A queue of adoring customers wrapping around the block and the sweet smell of decadent pastries aren’t the only indicators that a Ladurée store is in the vicinity. The distinguished exteriors, typically decked with a pale green façade with gold lettering, easily stand out, but the shops’ interiors are where the magic of a Parisian escape comes alive. One step into any of their locations feels like a lovely voyage to not only the City of Light but also an elevated childhood dream of unlimited treats, beautiful colors, and feminine whimsical wonder. Though the aesthetics of the various shops differ, depending on the size of the store, where it is, and the clientele— Los Angeles and Miami are more modern, the New York flagship is inherently Parisian, and Washington, DC, is very classical—the undeniable French influence is apparent throughout in every effortlessly curated detail from the décor and antiques to the cuisine and overall aura. The essence of every location is closely tied to the French way of life. “In America, you eat to live, and in France, we live to eat,” Elisabeth chuckles. A certain reverence for the food that is consumed and the sacred experience that is shared is palpable and contagious among loyal customers, and it keeps them coming back for more of the undefinable French je ne sais quoi.
