Nina’s Marie-Antoinette

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5 years ago

A French Tea House with Royal Charm

Text by Britt E. Stafford • Photography Courtesy of Nina’s of Paris

A short stroll from some of Paris’s popular tourist attractions along the Seine River—the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries, and Le Palais Royal—resides the salon of a luxury tea company that boasts tribute to one of France’s most recognized historical figures. With a history that dates back more than three centuries, Nina’s of Paris offers tea drinkers an exclusive and royal experience in each cup.

The intertwined history of Nina’s with the famous French royal started in 1672, when the company—originally called La Distillerie Frères—started producing essential lavender oil fragrances. Eventually, it became renowned for the ability to craft and create different aromas, and its distinguished reputation made its products very popular with King Louis XIV, the Court of Versailles, and Marie Antoinette. Over the years, the company transitioned to infuse its popular aromas into a line of uniquely blended teas still sold today.

“We represent an iconic part of French royal heritage, which is the genesis of modern cuisine,” Delphine Tissandier, who handles Nina’s Marie-Antoinette’s museum, says. “Our store represents the culture of Versailles, which is about impressing our guests and offering a unique experience of tasting a piece of history.”

One aspect that makes Nina’s blends truly one-of-a-kind is the source of ingredients integrated in their teas. In keeping with their ties to the royal court, Nina’s has an exclusive partnership with the King’s Kitchen Garden at Versailles. The company continues to use and incorporate fresh fruits and flowers from the garden in its teas and jams.

When visitors step into Nina’s boutique and showroom, the ambiance of the venue is intended to transport them back in time. “The most important thing is while guests taste original teas they feel transported in a time machine that allows them to view sides of the multifaceted Versailles,” Delphine explains. Scattered throughout the pristine, white interior of the showroom are various pieces of memorabilia commemorating the company’s tie to Marie Antoinette. Such items include a bust of the last queen of France and a letter written from a cousin of Marie Antoinette.

Instead of serving a traditional three-course afternoon tea service, Nina’s French Royal Tea echoes Marie Antoinette’s famous words, “Let them eat cake!” For 18€ (approximately $21), guests enjoy a pot of Nina’s Original Marie-Antoinette Tea with a slice of the tearoom’s Marie Antoinette cake, which incorporates the same rose and apple flavors found in the signature tea. Reportedly savored by the queen, the eponymous cake offered in the tearoom was created by the company’s namesake Nina, the spouse of Pierre Diaz, the founder of La Distillerie Frères. This decadent treat, along with a pot of tea, makes for a refreshing cake break for tourists in need of a brief idyll from a day of sightseeing.

In lieu of a three-course tea service, guests of Nina’s of Paris can indulge in the company’s signature Marie-Antoinette blend and a slice of cake named after the famous French royal.

“The tea room is very popular among both French citizens and tourists from all over the world eager to learn the secrets of Queen Marie-Antoinette…” Delphine says. She reports that as the origin of Nina’s was about fragrance the store offers guests a chance to smell and learn about the teas and fruit blends. The most popular is the signature Original Marie-Antoinette Tea, which includes bits of handpicked apples and roses.

With more than 50 points of distribution around the world, Nina’s teas are available in several countries, including the United States (through retailers such as Paris In A Cup in Orange, California, parisinacup.com), England, China, and Japan. Those visiting Paris who might not be able to stop by the showroom can also find tins of Nina’s teas for sale in several museums throughout the City of Love, such as the Louvre, the Château de Fontainebleau, and the Palace of Versailles.

Nina’s of Paris is located at 29 Rue Danielle Casanova, 75001 Paris, France. The tearoom is open from noon to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The French Royal Tea can be served during those hours. Although not required, reservations can be made by calling +33 1 55 04 80 55. For more information, visit ninasparis.com.

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