{"id":25451,"date":"2024-08-02T15:54:35","date_gmt":"2024-08-02T15:54:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/?p=25451"},"modified":"2025-12-28T16:24:00","modified_gmt":"2025-12-28T16:24:00","slug":"a-chocolate-lovers-guide-to-paris-16-places-to-savor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/a-chocolate-lovers-guide-to-paris-16-places-to-savor\/","title":{"rendered":"A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Paris: 16 Places to Savor"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Paris is a place for love, and it\u2019s certainly a place for chocolate lovers.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With hundreds of chocolate shops, factories, bakeries, pastry shops, and Michelin-star chefs creating mouthwatering chocolate masterpieces, this city has a chocolate confection to satisfy your sweet tooth in any of its diverse neighborhoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of my favorite neighborhoods for chocolate tasting and shopping are St Germain de Pr\u00e9s, the Marais, Bastille, and Opera. You\u2019ll find a good concentration of both chain and artisanal shops in the main streets of these neighborhoods \u2014 often with a pretty park nearby for an impromptu chocolate themed picnic. The high-end shopping street Rue Saint-Honor\u00e9 is also a one-stop destination for single origin and other artisanal chocolatiers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, I\u2019ll share just a few of my favorite places around the City of Love to indulge in chocolatey bliss. If you\u2019re a true chocolate lover, this one\u2019s for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chocolate in Paris: A Sweet History<\/h2>\n\n\n
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All photos by Daleya Uddin<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Paris has a long and fascinating love affair with chocolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although chocolate was first introduced in Europe by Spanish conquistadors in the 1500s, historians say the French court discovered cocoa-based treats in 1615. It was during the wedding of Bourbon King Louis XIII to Anne of Austria. Anne introduced hot chocolate to French aristocracy, and it was a hit. The drink later became popular under the reign of Louis XIV \u2014 who also had a chocolate-loving Austrian wife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Back then, chocolate was considered a luxury product that only the well-to-do could afford. The development of chocolate workshops and eventually factories in the mountainous Pyrenees region happened when Jewish merchants were expelled from Spain during the Inquisition. It wasn\u2019t until the French and Industrial revolutions in the 18th century that chocolate became more widely available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What makes French chocolate unique?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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A chocolate train at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When it comes to food, the French vigorously promote classification systems to ensure quality \u2014 the \u201cgrand cru\u201d designation for high quality extends from champagne to chocolate as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, did you know that French dark chocolate is the least sweetened in the world, with cocoa content ranging from 62%-86% or more? You can indulge without feeling guilty since French dark chocolate contains less fat than similar products produced elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding the distinction between a chocolate maker (one who buys raw cacao beans to roast and grind into chocolate) and a chocolatier (one focused on the artistic side of chocolate creation that often includes adding tasty fillings and embellishments) will help guide your itinerary as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If that all sounds complicated, don\u2019t worry. I\u2019ll guide you to the best spots in the list below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Start your day with a French classic: pain au chocolat.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For chocolate lovers, a freshly baked and flaky pain au chocolat \u2014 a pastry which combines my two favorite French ingredients, chocolate and butter \u2014 is the perfect way to start your day. This dish literally translates to \u201cbread of chocolate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun fact:<\/strong> The French take their baked goods just as seriously as their holidays. Most Parisians have a favorite neighborhood bakery (boulangerie), and these bakeries coordinate among themselves to ensure that at least one is open in each neighborhood during holiday periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This highly lauded but unpretentious bakery is a good way to kick off your chocolate tour. The owner Fabrice Le Bordat left his career as head pastry chef at the Michelin-starred Le Bristol Paris to start his own bakery, where he sells seasonal chocolate confections in addition to traditional pastries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bl\u00e9 Sucr\u00e9<\/a> offers a decadent white chocolate pain au chocolat that will satisfy even the most intense chocolate craving. It also has some outdoor seating and faces a small park where you can enjoy a sweet start to your day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I can also attest to the chocolate pastries at the charming La Boulangerie Invalides, where you can find almond croissants with chocolate and views overlooking the golden-domed Invalides museum.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Or grab an early morning crepe with Nutella at my favorite outdoor market at the Bastille (Sunday and Thursday mornings). It\u2019s an ideal place to fill your lunch picnic basket with baguettes, French cheese, and fruit, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Learn about the oldest chocolatier in Paris.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Debauve<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Located in the historic Rue Saint P\u00e8res in Saint Germain de Pr\u00e9s, Debauve and Gallais<\/a> have links to French royalty dating back to the court of the ill-fated Louis XVI.  At Debauve and Gallais, you can sample chocolates as they were originally produced for Marie Antoinette \u2014 yet another chocolate-obsessed, Austrian-born French queen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s the story:<\/strong> Back in the day, Sulpice Debauve served as the royal pharmacist at Versailles. He created a trend by adding Marie Antoinette\u2019s medicine to his mendiants (disk-shaped chocolate) to mask the medicine\u2019s bitter taste. This proved so popular that Debauve expanded his business and opened a shop that still stands in the same location in Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Debauve\u2019s other historic clients included French literacy giants Balzac and Proust. You can still buy a regal box of Marie Antoinette\u2019s favorite chocolate, or sample other ganache-filled treats at the shop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip:<\/strong> Can\u2019t make it to Paris? You can order this famous chocolate online from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. See chocolate production at Alain Ducasse\u2019s workshop.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Chocolate<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

