Chocolate in Paris Region

It was first introduced to the Royal Court in the form of a cocoa drink. Rumour has it that it became the favourite beverage of Louis XV. At that time, the very first chocolate production facilities were just emerging, as were the Paris Region’s first specialised chocolate factories.

Marie-Antoinette’s arrival at Versailles Palace in 1770 marked the beginning of a new chapter. Indeed, she brought her personal chocolate maker with her, who quickly obtained the title of “royal chocolate maker”. He was thus the first chocolate maker acknowledged by French history. The first creations followed, such as chocolate flavoured with orange flower, mixed with praline or sweet almond, to enhance the taste of cocoa.

The very first chocolate factory in France was established in the district of Les Halles in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris. It was in 1659, a time when chocolate bars hadn’t yet been invented and cocoa was enjoyed only in drinks.

As the story goes, Louis XIV granted to David Chaillou the sole right to open his very first shop, on the corner between Rue de l’Arbre-Sec and Rue Saint-Honoré. It remained open for 29 years. So from 1959 to 1688, it was the only chocolate shop in the Paris Region where people could try the sweet beverage enjoyed by the upper classes.

Resisting even the chocolate invasion, it has retained all its old-fashioned charm and remains the oldest chocolate shop in Paris. À la Mère de Famille invites you to try chocolates and sweets made according to traditions from ancestral recipes. Established in 1761, this shop at no. 35 on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre keeps a unique savoir-faire alive. Here you’ll find sweets that used to delight the Folies Bergère dancers, caramels, pralines and fruit jellies that transport you back to wonderland. The decor is fabulous too. The shop front looks like a scene from The War of the Buttons and Paris in the olden days. Slip back into your best school uniform and head for the 9th arrondissement to produce your little bag of chocolates.

There are lots of traditions involving chocolate. Among them, there’s no escaping the inevitable chocolate Easter egg. The debate goes on about which came first, the chicken or the egg, and Easter eggs are no exception. All the same, during the months of March and April, the Paris Region’s chocolate makers bend over backwards to produce the most original creations. From the Easter bunny sitting among the macarons at Ladurée to the Easter egg customised by the pastry chef Nina Métayer, the chocolate makers unleash their imaginations to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or not, chocolate bears from the Cyril Lignac chocolate shop are taking the Paris Region by storm. Coated in dark chocolate, milk chocolate, Dulcey chocolate or praline, they can be enjoyed at the shop or during your stroll around the 11th arrondissement. Here, everything revolves around cocoa. This is the place for anyone keen to renew with childhood treats like hot chocolate, those famous, deliciously crispy marshmallow bears, or a bar of dark chocolate.

There’s no shortage of chocolatey creations in the Paris Region. The chefs never stop coming up with something new for the New Year or Easter celebrations. But whatever the time of year, you’re sure to find just the chocolate shop to satisfy your chocolate cravings. If you enjoy art as much as chocolate, pay a visit to Patrick Roger.

If you’re into mixing flavours, then head for the mousse bar of the Chocolaterie Chapon. For fans of tradition, stop at La Maison du Chocolat. This temple of French chocolate can be found in Paris as well as New York.

Last but not least, round off on a gourmet note with Aurélien Rivoire and Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno, who transform chocolate into luxury delights in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. From raw cocoa with no added sugar, they create three-star desserts that won’t fail to please the most discerning of gourmets.

The chefs of the Paris Region enjoy a chocolatey challenge. Check them out to find the best chocolate makers in Île-de-France. In Lagny-sur-Marne, admire the expertise of Jérome Lépinay. It isn’t unusual for him to host chocolate and champagne tasting sessions at his chocolate shop.

In Bourg-la-Reine, Mitsuha Chocolatier is a certified Tourism Artisan of Hauts-de-Seine and one of the 100 best chocolate makers of the past 10 years. As the sweet-sounding name suggests, here you’ll find a mix of Asian and French flavours such as Matcha sweets, Yuzu macarons and other delights.

Many more chocolate artisans are to be found in the heart of the Paris Region, to take you to the unexplored territory of the chocolate world.

That’s right, chocolate also features heavily in patisserie. Since 1957, the Maison Lenôtre has focused as much on patisserie as on chocolate. The 11 shops in Paris and the region are packed with delicious creations. Desserts and other sweet treats, the most amazing macarons, fine chocolates and fruit jellies are all proudly displayed in their shop windows.