{Le Week de Paris} Teatime with Le Palais des Thés & Madeleines

A few months back there was an article in the New York Times where author Steven Erlanger reflected on his five years spent in living and working in Paris. Amid his love and dismay for the city he referenced Walt Whitman who said, "Most visitors go away having found just enough of what they craved to develop a lifelong yearning to return", wow, yes, perfected stated.  

This week I am taking you to Paris, well, not technically (wouldn't that be just incroyable) but each post will be dedicated to my favorite city in the entire world.  It has been such a blessing that I was able to live there twice for an extended period of time.  I was swept off my feet by the magic, wonder and beauty of this European city that has captivated me like no other place has ever been able.  My passion runs so deeply that I cannot help but get a pang in my heart on just how much I miss it.  But in less than five months, I will be returning as a stop on our honeymoon. I have been dreaming about the warm baguettes, the moody skies, the architecture and the pristine gardens for far too long.  It is time to go back, I need to go back.  However, in order to satiate my yearning, this week is all about all things Parisian.  I hope you enjoy! 

Tea time is one of those ultimate girly moments where you can indulge in beautifully arranged bite-sized sandwiches and drink out of delicate floral tea cups.  Here in New York there is afternoon tea at the Plaza Hotel or The Pierre (just to name a few) but the most decadent place I have ever indulged in high-noon tea was in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferat in the South of France at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a magical chateau with exquisite gardens perched above the aquamarine Mediterranean.  It was one of those special memories that I like to remember and think of often.  

Luckily, I can get a little bit of that precious memory here in New York since a lovely tea atelier, Le Palais des Thés has finally arrived Stateside bringing with it a dazzling array of teas from all over the world.  Not only is the tea selection fantastic but the canisters that they come in are almost too pretty to open, like this light pink tin which holds Fleur de Geisha, a green tea delicately flavored with cherry blossoms.    Le Palais des Thés was started in Paris in 1986 and has since opened shops here in New York (see below for store info) and in eight other countries in the world providing over 100 varieties of green, white, black, oolong and rooibos teas.  You can find their entire catalog here.  And what could go better with a hot cup of tea than a madeleine lightly scented with lemon?  

Le Palais des Thés Locations: France and New York 

Recommended reading for teatime locations in Paris and New York

*Photography & Styling by Alison
*Recipe slightly adapted from Epicurious