With more than 300 chocolatiers in
Paris, it helps to be finicky when deciding where to go. Clearly the
French know and love their chocolate, and so should you! From bonbons
to macarons to ganaches, there is only so much French chocolate you
can consume, so it should always be the best you can find. And if
you’re wondering how to choose among these top Paris chocolate
shops, rest assured that as a visitor to the city, it’s only polite
to try them all. And to bring some home, too.
Christian Constant. 37, rue d’Assas,
in the 6th Arrondissement. 01 53 63 15 15.
Constant does a mean bûche de Noël
(Yule log). He is famous for his chocolate tart and other delectable
treats featuring unusual flavors—such as cardamom and frangipani
flowers—in this small yet pristine shop.
Debauve & Gallais.30, rue des
Sts.-Pères, in the 7th. 01 45 48 54 67.
A place to visit out of respect,
considering it is the oldest chocolate shop in Paris, with a stunning
interior designed by Napoleon’s architects. Marie Antoinette was a
fan—so why shouldn’t you be?
Pierre Herme.?72, rue Bonaparte,
in the 6th. 01 43 54 47 77.
A stop at this tiny shop in the 6th,
near St.-Sulpice, will likely involve a wait in line, but the rewards
are high, particularly if you opt for the rose macarons. Choose your
chocolate and pastries wisely, then enjoy them at the fountain in
front of St.-Sulpice.
Jean-Charles Rochoux.16, rue
d’Assas, in the 6th. 01 42 84 29 45.
Don’t let the artistry of Rochoux’s
chocolate sculptures stop you from eating them. His creations may
take the shape of animals, creatures and historical figures, but this
newer arrival to the chocolate scene is serious about quality and
flavor.
Patrick Roger.108, blvd St.-Germain,
in the 6th. 01 43 29 38 42.
Roger is arguably the most creative and
impressive chocolatier in Paris now. His signature boxes and bags in
brilliant turquoise are the perfect complement to his confections.
Some made with unusual flavors like green tea and ginger, though his
plain chocolate blocks are exceptional, too. He made a chocolate egg
at Easter (Pâques) that looked exactly like a sunny-side-up egg,
complete with the yolk and egg white.
Doni Belau is the owner and editor of
the Girls Guide to Paris, a travel website and blog written by
Parisian residents and insiders covering everything from fashion to
culture to foodie faves in the city of light.