Top 10 Chocolate Shops in Paris

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Top 10 Chocolate Shops in Paris
Chocolate was first introduced to France in 1615, as a gift to Louis XIII from his Spanish princess. Once the royal court tasted this delicacy, chocolate fever rapidly spread throughout Paris and France. Chocolate drinks and sweets were high in demand, considered to be an aphrodisiac. In 1659 King Louis XIV appointed the first “chocolatier” David Chaillou, whose shop was conveniently located close to the Louvre. Little has changed in recent years, as France has become a leader in the gourmet chocolate market. With an impressive and ever growing selection of chocolatiers making a name for themselves, it’s hard to choose a favorite. Being a chocolate connoisseur and taking the time to discover all things cocoa, here is my top 10 list of Paris chocolatiers. Lucky for me, many of them can be found just steps away in the Marais. Un Dimanche à Paris Opened by Pierre Cluizel of the famed French family of chocolatiers, this spacious concept shop, tea salon and full-scale restaurant is the place to discover, and savor, all things chocolate. On Sunday they offer a decadent brunch replete with sweet delicacies. You can also try your hand at cooking in one of their gourmet classes. 4, Cours du Commerce Saint-André 75006. Tel: +33 1 56 81 18 18. Closed Mondays.  Meert This sweets and chocolate shop first opened in Lille in 1761, with the cake shop quickly becoming one of the most fashionable places in the city. Having been there, I can attest to its elegance and charm. Meert is known not only for its chocolate, but also for its flat waffle filled with sugar, butter and vanilla from Madagascar, invented by Mr. Meert himself. In 2010 Meert opened its first shop in Paris, in the historic Marais district, and in 2013 expanded to Saint-Germain. 16, rue Elzevir 75003. Tel: +33 1 49 96 56 90. Closed Mondays. 3, rue Jacques Callot 75006. Tel: +33 1 56 81 67 15. Closed in the mornings on Mondays and Sundays. Edwart The latest independent chocolatier to arrive on the Paris scene is Edwart, started in October 2014 by two friends with a passion for chocolate. This was evident during a tasting at their Marais shop. Their flavorful assortment of ganache and praliné are derived from around the world, featuring ingredients like oolong, curry, and Tasmanian wild pepper. A unique journey of the senses. 17, Rue Vieille du Temple 75004. Tel: +33 1 42 78 48 92. Open every day from 11 am – 8 pm. 244, Rue De Rivoli 75001. Tel: +33 1 49 27 03 55. Open every day from 11 am- 8 pm. Jacques Genin Considered a master of flavors, Jacques Genin is a recognized pastry chef cum chocolatier. His laboratory sits in the heart of the Marais, where you can discover his equally acclaimed caramels and pâtes de fruits. While ogling the selection of chocolates including fresh mint and grapefruit zest, I recommend a pot of his chocolat chaud in the tea salon, you may even catch sight of the chef himself. 133, rue de Turenne 75003. Tel: +33 1 45 77 29 01. Closed Mondays. 27, rue de Varenne 75007. Tel: +33 (0)1 53 71 72 21. Closed Sundays and Mondays. La Manufacture de Chocolat- Alain Ducasse The King of French fine dining is now reigning over a chocolate empire as well, a decades-long dream finally realized. Alain Ducasse’s collection of ganache, praliné and truffle are made from carefully selected cocoa beans. My favorite are the classic “Pralinés “à l’Ancienne”, with varieties of caramelized almonds and hazelnuts, both crunchy and fondant. A salty-sweet slice of heaven is the hazelnut praline stuffed chocolate bar, available in 44 distinct flavors. 40, rue de la Roquette 75011. Tel: +33 1 48 05 82 86. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 26, rue Saint-Benoît 75006. Tel: +33 1 45 48 87 89 Hugo & Victor Where there are pastries, chocolate often follows. This is the case with Haute Patisserie Hugo & Victor opened in 2010 by two childhood friends Hugues Pouget and Sylvain Blanc. They create what can truly be considered edible art, with both their pastries and chocolates. Their three star flavors- chocolate, praline, and caramel- are available all year round and five others change with the seasons. And the names? “Hugo” is an interpretation of the classics, while “Victor” stands for traditional desserts with a twist. 7, rue Gomboust 75001. Tel: +33 1 42 96 10 20. Closed Sundays and Mondays. 40, bd Raspail 75007. Tel: + 33 1 44 39 97 73. Open every day. Pralus François Pralus talks about cocoa vintages the way many talk about great wines. One of the few in France to manufacture his own chocolate, François selects his beans from South American, Indonesia, and most recently his own plantation in Madagascar, producing 18 pure varieties and four blends. Don’t leave the shop without trying his famous pastry the Praluline, now celebrating over 50 years in the making. 35, rue Rambuteau 75004. Tel: +33 1 57 40 84 55. Open every day. 44, rue Cler 75007. Tel: +33 1 45 56 13 75. Open every day. Pierre Marcolini The Belgian chocolatier Pierre Marcolini, named World Champion of Pastry in 1995 has in the last 10 years expanded from Belgium, with shops in London, New York, Toyko, Kuwait and of course Paris. His success is largely due to the unusual flavors in his wide variety of chocolates, including pear, black current, pepper, patchouli, sandalwood…
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Lead photo credit : Edwart

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Kasia Dietz is a handbag designer and freelance writer from New York, with a passion for art, fashion and travel, who followed her heart to Paris. She resides in the North Marais and has been featured in various publications including Vogue, Stylist, Travel+Leisure and Luxos. Her handbags are available online and sold at fashionable boutiques around the world. You can read about her life and travels on her blog: loveinthecityoflights.com

Comments

  • Anna W.
    2016-01-28 20:50:35
    Anna W.
    Oh--you must have wanted to keep chocolatier Michel Chaudun a secret! My favorite. His artistry is stunning and the chocolate varietals distinctive. Near Invalides metro and a pleasant walk from Musee du quai Branly.

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  • Bret Hampton
    2015-10-01 19:44:48
    Bret Hampton
    Kasia Patrick Roger is a modern day Willie Wonka. Energetic, his mind racing with several subjects at once, he sculpts orangutans and lions in chocolate. His chocolates for sale are delicious and little works of art themselves. I visited Roger's actual factory on the outskirts of Paris while producing a new web series "Secret Paris" with Juliette Sobanet. Our first episode with Roger will air in a couple of weeks but you can go to our FB page and see the trailer. Thanks and look forward to your next article!

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