Red-trimmed tea time indulgence - Afternoon tea at Hotel Plaza Athénée, Paris
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear readers, when in Paris, how could one leave without indulging in the city’s famed gastronomic pleasures? Especially when it comes to those elegant, couture-inspired pastries that tempt us at first glance and invite us back for more. Paris is indeed the home to countless celebrated pastry maisons, but if one wishes to enjoy such exquisite treats in a setting that is equally sumptuous, a classic Parisian afternoon tea is one of the loveliest ways to experience the city. During this birthday trip of mine, I made myself a promise to revisit a cherished ritual and rekindle a gastronomic memory that had been absent from my life for far too long. One of the destinations on my bucket list was the luxurious and elegant Hôtel Plaza Athénée, a legendary five-star hotel on Avenue Montaigne, surrounded by the great houses of Parisian fashion and long associated with couture elegance, glamour, and its postcard-worthy view of the Eiffel Tower.
Its instantly recognisable rose red balcony canopies and floral façades have become the signature of the hotel, making it an irresistible destination for discerning travellers drawn to Parisian style at its most polished and indulgent. I had visited this beautiful hotel once before, back in 2016 for an evening cocktail, but this time, it was my very first time having a formal afternoon tea there, it felt only fitting that this should be the wonderful setting for my little birthday treat in Paris.
Returning after so many years felt exhilarating, but the true pleasure began the moment I was seated in La Galerie, the hotel’s elegant lounge. With its bright, neo-classical interior, soaring columns, glittering crystal chandeliers, and elegantly arranged tables, the space feels both gracious and intimate. The afternoon tea at La Galerie is served daily from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, available in two offerings: “Le Goûter d’Angelo Musa”, featuring a selection of elegant pastries, and “Le Goûter du Plaza Athénée”, which adds savoury finger sandwiches to the sweets; a glass of champagne is also available for those who wish to bring a little extra sparkle and glamour to the occasion. Since it was a birthday treat, inherently, I decided to go for the “Le Goûter du Plaza Athénée" tea set for a more complete experience.
The savoury finger sandwiches arrived first, presented neatly with a luxurious silver rectangular tray, such understated elegance offered a gentle prelude to what followed. The true highlight, however, was the delicate pastries: six beautifully hand-crafted creations by award-winning pastry chef Angelo Musa, each one as precise and artistic as a precious jewel. Presented in a luxurious 3-tiers-pagoda-tower like cake tray, their flavours ranged from vanilla and chocolate to bright citrus and nutty notes; one creation that especially caught my eye was the vivid rose-red colored “100% Plaza”, a signature cake that echoes the hotel’s iconic red identity. Its velvety red exterior gave way to soft vanilla cream and red berry jam within, finished with a delicate golden shimmer and elegant detailing.
Another standout was the ivory-colored cake with a shape like a classic French macaron, accompanied with a matte-gold chocolate plate written in wordings “Joyeux anniversaire” (“Happy birthday” in English), it’s rich and creamy with a luxurious vanilla note. Together, they made the afternoon tea not only enjoyable, but visually captivating as well.
Since I was already in the lounge, I could not resist pausing to admire the famous courtyard just right next to me, framed by greenery and the hotel’s iconic red canopies. In winter, this area transforms into a charming ice rink, a detail familiar to viewers of “Emily in Paris” season 4’s festive episode, one that adds to the hotel’s seasonal magic. In summer, it becomes a serene urban sanctuary, a refined escape from the bustle of Paris, where guests can linger over a meal or a coffee and soak in the hotel’s unmistakable fashionable spirit.
Red may not always be the colour of choice for men, but in the world of high-end hospitality and Parisian couture chic, it remains inseparable from this beautiful address. And if there is one elegant way to begin a fabulous afternoon (or a special occasion) in Paris, a sumptuous and delightful Parisian afternoon tea is certainly a wonderful way to start.
