A Delicious Afternoon Tea At Hôtel De Crillon
Nestled in one of Paris's most iconic palaces, the tea time experience at Hôtel de Crillon is like an enchanting interlude. In the soft, luminous setting of the Jardin d'Hiver, the afternoon tea crafted by pastry chef Matthieu Carlin elevates the snack moment into a true ritual of elegance. With sweet creations of subtle flavors, refined savory bites, and a selection of exceptional teas, every detail celebrates the art of French-style tea time at its finest.
Hôtel De Crillon: A Parisian Luxury Icon
With its emblematic silhouette on Place de la Concorde and a history shaped by great names of French History, Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, embodies the pinnacle of Parisian luxury more than ever. Behind its majestic 18th-century façade lie interiors where classic refinement harmoniously blends with contemporary comfort, the result of a spectacular renovation led by a team of renowned architects and designers. Crillon continues to surprise with its discreet spa, daring restaurants, and exclusive rooms—true havens of serenity in the heart of the capital. On a previous stay, we had the pleasure of discovering all facets of this legendary address—an experience I invite you to relive through my article dedicated to this immersion into the palace (My Favorite Palace In Paris: Hôtel de Crillon). This time, we returned to enjoy the afternoon tea in the cozy atmosphere of the Jardin d'Hiver.
A Gourmet Journey By Matthieu Carlin
In the refined and elegant atmosphere of the Jardin d'Hiver, afternoon tea becomes a truly exceptional moment. Nestled in the heart of the hotel, this sophisticated lounge is the ideal place to enjoy a gourmet interlude, whether you're a Parisian or just visiting. Under the direction of the talented pastry chef Matthieu Carlin, each bite reveals perfect harmony between delicate textures and tangy flavors—the chef's signature, who particularly loves lemon, rhubarb, and spicy notes. Served Friday through Sunday from 3 PM to 6 PM by reservation, the tea time offers an exquisite selection of savory canapés and elegant pastries. With pastry expertise and a magical setting, the Jardin d'Hiver provides one of the most refined tea experiences in the capital.
Priced at €72 per person — or €88 with a glass of Philipponnat "Royale Réserve Brut" Champagne or a signature cocktail — the Crillon Tea Time comes with a poetic promise: “Discover our tea time, delicately inspired by the seasons, and let yourself be carried away by this gourmet moment full of emotion.” We're ready to be swept away.
We chose to begin this refined moment with a glass of Philipponnat Champagne, whose fine bubbles and perfect balance immediately set the tone for an afternoon marked by elegance. Everything then continues with the choice of a hot beverage. My husband opts for a hot chocolate—irresistibly creamy and flavorful—while I choose a premium tea from Terre de Chine: Yun Feng Mao Jian, harvested in April 2023 in Hunan Province at 800 meters altitude. This silky, vegetal green tea provides a refined introduction. Even before discovering the tiered tray, a pre-dessert awakens the taste buds. Then, in fine porcelain decorated with violet patterns, the afternoon tea is unveiled in three acts on a delicately arranged stand. In the softly lit lounge, each bite is crafted as an ode to the season, elevated by the talent of pastry chef Matthieu Carlin.
The journey begins with a savory trio as beautiful as it is delicious. The lobster roll, enhanced with a hint of lime and sprinkled with pomegranate, bursts with freshness. Next comes a croque with peas and Monsieur Fabre's curd, melting and light with vegetal notes. Finally, the lemon cake with gravlax salmon perfectly balances briny and citrus notes in a soft, fragrant composition.
Then it's time for the sweet selection. The strawberry tart, topped with vanilla chantilly from Madagascar, pays tribute to the fruit's freshness. The rhubarb pavlova delights with its Oolong tea cream, where acidity and roundness combine harmoniously. The dark chocolate charlotte surprises with its density and quinoa praline—both crunchy and intensely flavorful. Alongside these creations are tender treats: a delicately golden lemon madeleine, a melting pecan-caramel cookie, and a strawberry-rhubarb flaky brioche, evoking childhood snacks with elegance.
Finally, the scones, served warm in a pristine napkin, come with thick cream and homemade jams. With precision, creativity, and refinement, this afternoon tea embodies all the excellence of Hôtel de Crillon.
My Opinion
Through this tea time by Matthieu Carlin, Hôtel de Crillon reaffirms its status as a must for the French art of living. In the cozy cocoon of the Jardin d'Hiver, every detail honors taste, elegance, and seasonality with rare precision. More than a simple gourmet break, this afternoon tea becomes a full sensory experience where pastry craftsmanship meets the art of hospitality with quintessential Parisian grace. An exceptional address to savor the essence of luxury for one refined afternoon.
Practical Information
A big thank you to Hôtel de Crillon for the invitation to discover their property. Of course, I remain fully free in my opinions shared in this article!
