Dear chocolate lovers, you might not know that but there are more gourmet chocolate shops in Paris— more than 300 — than in any other city in the world.
And with Easter coming soon, I have been thinking that a selection of the bests of them would help you !
When the myth becomes reality… Robert Linxe opened his first Paris shop in 1977, and has been inventing new chocolates ever since, using Asian spices, fresh fruits and herbal infusions. The apricot-infused truffles, salted caramel macarons and hazelnut pralines are all worth courting a cavity for.
For this iconic Maison, luxury is in the details. When you walk through the doors of La Maison du Chocolat, you enter a universe of iconic codes that define timeless Parisian chic. Beyond taste, emotions are sparked by the beauty that enrobes chocolate in perfect elegance – a touch that evokes the grain of fine leather, ribbon with cream lettering, a slender graphic line that heightens and embellishes. These hallmarks define the inimitable style of a House that signs, personalizes and treasures each box, transforming the singular and ephemeral pleasures of chocolate into a cult object.
La Maison du Chocolat celebrates chocolate in all its forms: chocolate bonbons, pastries, confiseries, chocolate tarts, 12 different flavours of macarons with a heart of ganache, éclairs, ice cream and sorbet… For all our creations, chocolate always serves as the starting point and the inspiration.
225 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré 75008
http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.fr/fr/
Furthermore, the boutique is idealy located in the Marais. 133 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris.
http://jacquesgenin.fr/
Patrick Roger has been shaking up the art of chocolate-making. Whereas other chocolatiers aim for gloss, Roger may create a brushed effect on hens so realistic you almost expect them to lay (chocolate) eggs.
Boutiques location :
3 place de la Madeleine, 75008, Paris
108 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
91 rue de Rennes, 75006 Paris
Chocoholics will be in paradise in this concept store dedicated to cocoa, where an upscale brunch is served on Sundays. Only premium products are on offer: Poilane bread, Bordier butter and slices of Iberian ham. As part of the €55 menu, you also get foie gras with pear and crème de cassis (in autumn) and a glass of Champagne instead of juice. There are no muffins, but rather a madeleine, a mini-éclair and a slice of cake – all of which go perfectly with one of the best hot chocolates in Paris, made with real melted chocolate, milk, a little cream and a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. Believe me, the level of refinement justifies the price. And you can always dial up the decadence to the maximum while you’re there, with a cheeky visit to the chocolate shop next door.
After this delicious moment, wander on the Boulevard Saint-Germain and the little passages around.
4 cour du commerce Saint-André, 75006 Paris
www.un-dimanche-a-paris.com/
Finally, a shop dedicated to the man who trademarked the salted butter caramel, straight from Brittany. While he makes chocolates as well, it’s the caramels that draw locals and foreigners alike into the signature orange and black shops. An array of the sweets, some infused with matcha powder, chocolate and apple cinnamon, are available individually or in sachets. Hurry and try the deliciously rich yet subtle, chewy yet tender caramels that melt away in your mouth. Take your sweet to go or settle down for a pot of tea to go with your afternoon treat.
1 rue de Bourbon le Château, 75006 Paris
https://www.chocolatleroux.com
His creations are as much art as they are confection. Chocolate shoes, guitars, and diamond rings decorate the dark wooden counters, prompting dropped jaws among passersby. And they taste as good as they look, which is remarkable. For the adventurous, Hévin specialises in the combination of chocolate with potent cheese fillings, which loyal customers serve with wine as an aperitif.
https://www.jeanpaulhevin.com