Ladure welcomed into Vancouver with open arms and wallets

Hundreds of macaronlovers clamoured to lineup for the grand opening ofLadure in Vancouver.

The Paris-based bakeryand cafe'sarrival on Robson Street is its Canadian debut.

"Oh my gosh, more than two hours!" said SalveMolenou about the lineup.

Butboth sheand her fiancewere more than happy to oblige.

"Try something new right? Even though we haven't been to Paris yet, we can at least try it here," she said.

It was music to the ears of store owners.

"Since the first moment that I fell in love with Ladure, I always wanted to shared a piece of Paris and bring it here," said Vancouver businesswomanOlesyaKrakhmalyova.

"I've never questioned Vancouver being the first city."

Krakhmalyova'scompany, Vivat Enterprises, is the Canadian partner that brought the French brand into the city. She said it saw Vancouver's potential as a growing luxury market.

The store sellsmacaronsforat least $3 CAD each.

For the launch, it introduced a maple syrup macaroninitsroster of 17 flavours whichrange from Marie Antoinette tea to strawberry candy"guimauve".

Those who want to place their macarons in limited edition, collectible,Easter-themedboxes will be charged extra.

None of it seemed to fazethe throngs of people who walked away with boxes upon boxes of the little treats.

Krakhmalyovais hoping to bring Ladureto Toronto next.