When celebrity chef Alain Ducasse decided to venture into the chocolate-making business, he fittingly chose the former industrial Rue de la Roquette in the trendy Bastille neighborhood to open his Le Chocolate Manufacture<\/a> workshop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ducasse, former chef of the Jules Verne restaurant at the Eiffel Tower, was exposed to master French chocolatiers early in his career. He opened the workshop to create his own chocolates to serve throughout his global restaurant empire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And they\u2019re good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the workshop doesn\u2019t conduct group tours, you can still learn about the chocolate-making process starting with the first step of sourcing the cocoa bean to creating the final confection all while observing the vintage machines at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then pick up a souvenir: collaborative creations such as the \u201ccocoa nibs flower\u201d \u2014 a crispy hazelnut and praline flower coated with chocolate that has been roasted then crushed. It was developed in collaboration with La P\u00e2tisserie du Meurice\u2019s executive pastry chef C\u00e9dric Grolet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Try the fusion chocolate s\u2019more at the Ritz pastry shop.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The Ritz Paris<\/a> award-winning pastry chef Francois Perret is grabbing headlines with his new Netflix show \u201cChef in a Truck,\u201d which chronicles Perret\u2019s journey through Los Angeles in a food truck. Visiting Los Angelos? Don’t forget to check out our Los Angeles tours<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a limited time, you can try one of his fusion or classic desserts at the Ritz pop-up pastry window on Place Vend\u00f4me. There is usually a long line on weekends to try the s\u2019more on a stick, a choux pastry filled with chocolate ice cream and marshmallows that is roasted upon order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insider tip:<\/strong> Perret is often spotted mingling with clients and ready to sign copies of his pasty book or pose for a selfie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Gift a Jean Paul H\u00e9vin artistic creation.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\"Jean<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Head to Jean Paul Hevin<\/a> if you\u2019re looking to find unique gifts for your favorite chocolate enthusiast \u2014 though I personally would have a hard time parting with his sculpted chocolate Eiffel Tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H\u00e9vin\u2019s chocolates are made from pure \u201cgrand cru\u201d chocolate and include some unusual pairings, such as chocolate and carrot. During the summer season, you will also find exotic ice cream flavors dipped in H\u00e9vin\u2019s gourmet chocolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chocolate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several boutiques in Paris, including one on Avenue de la Motte-Picquet that is a short walk to the Champ de Mars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro tip:<\/strong> The sculpted chocolate heart would make the perfect addition to a romantic picnic or proposal with Eiffel Tower views at the Champ de Mars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Sample master Belgian chocolatier Piere Marcolini\u2019s macarons.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Although Laduree is synonymous with French macaroons, my favorites are from master Belgian chocolatier Piere Marcolini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marcoloni also offers an extensive select collection of chocolate bars, tablets, and truffles sourced sustainably from his personal network of plantations. That means when you visit it\u2019s possible to taste all the grand crus from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The macaroons are made fresh daily. The Pierre Marcolini flavor is made with in-house chocolate elevated with a note of vanilla. The chuao flavor, also excellent, is made with grand cru dark chocolate from Venezuela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good luck choosing just one. It\u2019s next to impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Take photos at Pierre Herm\u00e9\u2019s Insta-worthy teahouse.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Pierre<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Another popular chocolatier and pastry chef is Pierre Herm\u00e9, who launched an Instagram-worthy teahouse, 86 Champs \u00c9lys\u00e9es<\/a>, in collaboration with retailer L\u2019Occitane en Provence in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hermes is known for mixing unique flavors like his signature Ispahan (litchi, rose, and raspberry) and Mogador (milk or dark chocolate with passion fruit). The teahouse has both outdoor, terraced, and indoor seating, complete with a vintage soda-shop-style beverage station decorated with a thousand blown-glass fixtures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seasonal photo booths are set up, encouraging clients to get creative with their Instagram poses in the Provence-inspired concept shop. A passion-fruit-infused hot chocolate and \u201cplaisir sucr\u00e9\u201d (chocolate and praline mini cake) makes for a decadent break between snapping photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Indulge in Popelini\u2019s blissful cream puffs.