Home>France>Paris

French Chocolate

Gourmet French chocolates are a delight for all the senses.

Adults: 2 Children: 0

TravelCurious Tip

A serious chocolate fan? Head to the Festival Senses & Chocolate in Paris for a whole fair dedicated to it

Don’t eat a Dairy Milk chocolate bar in public in Paris or you will be put on the Euro tunnel before you know it. French chocolate is right up there with that of its Swiss and Belgian neighbours; it would be a sin not to enjoy it.

Chocolate first arrived in France in the early 17th century, after a long journey from the Spanish colonies in the New World. The word chocolate itself is derived from the Aztec Nahuatle word xocolātl, meaning ‘bitter water’. The French court were pretty quick about embracing this new treat and soon it spread throughout France. It also quickly gained a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Sérieux chocolatiers

Patrick Roger is one of France’s top contemporary chocolatiers. He thinks of himself as a ‘chocolate artist’, combining exquisite flavours with textured aesthetics. His painstakingly handcrafted chocolates look so good it almost feels crude to eat them. Almost, but not quite.

Richart was founded by Joseph Richart almost 100 years ago, but his recipes have not aged a day. Their chocolates are created in seven different flavoured themes known as ‘families’. They include Balsamic, Roasted, Fruity, Citrus, Herbal, Floral, and Spiced. The family recipes have won the Ruben Blue - France’s most prestigious confectioner’s award - seven times.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Paris

The Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter represents the essence of intellectual Paris, a place to unwind amidst the rarefied atmosphere of the 5th and 6th arrondissements.

The Victory of Samothrace

The Winged Victory of Samothrace is a must-see in the Louvre: a paradigm of Greek beauty, the archetype of Hellenistic sculpture.

Built to ease traffic congestion in the early 17th century, this iconic five-arch bridge is Paris' oldest bridge.

Place St-Michel Fountain

One of the city's most well-known meeting places, the statue depicts the archangel Michael vanquishing the Devil.

One of the prettiest, most peaceful locations in Paris, the square is a hot-spot for families, dog walkers and petanque players.

Thermes de Cluny

Gallo-Roman thermal bath's ruins lying in the heart of Paris' 5th arrondissement.

Related Tours

Montmartre Brunch Tour for Foodies

What could be more Parisian than spending a morning in Montmartre with a chef, shopping at a market, then making and enjoying a meal in his restaurant? On your small group tour with a chef, you will:

Meet your chef-and-guide at a pre-arranged spot in the Montmartre section of Paris.
Wander through the market and local shops, picking up cheese, fruit, fresh bread, chocolate, and more.
Prepare a meal alongside the chef in the kitchen of his restaurant, including making a classic French dish.
Learn to make a classic French dish – some days it’s escargot, others it’s Beef Bourguignon. It all depends on what’s in season and available – the true Parisian way!
Gather around the table to indulge in the four-course meal you’ve prepared, alongside four perfectly paired wine tastings.

Wander the streets which were once home to Van Gogh, Matisse, and Picasso, shopping in the local markets and in a neighbourhood that has certainly earned a reputation as one of the most artistic and inspirational areas of Paris. On your tour, you’ll see Montmartre’s iconic sites with a local, passing by the tourist spots, as you dart in and out of cheese and chocolate shops. Then, enjoy the experience of a lifetime, cooking in a French restaurant kitchen with one of the city’s friendliest and most charismatic chefs. You’ll spend a few hours in his kitchen, alongside a handful of others (up to 12 people total), cooking and preparing a meal to share at the table together.

After all the prepping and cooking, sit down to enjoy a luxuriating four-course meal, paired perfectly with four wine tastes. Your experience ends after the meal, where your chef-and-guide will give you his recommendations on the best way to continue your culinary indulgences in one of the world’s great food cities.