My Best Afternoon Tea Experience in Europe ~ Hôtel La Mirande

I always like to relax with a cup of tea and a piece of cake for a break in the afternoon. When traveling in Europe, I used to arrange to experience afternoon tea at well-known cafes and 5-star hotels during the trip. However, after actual experience, I often felt that the afternoon tea offered in some 5-star hotels and famous cafes does not live up to the name and is over-hyped.

In 2024, I traveled to Europe for 70 days. During the trip, I had experienced afternoon tea several times and my favorite is the afternoon tea I had at the 5-star Hôtel La Mirande in Avignon. I therefore would like to invite you to recall this special afternoon tea with me.

Linda Chou in Hotel La Mirande — The Chinese Cabinet of Hotel La Mirande

Atypical 5-star Hotel Afternoon Tea

When making a reservation for my travel to France. The option to purchase afternoon tea for 12 Euros appeared on the hotel’s official website. At that time, I thought it would be good to treat myself an afternoon tea to take a break after arriving at the hotel. On the day, I went to the lobby and told the waiter that I had reserved afternoon tea. The waiter told me that I could choose to have afternoon tea in the lobby, the Chinese Cabinet or the garden. I chose to have afternoon tea in the Chinese Cabinet - a classic room decorated with historic wallpapers.

Then the waiter asked me to choose a cake from several simple cakes and paired it with a pot of tea.

However, I had traveled to the UK many times and studied in the UK for my MBA degree. No matter in the UK, Portugal, Spain, or even Paris, the afternoon tea in 5-star hotels I had ever experienced is a three-tier cake stand with finger sandwich, scone and many desserts. The format of such a simple afternoon tea in this hotel had confused me.

Linda Chou in Hotel La Mirande, Avignon — The atypical afternoon tea in a 5-star hotel left me a little confused

The French Pastry was a Delight to Eat and Impeccably Delicious

Because I am a lover of afternoon tea and extremely picky about afternoon tea and desserts, I went to three 5-star hotels in Spain to experience afternoon tea in 2023 but was very disappointed. When I came to France, I thought that French desserts are world-famous and Le Cordon Bleu Baking School is world-famous. It would be a good idea to come to France for afternoon tea. Sure enough, the first piece of fruit tart was really delicious, so I was still not satisfied and ordered a piece of cheesecake, topped with a sauce made with entirely of berries. I will always remember the feeling of indescribable happiness and believe that this is a real delicious dessert. After that, I learned that the pastries of this hotel are freshly made every day, no wonder they are fresh and delicious beyond words.

A Rare Afternoon Tea Accompanied by

Wallpaper from China Made in the 18th century

The wallpaper in the Chinese Cabinet was from China made in the 18th century. The room is full of classic patterns with a long history. While I was having afternoon tea, I couldn't help admiring the beauty of this historic heritage room.

Nicely Mixed and Matched Furniture & Accessories

Created a Indescribably Beautiful Space

Looking around at this beautiful space filled with unique and perfectly coordinated colors and furniture, my aesthetic taste has been greatly improved. It also made me realize that a beautiful environment does not necessarily have to be splendid and luxury. Interior decoration that emphasizes patterns, colors and matching can also present a noble and elegant atmosphere, and even calm the soul.

I carefully appreciated the furniture and lighting fixtures in the cabinet. Every piece of furniture is so delicate and elegant.

Another set of classical chairs also coordinates with the color and pattern of the entire space, without any sense of violation.

Every corner is decorated beautifully and elegantly, and the lamps are small and gorgeous, lighting up the space at night and changing the atmosphere.

Several floor-to-ceiling windows introduce the greenery in the garden, adding a leisurely and relaxing atmosphere.

The floor-to-ceiling window by seats generously display the greenery of the garden.

From where I sat I could enjoy the view of the garden through a door.

Delicious Pastries + Beautiful Space with Great Atmosphere

= Perfect Afternoon Tea Experience

In this beautiful space, I enjoyed afternoon tea and spent a leisurely and quiet time in the hotel. I am pleased to share this wonderful memories with everyone and I recommend that when you travel to Europe, don’t forget to treat yourself an afternoon tea that will pamper your taste buds, settle your thoughts, and heal your soul.

An Unpretentious Afternoon Tea Fully Satisfied Me

I had published "The Legend of British Afternoon Tea Across Three Centuries" and "The Legend of Vienna Cafes" to share my afternoon tea experiences in various countries around the world.

This year I had experienced an afternoon tea at Ritz Paris. However, the most memorable experience for me so far is such a simple and authentic French dessert without any fancy. Looking from the beautiful and elegant Chinese-style room to the lively French-style elegant garden, I was filled with joy. I experienced this low-key afternoon tea but truly healed my mood and calmed my soul.

I am grateful to the pastry chef Mr. Cristhian OHNET GOMEZ for allowing me to taste the best pastries in the world and have a unique afternoon tea time.