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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One of my favorite discoveries since moving back to Paris is Popelini. I found it as a tiny pastry shop in the Marais district<\/a> just next to the Place Vosges garden, but they\u2019ve since become a chain so you can find it in multiple locations across Paris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The founder, Lauren Koumetz, named the shop after infamous Queen Catherine de Medici\u2019s pastry chef, the original developer of choux pastry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cream puffs at Popelini taste like a cross between macarons and cream-filled choux pastry  \u2014 crunchy on the outside and filled with creamy goodness that strikes just the right balance of sweetness.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Popelini pastries at Place des Voges in Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As a former luxury jewelry marketing specialist, Koumetz nails the aesthetics for pastry packaging as well. You can special order personalized cream puffs with a logo, initial, or other message. In addition to staple dark and milk chocolate flavors, seasonal options include the gianduja nougat (milk chocolate, praline, and nougat) and the over-the-top Like a Black Forest (dark chocolate, amaretto cherry topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Watch chocolate blend with art and fashion at the Chocolate Salon.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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A chocolate-themed fashion show at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

If you are a chocolate fanatic, then you must put the Salon du Chocolat <\/a> \u2014 the premier global chocolate trade show \u2014 on your calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the salon, you will find everything from mini workshops and chocolate-making demonstrations to fashions shows with sculpted chocolate wear and chocolate art on display. And if you didn\u2019t realize chocolate champagne existed, you can stock up for your next special occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insider tip:<\/strong> The annual show is a huge event, and the number of stalls can be overwhelming. I would recommend reviewing the daily program on the website in advance to prioritize the stalls or events to target. Opening night usually has the most interesting events, and it’s best to avoid the midday crowds on weekends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Salon du Chocolat is held annually in the fall at the Porte de Versailles Expo Center (Metro line 12 or bus 80 from the city center).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Experience a Julia Child moment at a Cordon Bleu workshop.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Parisian chocolate making in process, including a custom “D” for the author’s initial<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Even if you don\u2019t have the luxury of spending a year at the Cordon Bleu perfecting your culinary skills, you can still follow in Julia Child\u2019s footsteps and learn about the art of French chocolate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The famed culinary school offers a Secrets of Chocolate workshop where you can learn tips and tricks for making chocolate in small groups. Depending on the date you select, you will learn how to make a French chocolate pastry or chocolate bars and mendiants with your favorite toppings. Other pastry courses, such as the Secrets of Eclairs, often come with chocolate themes. The courses are presented in French with English translations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browse the Cordon Bleu calendar of workshops<\/a> to find a class that works for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Discover Fruttini by Mo\u2019s next-level elaborate ice cream creations.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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I discovered Fruttini by Mo<\/a> on Instagram and was immediately drawn to the creativity behind the concept of fruit-based ice cream pastries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fruttini reconstructs whole fruits after making sorbets from the pulp of the fruit. You will find everything from exotic dates to giant shareable cacao pods for chocolate enthusiasts. The boutique is decorated in a classic Parisian Haussmannian style with elaborate carved moulding and has some limited indoor or outdoor seating.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Delectable chocolates from Fruttini by Mo at the Luxembourg Gardens<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Seasonal tip:<\/strong> For holidays, Fruttini creates limited edition fruits and baskets that can be filled with chocolate or edible flowers. They also offer treats in insulated packaging to go if you want to savor the ice cream at the nearby Luxembourg Gardens<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Take a chocolate break at a historic cafe in the Left Bank<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Caf\u00e9<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

As a student, I walked past the famous Les Deux Magots and Caf\u00e9 de Flore in Saint Germain de Pres on a daily basis. These Left Bank cafes near the Latin Quarter<\/a> were once frequented by post-war literary elite such as Hemingway and founders of existentialism.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Chocolate ice cream from Berthillon in Paris<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Les Deux Magots\u2019 outdoor terrace overlooking the neighborhood\u2019s sixth century Romanesque church is an idyllic location to take a gourmet break. You can enjoy the cafe\u2019s signature \u201cold-style hot chocolate\u201d or a cool drink accompanied by an impressive selection of desserts ranging from Pierre Herm\u00e9 pastries to Berthillon ice cream and house-made chocolate mousse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Order a box of buttery magic from La Fabrique Cookies.<\/h2>\n\n\n
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I stumbled upon La Fabrique Cookies<\/a> at an event last year and later discovered that you can order a box of their butter-rich cookies through Deliveroo or the company\u2019s website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The soft-baked cookies are made with butter sourced from Normandy, so eating one is a true French experience. There are multiple shops and kiosks throughout Paris, or you can order a box of preselected or customized assortments of cookies along with the ingredients and recipes to bake your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are about a dozen chocolate flavor pairings. Here are some of the best:<\/p>\n\n\n\n