The wait is finally over: France’s revered Maison du Ladurée has landed in Canada, and the Vancouver location will be open to the public at Noon on Thursday, March 24.
With an iconic sage-green storefront that mimics the exterior of the famous Parisian Ladurée boutiques, the Robson Street location is like a passport into a soft-hued getaway of sweets and carefully curated branded accessories.
Thanks to a special private tour, I was able to meet the store’s management and staff, and watch as the gorgeous signature Ladurée macaron and other goodies were being sorted into the patisserie display case, and sip on a cup of Roi Soleil tea–one of a selection of special blends–in the 16-seat tea salon at the rear of the shop.
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There is so much attention to detail, courtesy Ladurée’s Paris home office, that I wasn’t allowed to take photos, lest I ruin the surprise, but sufficed to say they’ve done a wonderful job turning the storefront into a sweet slice of Paris, with a charming but elegant feel.
I can tell you that on the menu in the tea room are sweets, tea, Pain Perdu, Croque Monsieur, and full tea service. There are 17 macaron flavours available, of which a few are seasonal, but particularly relevant to Vancouver–namely the Maple Syrup and the Cherry Blossom ones.
Customers can purchase macarons a la carte, or opt to put them in any of Ladurée’s beautiful gift boxes, including the lovely blue Bonaparte (to honour one of the Paris locations) or limited edition seasonal boxes.
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Since Easter is the season upon us, if you are inclined to put the ultimate French macaron in someone’s (or your own–we don’t judge) holiday basket, Vancouver’s Ladurée will have this year’s Easter boxes (for six or eight pieces) only through Monday.
Also available in the patisserie and boutique up front are chocolates, and other small treats (like Madeleines). On the shelves are jams (including a tres Francais variety of “delices” or preserves), French honey, and loose-leaf teas. Non-edible items include candles, tote bags, and keychains.
Ladurée will open at Noon on Thursday, March 24.
Ladurée Vancouver
Address: 1141 Robson Street
Instagram: @ladureecanada #ladureevancouver