Learning French: the origins and meaning of madeleine de Proust

What do Marcel Proust and shell-shaped sponge cakes have in common?

We look at the fascinating story behind the popular French expression, madeleine de Proust, and explain its poetic meaning. 

What does madeleine de Proust mean?

This literary expression literally translates as: Proust’s madeleine.

Describing a sight, smell, sound, taste or feeling as a madeleine de Proust, implies that it has sparked a nostalgic memory from the past. 

There is no true equivalent saying in English, however the idea is similar to the way in which you might refer to a fond memory, a blast from the past, or describe a sensory experience as being safe and comforting.

Read also: Meet the French family who have been making Madeleines for 70 years

What are the origins of madeleine de Proust?

This unique expression stems from Marcel Proust’s 1913 novel, Du côté de chez Swann (Swann's Way), the first volume of À la recherche du temps perdu (In Remembrance of Things Past).

Proust describes the emotional childhood memories that are evoked after his mother serves him a cup of tea and a madeleine - a small sponge cake from the Lorraine region of France. He wrote:

“…quand d’un passé ancien rien ne subsiste, après la mort des êtres, après la destruction des choses, seules, plus frêles mais plus vivaces, plus immatérielles, plus persistantes, plus fidèles, l’odeur et la saveur restent encore longtemps, comme des âmes, à se rappeler, à attendre, à espérer, sur la ruine de tout le reste, à porter sans fléchir, sur leur gouttelette presque impalpable, l’édifice immense du souvenir.”

“But when from a long-distant past nothing subsists, after the people are dead, after the things are broken and scattered, still, alone, more fragile, but with more vitality, more unsubstantial, more persistent, more faithful, the smell and taste of things remain poised a long time, like souls, ready to remind us, waiting and hoping for their moment, amid the ruins of all the rest; and bear unfaltering, in the tiny and almost impalpable drop of their essence, the vast structure of recollection.” (Translated by C. K. Scott Moncrieff).

After the publication of this text, use of the metaphor became growingly popular and had fully integrated into everyday language by the end of the 20th Century. 

Read also: Learning French: Cerise sur le gâteau and other baking expressions

When do you say madeleine de Proust?

Say this whenever a sensory experience sparks a nostalgic memory:

• Le riz au lait est ma madeleine de Proust. J'en mange à chaque fois que ma mère me manque. - Rice pudding is my comfort food. I eat it whenever I miss my mum.

• Je vais à la bibliothèque tous les dimanches. Le calme, la chaleur, les possibilités infinies... cet endroit est ma madeleine de Proust. - I go to the library every Sunday. The calm, the cosiness, the endless possibilities... it is my safe place. 

• Le parfum du jasmin me rappelle le jardin de ma grand-mère. C'est ma madeleine de Proust. - The scent of jasmine reminds me of my gran's garden. It takes me back.

Read also: Learning French: what is a péché mignon?

To whom do you say madeleine de Proust?

It is neutral language and can be used in almost any context, whether formal or informal. 

You can say it with friends and family when reminiscing over a distant memory, or use it to strengthen relationships with strangers and colleagues by revealing a personal detail about your life. 

You will equally see this written down or hear it spoken out loud. 

If you would like us to explain a particular word or expression, or if you have any other Learning French suggestions, let us know at: feedback@connexionfrance.com