1 The Market, WC2E 8RA, London.

Covent Garden is one of the best places in London to people watch and I must have passed Ladurée a hundred times, situated as it is, on the busy corner of Covent Garden Market.

I have often admired the pastel coloured macaroons in the window and watched people choosing from the breakfast or lunch menu, seated outside amongst the original cobbles.

So how is that I have never sat down to enjoy a breakfast or lunch Parisian style?

These are questions that I am unable to answer, but I know for certain that as this Christmas approaches, this is the place you are most likely to find me.

This year Ladurée has teamed up with the Canadian Chef, Patrice Demers to bring a unique and scrumptious approach to Christmas.

In my childhood Yule Logs were more traditional than tasty, so imagine my delight to discover the fabulous range offered by Ladurée. Any of these Yule Logs would make a showstopping centre piece for the Christmas table.

Their signature Yule Log, ‘Atoca’ has a beautiful balance between sharp cranberry and sweet maple syrup with Chocolate Mousse and Chantilly Cream. (£8.00 for an individual Yule log or £36.00 for a log serving 4 people).

‘La Marquise’ features a hazelnut dacquoise and pieces of hazelnut in a Sachertorte sponge, crisp hazelnut wafer and hazelnut cream and a velvety milk chocolate mousse. . (£7.50 for an individual Yule Log and £32.00 for a log serving 4)

‘La Favorite’ has a base of pistachio macaron and buttercream infused with pistachio together with a delicately flaked praline as subtle as it is delicious. (£7.50 for an individual Yule Log and £36.00 for a log serving 4)

More traditional flavours possibly, are to be found in ‘La Duchesse’ Yule Log featuring a Genoese sponge soaked in aged dark rum, chestnut mousse and candied chestnut pieces. (£7.50 for an individual Yule Log and £36.00 for a log serving 4)

The show stopping ‘Marie Antoinette’ Yule Log is described by Ladurée as iconic and having tasted this I am unable to disagree. A mouth-watering confection of macaron, rose infused buttercream with a raspberry and lychee jam. (£7,50 for an individual Yule Log and £52.00 for a log serving 6)

There is for me but one problem and that is, which to choose. Each Yule Log is as elegant as it is delicious and I simply could not choose a favourite. The individual logs are available from 4^th to the 31^st of December whilst the larger logs go on sale from 11^th to 31^st of December so plenty of time to try them all.

What would Christmas be without Mince Pies and this year Ladurée has launched its take on this festive treat. Bite sized puff pastry with a traditional spiced fruity filling and a crumble topping offer a melody of textures that go perfectly with a cup of delicious tea or coffee. (£1.95 each or £8.70 for a gift box containing 4 mince pies, available from the 4^th of December)

Continuing the theme of partnership Ladurée have also teamed up with Moet & Chandon to produce two stylish hampers containing both champagne and elegant comestibles. Beautifully packaged these hampers would make the perfect give for loved ones or clients and are bound to delight. (£66.00 and £96.00 available from 6^th of November.

If like me you know Ladurée for their macarons you will not be disappointed by their Christmas selection which includes Pecan and Maple Syrup; Haskap (the Canadian Blue Honeysuckle); dark chocolate and Labrador Tea. Beautifully packaged with maple and pine branches motif there is no need to wrap this gift.

Gift boxes are available containing 8, 12 and 24 macarons and are priced at £19.50; £28.00; £52.50 respectively.

A special mention for the L’eau de Nil and gold coloured Treasure Chest, containing 200 glorious macarons some of which can be customised with a name or simply ‘Merry Christmas.’ The hamper costs £620.00, so it is a gift for someone very special, but what a show stopper.

If all this Christmas shopping has made you weary Ladurée have carried their Canadian theme one step further with their Christmas and Canadian French Toast (£14.00) or make an occasion of it and treat yourself to their Christmas Afternoon Tea. (£42.00/£48.00 per person and available from 4^th to 31^st December)

A trip to Ladurée, Covent Garden is a deliciously indulgent treat, but with all the hard work involved in getting ready for Christmas, surely you deserve it?

www.laduree.co.uk