It’s time for Chocolate ! Between Valentines day and Easter, I will introduce you to a bit of Chocolate History and some of the best places for chocolate in Paris.

Chocolate and France have been having a love story for a long time. The aristocracy particularly prised it because it was exclusive, pricey and it had numerous virtues, including aphrodisiac ones. Chocolate was introduced in France in 1615 by Queen Anne of Austria, the Spanish Queen who married French King Louis XIII.

Marie Therese d’Autriche, wife of The Sun King Louis XIV, said she had two passions in life : The King and Chocolate. At Versailles, cocoa became extremely fashionable and was served three days a week in the Salons of the palace, a luxurious habit at the time.

The Marquise de Sévigné, a literary icon from the 17th century, was a big fan of chocolate, using it as a remedy when feeling unwell. She gave her name to a chocolate bonbons label.

Nowadays, Chocolat making is still considered an Art, using the best organic products. When you are in Paris, do try to taste the delicacies at these addresses, among the top chocolatiers in town:

Patrick Roger
He was elected « Best Chocolate maker in Paris » in 2007. He’s now part of the very exclusive circle of cocoa Artists and creates beautiful chocolate sculptures.

108 boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Tel : 01 43 29 38 42
Website : www.patrickroger.com

He also has a second address, 45 Avenue Victor Hugo, 75016 Paris.

Pierre Hermé
The chef patissier is a real star in Paris. His chocolate sculptures are real artworks inspired by the homelands of cocoa, precolombian statues and african masks. Go for « Art Premier » chocolates bonbons, filled ganaches and pralines. ( 32 euros the selection).

185 rue Vaugirard, 75015 Paris
Tel : 01 47 83 89 96
Website : www.pierreherme.com

La Maison du Chocolat
Unmissable place signing a new collection every year, like for Haute Couture.
I like their creations for Valentine’s day, a single chocolate presented like a gem in a designer box made of chocolate.

120 avenue Victor Hugo – 75016 Paris
Tel : 01 40 67 77 84
Website : www.lamaisonduchocolat.com