PARIS' MOST INDULGENT CHOCOLATE SHOPS

 

 

When temperatures drop and Paris is wrapped in a soft golden glow, one craving inevitably returns: good chocolate. Chocolate bars to bite into, melt-in-the-mouth ganaches, crunchy pralines, old-fashioned pots of hot chocolate… In Paris, gourmet addresses can be found on every street corner, from historic tea rooms to the workshops of artisan chocolatiers. Shall we take you along?

 

 

 

 

 

PARIS,
the capital of chocolate

Before diving into the addresses, let’s set the scene: Paris is one of the world’s great chocolate capitals. The city is home to centuries-old institutions such as À la Mère de Famille, founded in 1761 and renowned for its chocolates, marshmallows and confections displayed in a perfectly preserved Belle Époque setting, as well as chocolate artists like Patrick Roger, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, famous for his monumental chocolate sculptures.

Between these two extremes, a new generation of artisans and chefs has embraced cacao as a creative playground. Jacques Genin, supplier to some of Paris’ most prestigious palaces, is a master of ganaches and caramels, while Cyril Lignac has won over Parisians with his chocolate shop and pastries dedicated to marshmallow bears, chocolate bars and oversized tablets.

 

THE MUST-VISIT ADDRESSES
of the 8th arrondissement

The advantage of staying at Hôtel de Sers? You are right in the heart of the Golden Triangle, within walking distance of several of the best chocolatiers in the 8th arrondissement.

LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT, TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Head to Faubourg Saint-Honoré, just a short walk or drive from the hotel, where you’ll find the historic boutique of La Maison du Chocolat, the first Parisian shop entirely dedicated to chocolate, opened in 1977.

Inside this elegant setting, you’ll discover:

• perfectly balanced ganaches,
• iconic pralines,
• a range of Christmas logs and seasonal gift boxes,
• as well as chocolate bars and tablets for lovers of pure cacao
   

PATRICK ROGER, CHOCOLATE AS SCULPTURE

Still in the 8th arrondissement, Patrick Roger is one of those chocolatiers you recognize instantly: deep-toned façades, monumental sculptures in the windows, and spectacular displays. Considered one of France’s greatest chocolatiers and awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France, he is as famous for his sculptural creations as for his impeccably crafted chocolate bonbons.

Visitors come for:

• his intense ganaches,
• pralines made with expertly roasted nuts,
• tablets with finely tuned aromatic profiles,
• and, during the festive season, chocolate trees, ornaments and sculptures that make you want to redecorate your Christmas tree—entirely in cacao.
   

PIERRE MARCOLINI AT GALERIES LAFAYETTE

Finally, Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées hosts a corner dedicated to Belgian master chocolatier Pierre Marcolini, renowned for his meticulous bean sourcing and highly graphic creations.

Here, you’ll find:

• assorted boxes of chocolate bonbons,
• bean-to-bar tablets with strong identities,
• and seasonal treats such as orangettes and chocolate-coated candied fruits.
   

© La Maison du Chocolat, & Pierre Marcolini
 

HISTORIC HOUSES,
chocolate as heritage

Let’s leave the 8th arrondissement for a moment and explore Paris’ historic chocolatiers—those that tell a story as rich as their flavors.

À LA MÈRE DE FAMILLE - THE DOYENNE

Founded in 1761, À la Mère de Famille is considered the oldest chocolate shop in Paris. Its boutique on rue du Faubourg Montmartre, with its perfectly preserved Belle Époque décor, feels like a journey back in time.

Inside, more than 1,200 sweet delights await: chocolates and pralines, fruit jellies, marshmallows, berlingots, candied fruits, roudoudous and regional specialties.
 

DEBAUVE & GALLAIS - ROYAL SPIRIT

Often cited among the best chocolatiers in Paris, Debauve & Gallais was the official supplier to the French royal court in the 19th century. The house has retained its classic image, with deep blue and gold boxes, delicate pastilles and refined assortments. An ideal address for an elegant gift with a true collector’s feel.

© Debauve & Gallais, & A la mère de famille

AUTHOR CHOCOLATERIES,
the news icons of cacao

Paris does not rely solely on its historic houses. The city has become a playground for chefs and independent chocolatiers.
 

