During the same year, the first stone of the Garnier Opera was laid, and the area surrounding the Madeleine was rapidly developing into one of the capital’s most important and elegant business districts. Under the Second Empire, cafes developed and became more and more luxurious, attracting Parisian high society. Along with the chic restaurants around the Madeleine, they became the showcases of the capital.

The beginning of the last century found Paris wrapped up in a frenzy of distraction and going out in public. Ernest Ladurée’s wife, Jeanne Souchard, daughter of a well-known hotelier in Rouen, had the idea of mixing styles: the Parisian café and pastry shop gave birth to one of the first tea salons in town. The “salon de thé” had a definite advantage over the cafés: they permitted ladies to gather in freedom.

After a relaunch in 1997, Ladurée has now returned to its tradition and the chain is once again tea salon, pastry shop, restaurant, chocolate shop and ice cream parlor. If find yourself with some time to spare in Paris then an afternoon coffee or tea break at one of the salons across the city will make a perfect Slow Life break. Don’t forget to sample the delicious indulgences on offers – such as the macaroons (here at jorg & olif we love the special Alice in Wonderland gift box, pictured above), cakes, pastries and chocolates.