Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

Maison Méert, founded in 1761 by the confectioner Delcourt at 27 rue Esquermise in Lille, is one of the oldest pastries still in operation in the world. Resumed in 1773 by Modo de Rollez, she specializes in ice cream and confectionery. In 1839, architect Charles Benvignat, painter Charles Stalars and sculptor Félix Huidiez redesigned the shop, giving it its present appearance, marked by a flamboyant style with orientalist accents, with gilding, marbles and precious woodwork. The store and its front are classified as historical monuments in 1980.

The shop was taken over in 1849 by Michael Paulus Gislinus Meert, who gave him his current name, and in 1900 by the Cardon family. In 1909, a tea salon was added to the back, followed by a second in the 1930s. The house, now run by Thierry Landron, extends its influence with branches in Roubaix and Paris, while retaining its artisanal production in the historic Lille workshop. Its vanilla waffles from Madagascar, packed in golden paper, have become a symbol of Lille gastronomy.

The Maison Méert welcomed illustrious personalities, such as Napoleon, Buffalo Bill, Winston Churchill, or Charles de Gaulle, who had waffles delivered to the Élysée. In 1864 she became the "official supplier" of King Leopold I of Belgium. The building, asymmetrical and richly decorated, also houses a museum in the basement, presenting 5,000 pieces related to pastry history since the 17th century. The façade, restored in 2025, remains an exceptional testimony to the 19th century commercial heritage.

The flagship products include, in addition to waffles, macaroons, chocolates, marshmallows and fine pastries, made according to traditional recipes. Since 2010, Méert has participated in international events, such as the Shanghai Universal Exhibition. The boutique on Rue Esquermise, with its three distinct spaces (boutique, cake showcase, tea salon), perpetuates artisanal know-how while adapting to modern expectations, with seasonal creations like the "Ephemert".

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