Is 95 Euro Afternoon Tea Experience at the Ritz Paris Worthy?

The afternoon tea at The Ritz London is renowned far and wide, requiring reservations months in advance. When I visited Paris in 2024, I was intrigued by France's prestigious baking techniques, as French pastries are beloved worldwide. Therefore, I treated myself to a luxurious afternoon tea, and now I'd like to share my dreamy experience at The Ritz Paris.

Afternoon Tea at Ritz Paris | Linda Chou's Life Journey Blog

A Hotel with Wired Floors and Private Bathrooms

César Ritz, the founder of the Ritz Paris, chose a private mansion on Place Vendôme to realize his dream and was determined to offer ultimate elegance and modern comfort in his new style hotel. César Ritz himself was a passionate enthusiast of world exhibitions and had extraordinary creativity. When the Ritz Paris opened in 1898, it was the world's first hotel with electricity on every floor and private bathrooms in each room. It was truly a remarkable feat for its time!

The founder and his wife, Marie-Louise, considered the hotel as a vast private residence. Throughout, the renowned "Ritz style" subtly blended inspiration, era, and the finest French traditions in an eclectic manner. Each guest room and suite has its own harmony. This couple paid attention to details, creating a form of exquisite luxury ahead of its time.

The Glorious Years of Ritz Hotel

In 1898, the Ritz Hotel opened its doors, quickly establishing itself as the most fashionable destination in Paris. The hotel served as a hub for both spectators and the spectacled alike. Visitors flocked to the Ritz Hotel to attend renowned banquets, celebrate weddings and anniversaries, and perhaps even reserve a private salon with a few musicians. Women could indulge in London-style afternoon tea unaccompanied. In the 1920s, the Ritz Hotel introduced its first bar, where dancing became a daily affair, making "ritzy" a prominent term in Parisian social circles and a synonym for ultimate elegance.

A gathering place for creative arts and celebrities

The Ritz Paris hotel has long been a favorite destination for writers, artists, and creators. It has attracted talented and vibrant individuals such as Sarah Bernhardt, Jean Cocteau, Elsa Schiaparelli, Marguerite Yourcenar, and Gianni Versace. This hotel has also been a paradise for writers on the path to fame, from Marcel Proust and Ernest Hemingway to Marguerite Duras. It served as a discreet refuge for Maria Callas and a residence for Coco Chanel for over twenty years. The hotel has inspired many romantic stories — such as the one between Ingrid Bergman and Robert Capa — and has been featured in numerous films, from "An American in Paris" to Audrey Hepburn's "Love in the Afternoon." Many high-end fashion shows are also frequently held in the hotel's suites and salons.

The grand hall exudes classical elegance

Upon entering the hotel lobby, one can immediately see the majestic grand staircase; it exudes an extraordinary sense of height.

Just like in the early days, the Paris Ritz Hotel seamlessly integrates into the rhythm of Parisian life today. Its grand décor embodies the French "art of living."

Upon entering the grand hallway, one is greeted by a rich sapphire carpet and elegant lighting fixtures.

In the lobby corridor, the European-style armchair, lighting fixtures, and furniture by the floor-to-ceiling windows create a grand and extraordinary ambiance for the hotel.

Review of Afternoon Tea at Salon Proust

This afternoon, I had reserved a table at Salon Proust in the hotel lobby. Interestingly, the Ritz Paris afternoon tea doesn't seem to be as popular as its London counterpart, as there were only a few guests present throughout the afternoon. Salon Proust is elegantly adorned with exquisite fabrics and floral arrangements, exuding a sense of classical charm that transports one through time.

The wardrobe illuminated and paired with elegant furniture, creates a mysterious and elegant atmosphere, immersing individuals in a vintage charm.

In the center of the salon, there is a long table adorned with a cluster of blooming pink roses showcasing a variety of desserts.

From my seat, the space exudes a tranquil feeling of home, allowing me, weary from my long journey across Europe, to reflect deeply on my 70-day adventure.

After a 70-day journey visiting 5 countries, I had the pleasure of enjoying a delightful afternoon tea at the 5-star La Mirande hotel in Avignon. Therefore, my expectations were high for the afternoon tea at the Ritz Paris. The waiter brought out appetizing desserts, topped with a sauce that left me so impressed. However, I forgot the taste and am unable to adequately describe the taste to others.

The desserts in both options of the afternoon tea at Ritz Paris are exactly the same. The higher-priced one includes more alcoholic beverages, since I don't drink alcohol, I chose the 95 euro option with champagne.

The French-style afternoon tea is not as elaborate as the traditional English three-tiered afternoon tea that I am familiar with. It only consists of two layers and does not include sandwiches, offering exclusively sweet treats. The server added sauce to the appetizing desserts and presented the 11 different desserts on the two-tiered stand with a sense of ceremony.

From my first trip to the UK, I developed a habit of having afternoon tea. After many years, my long-awaited dream of experiencing afternoon tea at the Ritz Paris has finally come true. For me, afternoon tea is not just about satisfying my taste buds; it is a time for introspection, reflecting on my current situation, contemplating various life experiences, and preparing myself mentally to face future challenges during moments of solitude.

Celebrating My Accomoplishment of Traveling Solo

across 5 European Countries for 70 days.

Enjoying afternoon tea in various European countries often involves pairing it with alcoholic beverages such as champagne, adding a sense of richness and pleasure to the experience. As my 70-day journey across 5 European countries is nearing its end in 2024, I raise a toast to myself with gratitude for successfully completing the solo trip I meticulously planned, crossing five European nations. I also recall all the strangers who extended their helping hands to me during the journey, enabling me to overcome this challenge. While I may not remember each person's face or name, their kindness and generosity have been the driving force behind my passion for European travel over the years. Their assistance and warmth have empowered me to bravely face the difficulties of solo travel. Therefore, I raise my glass in heartfelt wishes for them to lead happy and fulfilling lives.

Is the 95 Euro afternoon tea really worth it?

At the Ritz Paris, both options for afternoon tea offer the same dessert selection. The higher-priced option includes a greater variety of alcoholic beverages. As I don't drink acolohol, I chose the 95 Euro champagne-inclusive afternoon tea. Upon observing the 11 different desserts on the tiered stand, I noticed that many were chocolate-flavored, which I do not particularly enjoy. Being more inclined towards fruit and whipping cream cakes, I believe that a luxurious hotel like Ritz Paris should be able to cater to guests' preferences.

Explore the Ritz Paris

After finishing afternoon tea, I decided to take a stroll through the shopping street at the hotel. As I walked through the hotel courtyard, my attention was drawn to the lush green garden.

In the bustling city of Paris, this oasis of green exudes a leisurely atmosphere, resembling a poetic painting that evokes a sense of longing. How wonderful it would be to live here.

The hotel's shopping street is located in the arcade, with various shops adjacent to each other,

The display in the showcase featuring many exquisite luxury items is truly captivating.

Several shops displayed uniquely designed tea sets in their windows, with one even showcasing adorable and romantic stationery items like envelopes, writing paper, and home decor. If the shops hadn't closed down, I might have gone bankrupt.

The washrooms in the lobby feature individual sinks in each restroom, presenting a luxurious and elegant ambiance.

Reservation for Afternoon Tea

Online reservations are accepted, but a credit card guarantee is required. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance to avoid a €75 fee.