When it comes to enjoying tea, there’s no shortage of options in Strasbourg. From traditional French cafés to modern tea houses, there’s something for every tea lover.
But, if you want a truly unique experience, look no further than Au Fond du Jardin.
I moved to Strasbourg in 2019 and have been exploring the city ever since. And, of all the places I’ve visited, this charming salon de thé (tea house) stands out.
In this post, I’ll share with you why it’s a must-visit and what makes it so special.
The Story Behind the Tea House
The story of Au Fond du Jardin began in 1999 with the creation of a special dessert – Madeleines du Voyage.
These elegant cookies are based on the typical French Madeleines but with a twist.
The owners, Frédéric Robert and Laurent Renaud, wanted to create a space to enjoy delicious teas, pastries, and their magnificent Madeleines.
And with that, the tea house was born.
Frédéric is the decorator and designer of the tea house, and Laurent is the chef. Together, they have created a one-of-a-kind experience.
When I was there, I met Frédéric and talked to him about the tea house and how he conceptualizes the decorations.
In his words, “Ça, c’est ma vie (This, it’s my life).” That’s how passionate he is about his work.
And I can guarantee you won’t find anything like it in Alsace. It’s one of the places that makes Strasbourg stand out from other villages like Colmar.
Madeleines du Voyage and Other Treats
The most famous item on their menu is the Madeleine du Voyage. Each is a handcrafted work of art with four different flavors blended into one harmonious delight.
The selection changes daily, although a few of the most popular ones are almost always available. One of my favorites was Victoria, which is made with iris flowers, violet powder, vanilla white chocolate, and marshmallows.
The Madeleine du Voyage are not the only tasty treats you’ll find here. They also offer a selection of scones, cakes, and flavored marshmallows – all made in-house by Laurent.
Then, of course, there are plenty of tea options to pair with your treats. There’s an endless list.
And, if you’re like me, a total novice, Frédéric or another staff member will help guide you.
My Experience
Au Fond du Jardin is not just a tea house, it’s an escape to an enchanting world. The decor is carefully curated and transports you to a different time and place.
It changes every two months to reflect the season or a specific theme, so you’ll never get the same photo twice.
The tearoom itself is small with only a few tables, which means you’re sure to have an intimate and cozy experience.
And, if you’re looking for something to do on Sunday, this is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
From the moment I entered, I felt like I had stepped into a fairytale. The delicate china, and beautiful interior design all contribute to the magical atmosphere. Even the aroma was intoxicating.
I was shown to my table and handed two menus, one with options for drinks and desserts and another entirely dedicated to tea.
Helpful Tip: The staff all speak English, so you don’t have to worry about needing to be fluent in French.
If you want to taste a selection of desserts they have that day, including a Madeleine du Voyage, then I recommend the Formule Dégustation. That’s what I ordered.
It comes with two Madeleines du Voyage, a piece of cake, and, usually, two other desserts. (I had two butter cookies and two marshmallows.)
Helpful Tip: They have other options if you think the Formule Dégustation is too big. But I recommend choosing something that comes with a Madeleine du Voyage, their specialty.
After I ordered, a waitress came by with a tray of Madeleines. She covered, in detail, the flavors of each. I ended up choosing Victoria and Après La Pluie. Then, Frédéric helped me pick out a flavor of tea.
The list was far too big for me to decide on my own and he selected a tea that would pair nicely with my Madeleines.
While the number of desserts that came with the Formule Dégustation was too much for me to finish, every bite was a piece of heaven. And the tea. It was warm, comforting, and full of flavor.
Helpful Tip: I took home the desserts that I didn’t finish.
Overall, the service was incredible, the atmosphere was relaxing, and the afternoon tea was beyond what I imagined. I wasn’t rushed or pressured to leave, making the experience even more enjoyable.
In fact, I loved it so much that I added it as a stop on my self-guided audio walking tour of Strasbourg.
Tips on How to Visit
Au Fond du Jardin is both a tea house and a boutique.
If you want to experience teatime, you’ll need a reservation. I’ve seen wait times average from a few days to a few weeks, so definitely book ahead.
But, if you can’t get a table, their boutique sells a range of teas and treats, including their Madeleines du Voyage.
Helpful Tip: They do accept walk-ins but it’s such a popular place they very rarely have an opening.
Address: 6 Rue de la Râpe
Average price for teatime: €20-30
Average price for one Madeleine du Voyage: €3-6
Boutique Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm then 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm.
Sunday: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm then 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Salon de Thé (Tea House) Hours:
Wednesday – Saturday: 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
Sunday: 3:00 pm (by reservation only)
Closed Monday and Tuesday
Conclusion
Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or looking for something unique to do in Strasbourg, Au Fond du Jardin is the perfect destination.
From their delicious desserts and teas to their charming atmosphere and excellent service, it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience.
I enjoyed everything about my visit and can’t recommend it enough.
If you don’t have time to visit the teahouse, then, at least, stop by the boutique. It’s worth it, even if you’re on a quick visit from Paris.
Read More Articles
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 2 Days in Strasbourg: The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)
- What is Strasbourg Famous For? 17 of Its Best Kept Secrets
- Best Time to Visit Strasbourg, France (Local’s Guide)