Just over forty years after it was first introduced, King Louis XIV granted David Chaillou the title of Chocolatier du Roi chocolate maker of the king for 29 years, giving him the exclusive privilege of making and selling chocolate in France. He opened his first chocolate boutique two years later, on rue de l'Arbre-Sec in Paris, where noblemen and women could come to enjoy this fabulous creation sur place (before this, this delicacy would only be enjoyed in the salons of the royal palaces). Chailou’s monopoly came to an end in 1693, after which apothecaries around the city began to create their own chocolate concoctions.
The industrial age helped push chocolate into the mainstream, with the help of new grinding tools created by the French inventor Dubuisson, who invented a table mill for grinding chocolate, this allowed workers to stand while grinding the cocoa beans!
The first industrial chocolate factory was opened in the Pyrenees in 1814, and the rest, you could say, was history!
Nowadays, we are indeed spoilt for choice here in Paris with a dizzying selection of fabulous chocolate boutiques, it is nearly impossible to choose our favorite (it’s the equivalent of asking someone who their favorite child is!) But here are some notes on our absolute favorites that just happen to be in our neighborhood:
For those wanting more (no judgment here – in fact, we encourage it) we have an entire chocolate map to help you eat your way through the city!
Elisabeth
This chocolate emporium is from Belgium and their specialty is to highlight amazing chocolate entrepreneurs in their boutique, so next to each Chocolate, you will find details of the producer. They are dangerously close to us and definitely worth the visit!
22 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris
Edwart
Relatively new on the chocolate scene, Edwart has only been open since 2014 but has quickly made a name for himself on the Paris chocolate scene and has recently been mentioned New York Times Style Magazine's Top 10 Best Chocolatiers in Paris. Be sure to sample the award-winning Taj Mahal, a gently spiced sensation that simply dazzles on the palate.
17 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris, website
Maison Aleph
Everything in this little boutique is amazing. They are best known for their very delicate 'Nids', but this time of year they pair their delicate Nids with delicious Chocolates. On adore!
20 rue de la verrerie, 75004 Paris, website
Pierre Hermé
It's hard to talk about Chocolate (or Macarons for that matter) without mentioning the Maestro himself, Pierre Hermé.
18 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
Pralus
This master of all thing’s praline offers something a little different for those who seek an alternative to chocolate.The Praluline, a beautiful brioche studded with pink praline (sugared hazelnut and almond fragments), is a delectable treat for the breakfast table or afternoon goûter ! Their chocolates are also delightful!
35 Rue Rambuteau, 75004 Paris, website
Jacques Genin
In what we refer to as the 'NoMa' neighborhood (North Marais), you will find the gorgeous tea salon, and equally appointed pastries by the Caramel King, Jacques Genin. One of our favorite places to visit for a caramel fix.
133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
So, as always, get out and explore - it is a part of your cultural research! Think of all the exercise you will get walking in between each boutique ;)
