In a quiet corner of the Ritz Paris, time seems to stand still. The Salon Proust is a haven of calm and refinement, dedicated to one of France's most cherished rituals: the afternoon tea. With its intimate wood-paneled walls, cozy armchairs, and an open fire on colder days, this salon evokes the atmosphere of a classic literary gathering, offering a serene escape and a journey into the world of sweet nostalgia.
Goûter à la Française: A Pastry Chef's Dream
The star of Salon Proust is the pastry of François Perret, voted "World's Best Restaurant Pastry Chef." His approach is playful, focusing on finesse and lightness to reinvent the delights of childhood. The tea time experience here is a parade of voluptuous sweets that toy with tastes and colors. The undisputed star is Perret's own interpretation of the madeleine, the very cake that inspired Marcel Proust's famous literary recollection. This version is ethereal, fragrant, and impossibly light, a masterpiece that alone justifies the visit. Alongside it, guests can enjoy a selection of his other exquisite pastries, from delicate tartes to sophisticated chocolate creations.
From Tea Connoisseur to Champagne Lover
In the afternoon, the salon is a temple to the tea leaf, offering a world tour of rare blends from the finest estates. The ritual is observed with utmost attention to detail, from the warming of the pots to the precise steeping times. As the clock strikes 6:00 PM, the mood elegantly shifts. The Salon Proust sheds its daytime skin and transforms into a sophisticated Champagne Bar. The focus turns to celebrating the finesse of the most elegant crus from France's finest houses, offering a perfect pre-dinner aperitif or a graceful start to a night out in Paris.
A Living Tribute to Marcel Proust
The salon's namesake, Marcel Proust, was a loyal habitué of the Ritz from its inauguration. He would often sit discreetly in a corner of the lobby, observing the comings and goings of Parisian society, which provided rich material for his characters in "In Search of Lost Time." The Salon Proust captures this spirit perfectly—it's a place for shared confidences, quiet observation, and, most importantly, the joyful rediscovery of lost time through taste and memory.
Open every day from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM for tea time, transforming into a Champagne Bar from 6:00 PM. The classic tea time experience, which includes a signature pastry and a dessert, starts at €75 per person.
+33 1 43 16 33 74
restauration@ritzparis.com
For a more vibrant dining experience, discover the all-day buzz of Bar Vendôme, or explore all the hotel's culinary offerings.
Photos courtesy of Ritz Paris.
