Brand Feature | Mariage Frères

Long before Mariage Frères became one of Paris’s most celebrated tea houses, the Mariage family was already traveling the world in search of spices, tea, and other exotic goods. In 1660, Nicolas Mariage journeyed to Persia and the East Indies as part of a delegation chosen by Louis XIV to negotiate a commercial treaty with the Shah of Persia. Generations later, his descendants would carry on the family trade, eventually bringing that same spirit of discovery to Paris.

In 1854, brothers Henri and Édouard Mariage founded the Maison de Thé Mariage Frères on the rue du Bourg-Tibourg in the Marais. From there, the family became one of France’s leading importers of tea, sourcing leaves from the farthest reaches of China, Ceylon, and beyond for the finest hotels, épiceries, and tea salons in France. More than a century and a half later, the house continues to uphold what it calls the French Art of Tea, with hundreds of varieties and blends gathered from around the world.

Mariage Frères is as much about the ritual of tea as the tea itself. Its historic Parisian maison still holds the atmosphere of an old merchant’s warehouse, with antique tea chests, scales, scoops, and counters surrounded by the fragrance of tea that has permeated the space for generations. Each blend reflects that long tradition of curiosity and exploration, bringing together leaves, flowers, fruits, and spices in combinations that feel distinctly French.

We’re delighted to bring Mariage Frères to our shelves, continuing in our own small way the journey that began centuries ago with a French family traveling the world in search of tea and other treasures.

A Tea for Every Mood

With hundreds of varieties in its collection, Mariage Frères has made the art of choosing a tea almost as pleasurable as drinking one. Among them are blends brightened with citrus, softened with vanilla, perfumed with flowers, or warmed with spice.

Vanille des Îles
A classic black tea made indulgent with the warm, comforting perfume of vanilla. Vanille des Îles is rich without being overly sweet, with the familiar depth of black tea softened by the fragrance of vanilla. It is the sort of tea that feels equally suited to a slow morning or an afternoon treat.

Matcha Midori
For something entirely different, Matcha Midori offers the vivid character of Japanese matcha. This finely powdered green tea comes from Miyazaki, Japan, and is prepared by whisking the tea directly into water rather than steeping the leaves. The result is fresh, verdant, and beautifully concentrated, a true expression of the Japanese tea tradition.

Thé sur le Nil
Inspired by the romance of the Nile, this green tea is bright and refreshing, with a distinctly fruity and lemony character. Its citrus notes make it particularly appealing for warmer days, when a lighter cup is called for. It is a spirited tea with a sense of travel woven into its name and flavor.

Pleine Lune
A more decadent choice, Pleine Lune pairs black tea with the delicate flavor of white almonds and a subtle fruitiness. Rich and aromatic, it has the character of something made for an evening ritual, when a cup of tea becomes less about refreshment and more about indulgence.

Marco Polo
Perhaps one of the most recognizable of the Mariage Frères blends, Marco Polo is a wonderfully fragrant black tea with fruity and floral notes. It is an elegant introduction to the house and one of those blends that manages to feel both familiar and intriguing. No surprise that it has become one of Mariage Frères’ legendary teas.

Earl Grey French Blue
The classic Earl Grey receives a distinctly French interpretation with velvety bergamot and royal blue flowers. The familiar citrus character of bergamot gives the tea its brightness, while the blue flowers add a beautiful visual flourish. It is Earl Grey dressed for Paris.

Chai Parisien
And then there is Chai Parisien, a French take on the beloved spiced tea. Warm, aromatic, and generous with its spices, it brings the comfort of chai together with the refinement of a Parisian tea salon. It is especially lovely when served hot and slowly enjoyed, allowing its layers of spice to unfold with each sip.

Perhaps that is part of the pleasure of Mariage Frères: choosing a tea can be its own small act of travel. A cup can carry you to Japan, across the Nile, into a Parisian tea salon, or simply to a quiet afternoon at home. All that is required is a little hot water and a willingness to follow the scent

Paula’s Choice |  Earl Grey French Blue, with honey and lemon