One of my great loves is chocolate. As a child I would eat nestle crunch bars by the dozen and have since moved on to more sophisticated international chocolates (ie. jars of nutella). Thankfully I have been blessed with a fast metabolism. Though I must admit that I consume chocolate in small (daily) doses, and indulge in mostly dark varieties, having rationalized those as the most healthy.
When a friend proposed a chocolate tour I was initially reluctant. Could I not eat my way through Paris’ chocolatiers without a guide? Surely! But my curiosity kicked in and I thought a tour could be fun, especially one involving friends and lots of French chocolate. I might even learn a thing of two.
The Chocolate Walk began at the Louvre, once home to Louis XIII. It was there that liquid chocolate was first given as a gift to King Louis in 1615 from Anne of Austria. That began the French love affair with chocolate. The first chocolate shop was strategically located around the corner, at what is now a restaurant on rue de l’Arbre Sec.
In addition to being enlightened on the many scandals that took place behind royal doors, I learned that hot chocolate was a delicacy, drunk only by the royalty. In the beginning of the 18th century the chocolate was mixed with milk (rather than water and spices), and there were questions raised as to its purpose. Food, drink, medicine or love potion? (The latter, bien sûr!)
We continued along the right bank, stopping in select chocolatiers. I promised my tour guide I would not give away all of her dark secrets, but will share my two favorite chocolate shops and the crème de la crème of chocolates from each.
There are three Côte de France in Paris. This one was on 25 Avenue de l’Opera, and yes, I did feel like I had entered the royal hall of chocolate. Surrounded by the look and smell, I could barely pay attention to the explanations of the many chocolate varieties. I was ready and eager to taste!
Before the tasting begins, a quick lesson in French chocolate. There are two distinguished types: praliné, which consists of roasted nuts (most commonly almonds), and ganache, chocolate mixed with cream, originally called ‘Idiots chocolate’ as it was made by accident. Imagine?
Here we tried one of the signature chocolates, praliné mixed with small pieced of crushed cookie. Strong, dark and rich. Does is get much better?
Michel Cluizel, on 201 rue Saint Honoré, is another must in the gourmet world of French chocolate.
It was the praliné des aïeux, a mixture of grilled almonds and hazelnuts covered in dark chocolate, that left me wondering if this is what heaven might taste like. Pure decadence!
For those gourmands equally as enamored with chocolate, this week (Oct 28-Nov 1) marks the annual Salon du Chocolat. I will soon find out just how many hours can be spent tasting chocolate…
If you crave more sweet stories, check out friend and fellow chocoholic Amy, aka Sweet Freak.
Looks like it was well worth participating in that walk! About the salon du chocolat – many people are disappointed by it because they expect to be able to try a variety of differet chocolate. What actually happens, at least in previous years, is you pay to get in and then are expected to pay for chocolate – which isn’t necessarily unfathomable if you were actually given a little dégustation! I hope they’ve changed their ways because otherwise, it’s one big tease!
Yes, the walk was very tasty and informative! I recommend it for anyone who wants to explore other reputable chocolatiers rather than end up at Maison du Chocolat (which isn’t a bad choice). And learn how much history there is behind French chocolate.
Regarding the Salon du Chocolat, according to a trusted friend who has been attending for years, the tastings are free and plenty! She warned me to pace myself as it’s easy to taste too much too quickly. I can’t even begin to imagine the hundreds of chocolates ready to be savored…
oh the envy…
Oh…the Salon du Chocolat…I will go crazy there!! I, too, have a serious sweet tooth!! By the way, I found your blog through twitter! I’m including you on link list of my 2 travel blogs. Hope to get to know you (and Paris) more.
Is there anything better than chocolate? Unlikely.
Thanks for including my blog! Happy to ‘meet’ you and will definitely keep in touch!
Unfortunately, I don’t have much of a sweet tooth. Now, if you want to take me on a cheap wine tour of Paris…I’m in!
Paul, do you know what you are missing? (Sweet wine goes well with chocolate!) A wine tour is not a bad idea…
Kasia-
This sounds absolutely divine! Since traveling to
Paris and experiencing fresh French chocolate
I think twice before indulging in an average candy bar.
Michel Cuizel is a “must stop” on every trip for me.
Now I have others to add to my list.
Thanks for sharing!
-Catherine
Once you try chocolate of the likes of Michel Cluizel it’s hard to enjoy the average chocolate bar. Glad you enjoyed the tour and will take one of your own, soon hopefully!
One word, mon amie: MIAM! xo
Looks like you had a fabulous time. And oh my those chocolates look scrumptious! 🙂 Paris in Pink
I absolutely live for chocolate too- must have a box in my house at all times! Merci for your beautiful photos x
Glad you enjoyed the adventure, my dear fellow chocoholic!
What a fantastic journey down decadence lane!! I really enjoyed reading your tour and your brilliant sense of humor! Keep ’em coming!
Thanks Jeff! It was a decadent journey indeed! Many more adventures on the way…
great read! thank you!
[…] by Kasia on March 9, 2012 TweetNever trust anyone who doesn’t like chocolate. That’s my theory anyway, and so far some of my closest friends have proven to be fellow chocoholics. Dark, milk, white, now that is a question of personality. And yes, taste. I am very lucky to be living in the land of chocolate. What started in the liquid variety in the form of thick, indulgent chocolat chaud in the 17th century (often used medicinally which makes perfect sense to me) has since been refined into tasty bite-sized morsels made of praliné (my favorite) and almost any flavor imaginable. All of this I learned on last years tour du chocolat. […]
Wow! Amazing post. My kids love chocolate and after reading this post I’m much interested to go for a chocolate tour with my kids. Thanks for sharing this inspiring post with us!
You and your kids would love it! The best way to discover Paris’s top chocolatiers is by tasting them.