opportunity to discover the expertise of a talented chef in one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the Paris region.

As a reminder, tea time is served every day from 3pm to 6pm at Peacock Alley at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles - Trianon Palace. It costs €39 per person from Monday to Friday, and €49 for the weekend version. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

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