JACQUES GENIN - THE TEMPLE OF GANACHES AND CARAMELS

Based in the Marais, Jacques Genin is often described as a “rebel” of chocolate—an autodidact who went on to supply more than 200 luxury hotels and restaurants in Paris.

In his boutique and salon, you’ll find:

• ganaches of remarkable precision,
• soft caramels that melt instantly in the mouth,
• fruit jellies and a selection of irresistible pastries.
   

JEAN-PAUL HÉVIN - HAUTE-COUTURE CHOCOLATE...

It’s impossible to mention Paris’ great chocolate names without Jean-Paul Hévin. Renowned for his precise, elegant and perfectly balanced creations, his grand cru tablets, refined ganaches and themed gift boxes have made him a reference for discerning chocolate lovers.
 

ALAIN DUCASSE CHOCOLATE - THE MANUFACTURE

With Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse, the multi-starred chef has embraced a fully bean-to-bar approach. Cacao is transformed from bean to tablet in a dedicated manufacture, then offered in several Parisian boutiques.

The result:

• tablets with bold aromatic profiles,
• chocolate bonbons highlighting the origins of the beans,
• and a raw, minimalist universe where flavor takes center stage.

Perfect for those who appreciate characterful chocolate.
 

LA CHOCOLATERIE CYRIL LIGNAC - CACAO AS A LIFESTYLE SPACE

Located in the 11th arrondissement, La Chocolaterie Cyril Lignac is conceived as a space entirely dedicated to cacao, from breakfast to afternoon treats.

On the menu:

• muffins, cookies and brownies,
• house-made chocolate bars,
• oversized tablets with hazelnuts, almonds or mint,
• and above all the famous marshmallow bears, iconic to the house.

A more relaxed, indulgent universe—ideal for a casual chocolate escape.
 

CÉDRIC GROLET - THE NEW OPERA CHOCOLATE SHOP

No overview of Parisian chocolatiers would be complete without Cédric Grolet. Known for his trompe-l’œil fruits and graphic creations, the chef has extended his universe into chocolate with a spectacular address facing the Opéra. Inside, an immersive décor features giant cacao pods and oversized chocolate tablets lining the walls.

You’ll find:

• dark, milk and praline chocolate tablets,
• intensely flavored, melt-in-the-mouth ganaches,
• graphic chocolate bonbons,
• and gourmet gift boxes to offer—or enjoy immediately.

A contemporary, indulgent and already unmissable stop.

© Cédric et la Chocolaterie, & Alain Ducasse

HOT CHOCOLATE & SWEET TREATS:
comforting breaks

Any tour of Parisian chocolatiers naturally calls for a cup of hot chocolate somewhere along the way. And here, Paris offers endless options—from Belle Époque salons to more confidential addresses.


A GOURMET INTERLUDE BY HOTEL DE SERS x JEAN-PAUL HÉVIN

For the festive season, Hôtel de Sers unveils a collaboration with Jean-Paul Hévin, master chocolatier of Paris. In the refined atmosphere of the bar and restaurant, guests can now enjoy a hot chocolate crafted from his signature cacao—a dense, refined and perfectly balanced drink that reflects both the chocolatier’s exacting standards and the hotel’s discreet elegance.

Prepared to order, this hot chocolate combines aromatic intensity with a silky texture—a true winter comfort, ideal after a stroll along the Champs-Élysées.

To accompany this indulgent moment, the chef offers two signature desserts à la carte: a trompe-l’œil tiramisu, as elegant as it is surprising, or a delicate and comforting Mont Blanc. Two creations designed to elevate the hot chocolate experience and extend the pleasure.

 

ANGELINA - THE LEGENDARY "L'AFRICAIN" HOT CHOCOLATE

It’s impossible to talk about hot chocolate in Paris without mentioning Angelina, the tea room founded in 1903 at 226 rue de Rivoli, famous for its Belle Époque décor and its iconic “L’Africain” hot chocolate.

Here, you can enjoy:

• a thick hot chocolate served with whipped cream,
• the famous Mont Blanc dessert,
• and, in season, pastries and Christmas logs created especially for the holidays.

A true institution, to be experienced at least once during a winter stay.

 

And what if winter were ultimately the most beautiful season to rediscover the capital through the lens of chocolate? Paris awaits—deliciously chocolatey.