Ladurée is a famous pâtisserie, or pasty shop, in Paris. It has been around for over 150 years, and is most known for its delicious and colorful macarons. Ethan and I first discovered Ladurée macarons last year while in Paris.
We happened to walk by their flagship store and tea salon on the Champs-Elysées after a visit to the top of the Arc de Trimophe. We were in need of some nourishment after all those stairs, and the macarons looked way too good to pass up!
This would be our first taste of French macarons (very different from the coconut macaroons sold in the United States). One of the most difficult parts was selecting from the over dozen different flavors. We chose 6 flavored macarons—Rose, Red Fruits, Licorice, Caramel with Salted Butter, Pistachio, and Violet– and then brought them home for our own private tasting.
Unfortunately, our Ladurée macarons got a little squashed during the metro ride back to our apartment. However, rest assured, they were still very edible. We cut each macron in half and washed them down with cups of Mariage Frères tea.
Jessica’s Ladurée Macaron Rankings:
- Rose – Sweet, not very “soapy” (I often find rose-flavored things to taste like soap). Very interesting.
- Red Fruit – Sweet and “jammy”
- Licorice – Quite good. Surprised since I don’t like licorice; however, it doesn’t really taste that much like licorice.
- Caramel with Salted Butter – Yummy, but had a hard time tasting the “salt”
- Pistachio – Good
- Violet – OK
Ethan’s Ladurée Macaron Rankings:
- Red Fruit
- Violet
- Caramel with Salted Butter
- Rose
- Pistachio
- Licorice
Out of the six Ladurée macarons, there were none that we would never eat again, as they were all consistently quite good. The outer shells of the airy meringue sandwiches were smooth and crisp, and the inside fillings were a variety of fluffy creams, jams, and ganaches. The texture of the macarons was wonderful, and like nothing we have ever tasted before.
While I normally do not like licorice and Ethan is not a big fan of flower flavors, I really liked the licorice and Ethan really liked both the violet and rose macarons. We both wished that we had bought more than six to eat!!
You can also read our follow-up macaron post where we compare Ladurée versus Pierre Hermé macarons.
Our recommendation?
If you have an opportunity to visit Ladurée, taste an assortment of these wonderful treats and try a few flavors that you normally wouldn’t try. We did, and we were pleasantly surprised!
**The following year we conducted a macaron smackdown comparing Ladurée and Pierre Hermé macarons in Paris which you can read about here.**
Where can you get your hands on Ladurée macarons?
Their flagship and most popular location (and most busy, so avoid this one is you hate lines) is on the Champs-Elysées but they have several locations in Paris. Below is the list of tea salons, restuarants, and bars, but there are other shops and locations where you can just buy macarons including department stores and airports.
Address (1): 16-18 rue Royale, 75008 Paris (original location)
Address (2): 34 Rue Jacob, 75006 Paris
Address (3): 13 Rue Lincoln, 75008 Paris (Le Bar, quicker service, modern interior)
Address (4): 75 Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris (flagship location, one of the busiest locations)
Address (5): 1st floor of Le Printemps De La Maison, 64 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris (tea salon in department store)
While based in Paris, there are many locations outside of France (e.g., Australia, Japan, Italy), including a store that opened in New York City in 2011. Find out more by visiting Ladurée’s official website for more about their current macaron flavors and locations.
Have you tried Ladurée’s macarons or other treats? What is your favorite macaron flavor? We’d love to hear your opinions and recommendations.
Shereen Travels Cheap Post author
I’m actually really sad that we didn’t make it to Laudree when we were in Paris the last time, but it’s definitely on my list for when we are there in November. There is a great bakery here in Portland that sells delicious macarons, so I’m interested to see how they compare to a place that specializes in them and has totally unique flavors. I’m intrigued by the red fruits one now 🙂
travelcats Post author
Unfortunately, I think the Red Fruits macaron is a seasonal flavor and may not be there any longer. But the good news is that Laduree comes out with a few great new flavors each year:)
Melissa Post author
Macarons are absolutely one of the best treats in France! Not only are they amazingly delicious (particularly the red fruit), they are part of France’s rich cultural history. I’ve lived in France for almost 2 years and I can’t believe I have never been to Ladurée. I’m going to take your cue: the next time I’m in Paris, I’m going to eat my way through the pâtisserie shop – maybe even try the licorice flavor (although I think I may have to skip out on all of those stairs)!
travelcats Post author
Welcome Melissa! I can’t believe you haven’t tried Ladurée’s macarons yet! Yes, you should definitely try them the next time you are in Paris (I think there are also locations along the coast in Cannes and St. Tropez). They are all so delicious.
Mary G. Post author
I love Macarons they are probably my favorite dessert of all time! I have a bakery out here in the Palm Springs area that I get mine from and I usually wont go any where else for them, but after reading this article I find myself wanting to travel to Paris just to try these amazing sounding macarons. I think that this might have to be my next vacation. Laduree here we come. I cant wait to try the licorice flavored ones, they sound delicious.
travelcats Post author
Yes, I still can’t believe how good the licorice macarons were, I had to recheck what I wrote in my travel journal as I normally don’t like licorice flavored things. Lucky you to have found a good place for macarons in Palm Springs!
Jackie H Post author
Yum! This post made my mouth water!
travelcats Post author
Yes, I miss the French macarons. I have not been able to find anything quite like them in the Bay area.
Melissa Post author
Mine too!