With their innate sense of style and sophistication, the French elevate even the simple act of taking tea to an art form. From the delightful tea salons dotting every Parisian neighborhood to tea served at outdoor cafes nestled in the hills of Provence.
Tea became the fashionable beverage in French society toward the end of the reign of Louis XIV. Members of the upper class would gather to debate issues of the day and drink tea. Princess of Palatine remarked in 1706 that tea could make one chaste and therefore was better for Catholic priests than for Protestant ministers.
Bring filtered or spring water to 212°F. Add 1 tsp of tea leaves to an 8oz cup. Pour boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep 4 minutes.