Everyone knows that chocolate is the classic Valentine’s gift, but this year don’t stop with the classic heart-shaped box. Treat the love of your life to the best chocolate Paris has to offer and indulge your sweet tooth at these top Parisian chocolatiers:
1. La Maison du Chocolate
The original shop is located near the Madeleine, but this Paris classic, known or its signature packaging and exceptional creations has expanded to seven boutiques throughout the city and seven more around the globe. With an incredible amount of chocolate to chose from, it’s hard to know where to start. We suggest the mont blanc, a kirsch ganache dipped in dark chocolate. The rue Francois Premier boutique is just around the corner from the Hotel Lancaster.
LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT
52 RUE FRANCOIS PREMIER, 75008
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt
2. Ladurée
This elegant tea salon founded in 1862, is famous for its chocolate macaroons filled with a rich and moist ganache. Located between Place de la Concorde and La Madeleine. Laduré is the ideal setting for a chic treat.
LADUREE
16 rue Royale, 75008
Metro: Concorde
3. La Charlotte de l’Ile
If you’re looking to unleash your inner Bohemian, this cooky tea salon on the Ile Saint Louis is the place to go. Filled to bursting with bizaare knickknacks and antique toys, this charming little shop sells what the New York Times described as the “absinthe of hot chocolate.” Visit on a Wednesday and you’ll get the extra treat of a marionette show.
LA CHARLOTTE DE L’ILE
24, rue St.-Louis en L’Ile, 75004
Metro: Pont Marie, Cité
4. Jean Paul Hévin
Former pastry chef to Joel Robuchon, Jean Paul Hévin is considered one of te greatest chocolatiers in the world. He’s even been awarded five bars by the prestegious Club des Croquers de Chocolat, the co-called “illiminati” of chocolate. Visit the Hévin salon du thé and boutique to see some of his most famous creations, including a chocolate stiletto.
JEAN-PAUL HEVIN
231, rue St. Honoré, 75001
Metro: Concorde, Opera, Tuileries
As published in Art du Voyage’s Travel Notes, Winter 2007 (Special Edition: Valentine’s Day Escape to Paris)
Filed under: Europe, Food, France, Paris | Tagged: chocolate, chocolatier, Food, France, luxury, Paris, sweet, Travel
