It's a Tradition: Celebrating our Wedding Anniversary with Afternoon Tea at the George V


Good things come to those who wait.

It's really not an exaggeration to say that Stéphane has been dreaming about the hot chocolate at the George V ever since we went there to celebrate our wedding anniversary last December. One year ago. Whenever he sampled hot chocolate at another café or hotel, he would let out a long wistful sigh before saying, "It's just not as good as the one at the George V." He even insisted that I include "his" hot chocolate in my post about the best hot chocolate in Paris. The man was obsessed.

So, I should have known that there was little point in proposing that we celebrate our wedding anniversary at any other place than the George V this year. When I mentioned the names of some Michelin starred restaurants that I've been wanting to try, Stéphane said that he had been eating too much while traveling for business and suggested that we have something light...like afternoon tea at the George V. When I told him that Le Grand Véfour, the first grand restaurant in Paris, was supposed to be romantic, Stéphane replied that he had very good memories of the Christmas decorations and piano music in La Galerie at the George V. Knowing that my otherwise easygoing husband can be very obstinate when he has his heart set on something, like hot chocolate, we agreed on afternoon tea. Plus, it would give Stéphane the opportunity to see the incredible frozen Christmas trees in the lobby of this luxurious hotel.


After a short wait for a table on Monday afternoon, Stephane appeared to be slightly concerned as he settled into his comfy chair next to the grand piano. Perusing the menu, he said that he hoped that the hot chocolate would be the same as last year, with little chocolate sprinkles, whipped cream and fluffy marshmallows. When it finally arrived, Stephane's grin spread from ear to ear. He was a happy man. Clinking my glass of champagne against Stephane's cup of hot chocolate, we toasted our many years of marriage and agreed that celebrating with afternoon tea at the George V is our new tradition.

The George V High Tea (47 euros) comes with your choice of hot tea or beverage, assortment of fine savories, selection of pastries, homemade scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam and carrot cake, chocolate brownie and cookies.


High Tea "a la Francaise" (57 euros) comes with a glass of champagne, your choice of hot tea or beverage, assortment of fine savories, selection of pastries, Cannelés from Bordeaux, madeleine, financier and homemade scones served with clotted cream and homemade jam.

In a welcome change from last year, it's now possible for visitors from outside the hotel to reserve a table in La Galerie. Simply call the hostess a couple of days in advance on the direct line: ++33 (0)1 49 52 70 06.

Kudos to the George V for having the friendliest staff in Paris!

Four Seasons Hotel George V
31, avenue George V
75008 Paris

Facebook album with photos from the George V. You don't need a FB account to view it.
Post about our first afternoon tea.

Comments

  1. ah Many congratulations! Which one is this?

    So, the hot chocolate is in the large pot? The sprinkles look quite large to me--do they melt? And are those the marshmallows--they look like a soft boiled egg. I do love the "fine savories"--they look delicious.



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    1. Thank you! It's our 29th. Another one of Stephane's favorite hot chocolates this year was the one that you brought from Chicago. The spicy one with chili.

      The hot chocolate is served in the large pot with a wooden frother inside.The sprinkles don't melt - they're crunchy inside.

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    2. I was looking at the "fine savories" too! I crave salt more than sweet and was pleased that something for the folks who don't have a thing for chocolate and sweets is also available.

      I remember when you guys went last year! Time flies, eh?

      I love that the French version of High Tea comes with a glass of champers!

      Happy Anniversary!!!!

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    3. Time sure does fly! Before you know it, Seb and you will be celebrating your first anniversary...followed by your 5th, 10th, etc....

      The funny thing about having champagne with my afternoon tea is that the waiter wanted to know in which order I wanted my drinks - champagne first, with my tea or last. He approved when I said that I wanted it first. In France, champagne definitely takes precedence over tea - even "afternoon tea"!

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  2. When you do afternoon tea you certainly do it in style. Gearge V is my favourite posh hotel.
    They say French afternoon tea is never as good as English. Afternoon tea, but I would really like to do some research

    Love Denise.

