The Story of Nina’s Paris
The story of Nina’s in Paris began in 1672 when Pierre Diaz created La Distillerie Fréres. He was the first perfumer specializing in distilling natural essential oils. Mr. Diaz was known as the “Magicien des Arômes” {the wizard of aromas} and he soon became very popular for his skill of creating wonderful blended fragrances. He excelled at distilling rose and lavender essences that could be used to perfume gloves. He was the preferred supplier of the Versailles court during Louis XVI's reign, and soon was a favorite of Marie Antoinette. She especially loved his rose and apple scents. The name of the salon is rumored to have been inspired by Pierre's wife, Nina. She created the famous "Ninasette" cake for Queen Marie Antoinette in 1778. The secret recipe has been handed down exclusively to the women in the Diaz family for centuries.
The Royal Garden
Not too far away from the palace, at Versailles, is Le Potager du Roi Versailles, or the royal kitchen garden. Set up in 1678 by King Louis XIV, who hired Monsieur Jean-Baptiste La Quintine as its first Fruitier. The King wanted his kitchen garden to be able to supply the best fruits and vegetables for his royal table at court, including out of season strawberries in January. The royal kitchen garden has grown all organic fruit and vegetables for over 300 years, and has changed little during this time. It's now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The gardener's developed over 60 different ways to grow fruit trees, and the garden today includes almost 200 different varieties of apples.
The Tea Salon
Nina's Tea Salon is located in the middle of Paris at Place Vendrôme, in the 1st arrondissement. It's a beautiful, feminine confection of a place, dressed in creamy white with golden gilt decorations and soft petal pink. It is popular with both French citizens as well as tourists, so if you are planning a visit, you may want to make reservations for tea. Because the historical origin of Nina’s was about fragrance, the salon offers guests a chance to smell and learn about the different teas they serve and sell. The most popular is the signature original Marie-Antoinette Tea, which includes bits of handpicked apples and roses from the Versailles kitchen garden.
Nina's is the place where Georgianna Lane launched her fabulous book Paris in Bloom a few years back, and Oh! how I wish we could all have been there. you can meet Georgianna HERE >
She has now moved to Paris with her husband who is also a brilliant photographer, to the Paris apartment of their dreams. She is so talented, I though you would want to know about Georgianna and her gorgeous work if you don't already.
In honor of receiving our shipment of Nina's of Paris Tea at FrenchGardenHouse, I'm having a GIVE AWAY for one of Georgianna's Paris in Bloom Books! Just leave me a comment, and/or follow me on Instagram and let me know. Each one counts as an entry. One lucky winner will receive Georgianna's book just in time to start dreaming of Paris. {this give away isn't sponsored, just by me- because I love her and the book is stunning.}
Photo by Georgianna Lane
Photo by Georgianna Lane
The Tea
The relationship of Nina’s Paris with the Royal Court of Versailles is something that the company really cherishes. Their "Thé de Marie-Antoinette” is the only tea in the world flavored with rose petals and fresh apples from Le Potager du Roi Versailes, in honor of the scent so beloved by Marie Antoinette. Nina’s Paris is the exclusive partner of the King's Kitchen Garden of Château Versailles. The tea arrives in pretty tins in a delicate pink color, I think Marie would approve! If you can't get there just yet, I've imported these gorgeous teas straight to you for our Gift Collection this season. I chose my favorites, the pink tin with the Marie Antoinette loose tea, accompanied with the sweetest French sugars in pink and white rose shapes, and the white tin with Fete de Versailles loose tea.
I also love Nina's Fete de Versailles Tea. It's a special loose leaf black tea blend blended with the natural aromas of honey and cinnamon, orange pieces, safflower and cornflower. It arrives in this gorgeous white tin. Looks spectacular on your tea tray!
When you visit Paris, be sure to stop by Nina's PARIS for tea, or to buy a souvenir or two. In the meantime - we have Nina's Tea in our Fall Collection! Versailles Tea HERE > and French Marie Antoinette Tea Gift Set > HERE.
French Marie Antoinette Tea Gift Set >
VISIT Nina's PARIS Tea Salon:
Nina’s of Paris is located at 29 Rue Danielle Casanova, 75001 Paris, France. Tel: (+33) 1 55 04 80 55 The tearoom is open from noon to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.Whats your favorite place for tea?
A BIENTOT
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39 comments
Wonderful story! Already dreaming of Paris but your site makes it even more desirable ! Thanks
Simply lovely! Hoping to get there ‘Someday’….
Thank you for sharing.
Nina’s is just the prettiest place for tea and treats!! I have such fond memories sitting there with my Mom. Georgianna recommended it to me because she knew how much I’d love it and she was right!!
How delightful! You never cease to inspire me, sweet Lidy! ?
Hi Lidy…As I was reading this post, I thought of how much I enjoy all that you teach us in your writings. I forward many on to my Mom, who enjoys reading them and learning new details in life (at 91). Thank you for embracing us as your students of “life’s exquisite moments”. Blessings in Friendship, Allison
Good Morning, Lidy! This post is beautiful! The pinks of the champagne, the teas and little soaps, the lovely trees photographed for Georgianna’s book cover, all wrap around your thoughts of wanting to be in Paris. I had a trip there planned for last year, and am still waiting to go! I would be thrilled to win this lovely book by Georgianna Lane,
I doubt I will ever be able to visit Paris again, but a trip to French Garden House is the next best thing. Thank you for a beautiful visit!
Beautiful photos…would be a lovely place to visit.
I follow you on Instagram!
Nina’s Tea Salon looks like an amazing and beautiful place. I’d love to visit it one day!