Ladurée is a French pastry house that invented the modern macaron

Ladurée is a luxury pastry brand based in Paris that created the double-shell macaron you know today. The company started in 1862 as a bakery on Rue Royale, and in the 1930s, a pastry chef there sandwiched two almond meringue shells together with a filling — that became the macaron as it exists now. Before that, macarons were single cookies. Ladurée did not invent the almond cookie itself, but they invented the form that made macarons famous worldwide.

Today, Ladurée operates boutiques in Paris, London, Tokyo, Dubai, and other cities, plus an online shop. They sell macarons in flavors that change by season — rose, pistachio, chocolate, coffee, and dozens of others — along with other pastries, chocolates, and gifts. The macarons are expensive compared to mass-produced versions, but they are made fresh in small batches and shipped quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Ladurée macarons are sold in physical boutiques in major cities and through their official website, with prices ranging from roughly $2 to $3 per macaron depending on the flavor and your location.
  • You can order online for delivery to most countries, though shipping costs and delivery time vary by destination and the size of your order.
  • Macarons are fragile and perishable, so Ladurée ships them in insulated packaging with ice packs, and they are best eaten within a few days of arrival.
  • Seasonal flavors rotate throughout the year, so the selection you see in winter will be different from summer, and limited-edition flavors sell out quickly.
  • Ladurée also sells gift boxes, which come wrapped and ready to give, making them a common choice for special occasions.

How to order Ladurée macarons online

Go to ladureeparis.com and select your country from the dropdown menu at the top of the page. This takes you to the version of the site that ships to your region. Click on "Macarons" or "Shop" to see the current selection.

Choose your flavors and the quantity you want — macarons are usually sold in boxes of 6, 12, or 16, though some sites let you build a custom box. Add them to your cart, enter your shipping address and payment information, and complete the purchase. Ladurée accepts major credit cards and PayPal on most regional sites. Shipping typically takes 3 to 7 business days depending on your location, and you will receive a tracking number by email.

If you live near a Ladurée boutique, you can also walk in and buy macarons fresh from the counter. This is the fastest option and lets you taste before you buy, though the selection may be smaller than online.

What to expect when your macarons arrive

Ladurée ships macarons in a cardboard box lined with insulation and ice packs to keep them cool during transit. The macarons themselves sit in a branded box inside, separated by paper dividers so they do not stick together. When the package arrives, open it right away and move the macaron box to your refrigerator if you are not eating them when ready.

Macarons are best eaten within 3 to 5 days of arrival. They will keep longer in the refrigerator — up to two weeks — but the shells will gradually soften and the texture will change. You can also freeze them for up to a month, though thawing them takes time and may affect the texture slightly. Let frozen macarons sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before eating.

Seasonal flavors and limited editions

Ladurée rotates their macaron flavors by season. Spring typically brings floral flavors like rose, violet, and lavender. Summer adds fruit flavors like raspberry, lemon, and strawberry. Fall introduces spiced and nutty flavors like chestnut and cinnamon. Winter features chocolate, coffee, and vanilla variations.

In addition to seasonal flavors, Ladurée releases limited-edition macarons tied to holidays, collaborations, or special events. These sell out quickly and are not restocked once gone. If you see a flavor you want that is marked as limited, ordering soon is important because the inventory will not last.

Pricing and shipping costs

Individual macarons cost roughly $2 to $3 each when you buy a box, though the exact price depends on the flavor and your country. A box of 12 macarons typically costs between $25 and $35 before shipping. Specialty flavors or limited editions may cost slightly more.

Shipping costs vary widely. A small box to the United States might cost $15 to $25, while international shipping to Europe or Asia can be $30 to $50 or more. Some regional Ladurée sites offer free shipping above a certain order amount — check the shipping information on your country's version of the site before you check out.

Gift boxes and presentation options

Ladurée sells macarons in decorative gift boxes that come wrapped and ready to give. These boxes are more expensive than standard boxes because of the packaging, but they arrive looking finished. You can also add a personalized message card to most orders for a small fee.

If you want to send macarons as a gift to someone else, you can enter their address as the shipping address during checkout. Ladurée will ship directly to them, and you can include a gift message. This is useful if you want to send macarons to someone in another country without having them pass through your hands first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy Ladurée macarons in stores other than Ladurée boutiques?

Ladurée macarons are sold primarily through Ladurée's own boutiques and their official website. Some high-end department stores and specialty food shops in major cities may carry them, but selection and freshness vary. The official website and boutiques are the most reliable sources.

Do Ladurée macarons contain allergens?

Yes. All Ladurée macarons contain tree nuts (almonds) and eggs. Many flavors also contain dairy, and some contain other allergens like sesame or soy. Check the ingredient list on the product page before ordering, as formulations can change and vary by region.

What if my macarons arrive damaged?

Contact Ladurée customer service with a photo of the damage within 48 hours of delivery. Most regional sites have a contact form or email address on their customer service page. Ladurée typically offers a replacement shipment or refund for orders that arrive broken or melted.

Can I return macarons if I do not like them?

Because macarons are perishable and made to order, most Ladurée sites do not accept returns for taste preferences. However, if the macarons are defective or damaged, you can request a replacement. Check the return policy on your regional site, as policies vary by country.

How long do macarons stay fresh in the mail?

Macarons are best eaten within 3 to 5 days of arrival. Shipping typically takes 3 to 7 business days, so by the time they reach you, they are already a few days old. Eat them soon after they arrive, or refrigerate them to extend their life to about two weeks.