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    1. If you ever need help with your "research", let me know! Afternoon tea at the George V is as good as those that I've had in London with one exception - in England they always pay a lot of attention to the tea. They make sure that it's hot, they refresh the pot, etc. In France, the tea is on its own once it's on the table.

      The George V is my favorite posh hotel, too. Followed by Le Bristol. The Plaza Athenee is at the bottom of my list.

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    2. oooh, them are fighting words. The PA may not be pleased. How does the Hotel Meurice rate?

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    3. I'm not too worried if the PA is not pleased, although I doubt that they'll ever know how I feel about their establishment. I tried to have afternoon tea there last year and this year and was turned away both times because they hold all the empty tables for their hotel guests. I understand the reasoning but I don't like the manner in which their staff imparts that information. Very snooty!

      Of the "Palace" and 5 star hotels that I've visited, my ranking would be George V, Le Bristol, Le Meurice,
      and Shangri-La. I also like the Ritz and hope to be here when it re-opens its doors. Although not a traditional hotel, the St. James Club would rank in between Le Bristol and Le Meurice.

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  3. Happy anniversary, MK! What a wonderful tradition!:) As we'll be flying to Paris on boxing day for a special anniversary of our own (my 40th birthday!), I was thinking of your post from last year at the George V. That could be interesting:)

    According to Stéphane, is their hot chocolate better than the chocolat chaud à l'Africaine from Angelina?

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    1. Happy Birthday (a bit early)! I'm SO excited that you're going to be in Paris and that Ella Coquine and you will finally have the chance to meet face-to-face! The George V could be a very interesting place to celebrate your birthday. Even if you don't go for afternoon tea, it's worth stopping for a drink just to see the frozen Christmas trees and all of the decorations. If you do go for tea, be sure to reserve a table because it's a popular spot.

      According to Stephane, the hot chocolate at the George V is THE best that he has ever tasted. I'll have to ask him which one he took because it's a special blend.

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  4. Congratulations, and wishing you many more happy anniversaries. GM xx

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    1. Thank you! Now that we've discovered afternoon tea at the George V, we have added incentive to stay together so that we can celebrate future anniversaries there! ;)

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  5. The George V...my all time favourite. Sumptuous as usual. The perfect way to spend your anniversary. Congratulations Mary Kay and of course Stéphane.

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    1. Sumptuous without being stuffy. Many thanks for the congratulations - I'll pass them along to Stephane!

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  6. Happy Anniversary. I LOVE Stephan's idea of eating light....

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    1. I know! Who knew that an entire pot of hot chocolate with chocolate sprinkles is considered diet food?!

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  7. Happy anniversary! Looks like a lovely place, although I'm not sure I'm a fan of the Christmas tree, think I like the concept better than the execution. Hope Philippe arrives safely & happy champagne drinking!

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  8. What a special place to celebrate an anniversary! I make it a point to stop by and see the amazing floral displays in April at the George V. The friendly staff has no problem with my taking photos in both the public rooms of the hotel and the beautiful courtyard. One of these days I may even have a coupe de champagne!
    Carolyn

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  9. Happy Anniversary MK & Stephane. So glad you are making this a tradition... such a lovely one at that!

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  10. Happy Anniversary! What a lovely celebration, I wish you both many more!

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  11. Happy (BELATED) Anniversary to you. Having had the pleasure of meeting each of you, I would say that you have both been blessed.

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  12. What? No photo of the happy couple? Oh well. Happy Anniversary to you both, and thanks for sharing it with us!

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  13. this looks amazing as I have attended many teas in NYC such as the Plaza hotel and the St Regis They are always so fun and I even have a local tea house which we visit once in a while. this is so beautiful!!

    www.nycstylelittlecannoli.com

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  14. that place looks heavenly ! and what a great tradition !

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  15. Excellent post with lovely pictures..And the combination of elements are very different and unique.

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  16. Was fun to read this, I hope the tradition is still going on and the hot chocolate is still just as good. My husband and I will also be celebrating our anniversary in a few weeks, remembering our 10 years of happy marriage. We are planning for a grand party so we’re in search of suitable party and wedding venues.

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