After studying law, François-Xavier Delmas founded Palais des Thés in 1986, and has now been at the helm of this independent French tea company for 36 years. He readily admits that he fell into the business by chance, although it quickly became his passion. 

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In his tireless search for exceptional teas, François-Xavier spends almost half of his time travelling around the tea gardens and plantations of the world, meeting the producers and sourcing the finest teas. This has enabled him to acquire a deep knowledge of the tea regions, terroirs and techniques, and above all to forge close links with the people who dedicate their lives to making the best teas.

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This precious knowledge is particularly evident in the selection of rare, limited-edition and artisanal teas available in Palais des Thés stores and e-shop.

François-Xavier is the co-author of several specialist books on tea that have been translated into English: In Search of Tea: Discovery and Knowledge (Editions La Martinière), Tea Sommelier: A Step-by-Step Guide (Abbeville Press) and The Tea Drinker’s Handbook (Abbeville Press). He also presents a French-language podcast documenting his travels with tea (Un Thé, Un Voyage).