Discover the Best Chocolate Destinations in France and Treat Your Taste Buds to a Decadent Adventure
Welcome to the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream trip to France! Embark on a mouth-watering adventure as you journey through some of the country’s most charming towns and cities, indulging in delectable chocolates and pastries.
From classic chocolate truffles to modern twists on traditional French desserts, this road trip will delight your taste buds at every turn. So buckle up, sit back, and prepare for a sweet and unforgettable journey through the heart of France!
France is renowned for its gourmet cuisine, and chocolate is no exception.
Here’s a possible itinerary for a France chocolate road trip:
Day 1: Paris
- Start your trip in the heart of Paris, where you can visit some of the city’s top chocolatiers, such as Pierre Marcolini, Jean-Paul Hévin, and La Maison du Chocolat.
- Take a chocolate walking tour through the city’s historic neighborhoods and sample different types of French chocolate, including truffles, bonbons, and macarons. And, check out Le Cordon Blue’s chocolate classes and cafe.
Day 2: Lyon
- Drive to Lyon, a city in southeastern France known for its gastronomy and silk production.
- Visit one of Lyon’s famous chocolatiers, such as Bernachon or Voisin, and learn about the art of chocolate making.
- Explore the city’s famous indoor food market, Les Halles de Lyon, and sample some of the local chocolate products, such as pralines or chocolate-covered almonds.
Day 3: Annecy
- Drive to Annecy, a charming town in the French Alps known for its picturesque canals and medieval architecture.
- Visit a local chocolatier and learn about the history and traditions of chocolate in the region.
- Take a chocolate-making class and learn how to make your own French chocolates.
- Explore the town’s chocolate shops and sample some of the local specialties, such as chocolate with local herbs or chocolate with Alpine honey.
Day 4: Bayonne
- Drive to Bayonne, a city in southwestern France known for its Basque culture and chocolate.
- Visit one of the city’s famous chocolatiers, such as Cazenave or Daranatz, and learn about the history of chocolate in Bayonne.
- Take a chocolate tasting tour and sample different types of chocolate, including chocolate with sea salt or chocolate with cherry liqueur.
- Explore the town’s chocolate shops and sample some of the local specialties, such as chocolate-covered cherries or chocolate with Espelette pepper.
Day 5: Marseille
- Drive to Marseille, a vibrant port city on the Mediterranean coast.
- Visit a local chocolatier and learn about the history and traditions of chocolate in Provence.
- Explore the city’s chocolate shops and sample some of the local specialties, such as chocolate with lavender or chocolate with olive oil.
Day 6: Nice
- End your chocolate road trip in Nice, a picturesque city on the French Riviera known for its beautiful beaches and lively markets.
- Visit a local chocolatier and take a chocolate-making class to learn about the traditional techniques used to make French chocolate.
- Explore the city’s chocolate shops and sample some of the local specialties, such as chocolate with citrus or chocolate with rose petals.
This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized based on your preferences and time constraints.
Did you know?
French chocolatiers were some of the first in Europe to develop new chocolate-making techniques, such as “conching,” which involves grinding cocoa beans until they are smooth and velvety. France is also known for its unique chocolate specialties, such as the “chocolat à l’ancienne” or old-fashioned chocolate, made with less sugar and more cocoa solids than modern chocolate.
A little history:
France has a rich chocolate-making history dating back to the 17th century when cocoa first arrived in Europe from the Americas.
The French quickly became known for their chocolate-making expertise, and by the 18th century, Paris had become the chocolate capital of Europe. In the early days of chocolate making, it was a luxury item reserved for the wealthy.
It was in the 1800s that chocolate became more widely available and affordable to the general public.
One of the key figures in French chocolate history is Antoine Brutus Menier, who founded the Menier Chocolate Company in 1816. Menier innovated in chocolate making and developed new techniques for refining and processing cocoa beans, including using hydraulic presses to separate cocoa butter from cocoa solids.
This allowed chocolate makers to produce chocolate with a smoother texture and a more consistent flavor.
Another important figure in French chocolate history is Auguste Poulain, who established his chocolate company in 1848. Poulain was the first to create a chocolate bar designed to be broken into pieces, making it more convenient and accessible for consumers.
He also developed new flavors of chocolate, including milk chocolate, which quickly became popular in France and worldwide.
French chocolatiers continue to innovate and create some of the world’s finest chocolate. From traditional chocolate truffles and pralines to modern twists on classic desserts, French chocolate is loved by lovers everywhere.
