The story of Palais des Thés began in 1986 in Paris, when about forty friends and I decided to open a tea shop. Our goal was to democratize tea. Eager to master our supply chain and guarantee the product’s freshness, I set out to select teas directly from their countries of origin.
Passionate and dedicated, we made it our mission to introduce as many people as possible to the finest teas: a core belief that continues to drive the company today. Every year, I spend several months in plantations around the world selecting the teas sold in Palais des Thés shops across France and abroad.
The on-the-ground presence of our team and myself has allowed us to develop a deep knowledge of gardens, plantations, terroirs, and techniques. Above all, it has enabled us to connect with the men and women who dedicate their days to producing the world’s best teas. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to taste exceptional teas and discover rare, lesser-known harvests: spring Darjeelings, early-crop green teas from China and Japan, Taiwanese oolongs, dark teas from Yunnan… alongside other Grands Crus often available for just a few months a year and in very small quantities.
Palais des Thés’ expertise also lies in crafting flavored tea blends. Mathias Minet, who joined me at Palais des Thés in the late 1990s, has been creating the house’s signature blends ever since. He is the creator of iconic recipes such as Thé du Hammam, Blue of London, and Vive le thé!
To learn more, visit palaisdesthes.com.