When we talk about dessert, it's hard to talk about it except in France, the home of the dessert. Macaroons, which are popular these days, are also French dessert, and so are the common madeleines. Let me introduce the French dessert store Hôtel Douce, which has been business for 12 years.

SM-G986N | f/2.2 | iso 125 | 2020:07:10 12:16:30 | Flash did not fire. | 2.2mm

It's a cute little shop.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 200 | 2020:07:10 12:22:17 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

If there's medal or trophy like this, it raises expectations.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 80 | 2020:07:10 12:16:50 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

There are two blue ribbons and a 'popular mango restaurant' sticker at the entrance.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 40 | 2020:07:10 12:17:20 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

Hôtel Douce is famous for Eclair and plain bread. People from the neighborhood buy bread, and people in the store are ordering drinks and desserts.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 250 | 2020:07:10 12:22:12 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

SM-G986N | f/2.2 | iso 320 | 2020:07:10 12:28:14 | Flash did not fire. | 2.2mm

The interior is also very small. There are only 3 tables. However, there are many kinds of desserts.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 200 | 2020:07:10 12:26:40 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

Americano is definitely the best drink for a sweet French dessert. Its price is not cheap.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 100 | 2020:07:10 12:22:22 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

They also have a variety of cookies and jams.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 50 | 2020:07:10 12:22:33 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

There are also many kinds of handmade chocolate.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 80 | 2020:07:10 12:22:45 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

Croquant eclair is on 5+1 event.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 64 | 2020:07:10 12:23:20 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 40 | 2020:07:10 12:23:29 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

Macaroons, which are very popular, and eclair and dakuaz, the representative menus of this store are on display. The color is so pretty.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 80 | 2020:07:10 12:23:36 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 40 | 2020:07:10 12:23:40 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

There are cakes in another showcase. I think there are at least 50 kinds of desserts in this small store.

SM-G986N | f/2.0 | iso 250 | 2020:07:10 12:28:05 | Flash did not fire. | 5.9mm

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 160 | 2020:07:10 12:29:09 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

I ordered an Americano, Earl Grey Canelé(which looks like a mini muffin above left), Croquant Eclair(bottom left), and Caramel Eclair(bottom right).

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 200 | 2020:07:10 12:29:16 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

It was my first time seeing and eating a canelé. I googled the origin and found that it was a small pastry dessert. I liked this the most. The outside is caramelized, and there's a bit of a burnt taste and scent. I liked the deep flavor of it. The smell of Earl Grey and Vanilla inside it is soft and moist. It may feel a little small, but it has a condensed taste.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 160 | 2020:07:10 12:29:11 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 200 | 2020:07:10 12:29:14 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

Eclair is a kind of chou. Put cream in a long chou and put chocolate, caramel or cream on the surface. There are many different kinds of cream and fondant which can make it taste and color differently. Croquant Eclair is crispy and moist inside. Caramel Eclair has luxurious caramel scents. Both are good desserts that go well with Americano. One thing, their coffee tastes bland and monotonous.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 125 | 2020:07:10 12:34:13 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

This is the cross section of the Canelé that I enjoyed the most. Can you feel the differnce between the outside and the inside? It is the menu that I would like to recommend the most in Hôtel Douce.

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 100 | 2020:07:10 12:28:52 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

SM-G986N | f/1.8 | iso 100 | 2020:07:10 12:28:58 | Flash did not fire. | 5.4mm

• Food ★★★☆☆

You can taste authentic French desserts.

• Cleanliness ★★★☆☆

Average. However, rather flithy public toliets in very old buildings.

• Service ★★★☆☆

Average

• Ambience ★★☆☆☆

It's too small to enjoy the atmosphere.

• Accessibility ★★☆☆☆

Walk 9 minutes from exit 5 of Express Bus Terminal Station. No parking available.

• Open Hours: 10:00 to 21:00
• Recommended Number of Person: 1~2
• Recommended Menu: Canelé, Eclair
• Price: Americano 4,000 won, Canelé/Eclair 5,000 won
• Amenities: Wi-fi, Packaging

Address: Seorae-ro 10-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 9