Where to Find the Best Chocolate in Paris

Visitors from all around the world flock to Paris for many reasons. One such reason is food. And one of my favorite foods to experience in Paris is chocolate! Indulging in the world of chocolates in Paris is like embarking on a gourmet journey – the city boasts a thriving chocolate scene founded on creativity and craftsmanship.

From traditional chocolatiers to modern and contemporary artisanal chefs, Paris is a treasure trove of chocolates. Some “institutions” date back to the 1800s and follow family recipes handed down by generations of chocolatiers. Others have launched fairly recently and continue garnering attention thanks to their expertly crafted flavors and quality products.

Why is Paris famous for its chocolate?

Just like most specialty foods in France, Parisian chocolatiers are dedicated to their craft and often draw inspiration from historic culinary traditions. Each chocolatier has their own distinct style and characteristic creations, making the city a chocolate connoisseur's dream. 

What distinguishes Paris as a chocolate destination is its dedication to artisanal ideas and innovation. City chocolatiers encourage creativity and aren't hesitant to think outside the box. They infuse chocolate with surprising ingredients, blend unique flavors, and incorporate cultural influences, resulting in a captivating range of chocolate masterpieces.

Where to find the best chocolate in Paris?

Chocolate in Paris comes in many forms so it’s always good to have a rough idea of what you’re looking for before venturing out. While most shops will have traditional chocolate bars and flavors unique to their brand, you can also get something more artisanal, unique, or out of the box from the newer stores.

In France, you’ll find two kinds of artisanal chocolatiers. The first one is the chocolatier or “chocolatier assembleur” who makes chocolates from the chocolate base created by someone else. The second one, the chocolate maker or “chocolatier torréfacteur”, begins their work with the cocoa beans and goes through the entire process of roasting and grinding them to make the chocolate. 

Here is a list of some of my favorite chocolatiers in Paris and chocolate products that you can find in Paris!

Best Chocolates Shops in Paris

À la Mère de Famille

À La Mère de Famille, founded in 1761 by the Dolfi family, is one of the most traditional, oldest, and for many, the best chocolate store in Paris. The store is located in the vintage-chic and heritage-listed boutique in the 9th arrondissement, making it a must-visit for all chocolate lovers!

À La Mère de Famille provides a variety of tasty sweets wrapped in their trademark orange packaging. The bright duo d'orangettes, with candied orange peel wrapped in both sugar and dark chocolate, is one of their specialties, and one of MY favorites!

Don’t forget to try their tempting truffles, crispy Florentine biscuits with almonds, fruit, and honey, and a delectable array of ice creams, cakes, caramels, and candies.

Address: 35, rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 9th arrondissement

Debauve & Gallais

Debauve & Gallais, Paris's oldest chocolate shop, has been a famous destination since its founding by Sulpice Debauve in 1800. This prominent chocolatier has a long history, having served as the official chocolate supplier to Napoleon and the French Court. Debauve's chocolate pastilles, known as “The Queen's Coins,” gained fame after Queen Marie-Antoinette endorsed them. 

Debauve & Gallais continues to amaze clients with a diverse range of dark chocolates, some of which have an astounding cocoa content of 99%. Their chocolates have garnered the favor of French royals, distinguished writers, and renowned gourmets over the past two centuries, making it a must-visit place in Paris.

Address: 30 Rue des Saints-Pères, 7th arrondissement 

Jean-Paul Hévin

Jean-Paul Hévin is a renowned chocolatier and award-winning French pastry chef whose stores are a must-visit site for anyone looking for high-end chocolates in Paris. Hévin brilliantly mixes flavors of flowers, spices, coffee, and nuts into his delightful chocolate bars using the finest cocoa beans, including his extraordinary Grand Crus collection. 

Each dark chocolate square is embellished with beautiful traces of color and is packaged in gorgeous gold boxes. The truffles, packaged in gleaming navy tins, are a delight, as are the low-sugar pralines, which are crunchy and delicious.

Address: 231 Rue St Honoré, 1st arrondissement along with several more stores across Paris

Bernachon

Maison Bernachon, founded in 1952 in Lyon by Maurice Bernachon, is recognized for making some of the world's finest chocolates through three generations. Their chocolates have a distinct and excellent flavor, thanks to a delicate blend of 10 carefully selected cocoa beans from Venezuela, Peru, Jamaica, and Madagascar.

Bernachon chocolates are made by hand using natural ingredients and no coloring or preservatives. Their Palette d'Or taste is one of the most notable chocolates combining Isigny cream and the excellent Chuao chocolate bar created from Chuoa's best cocoa beans.

Also, don’t forget to try The Président cake, one of their most famous creations – it has three layers of cherry sponge cake filled with hazelnut praline ganache and cherries infused with Cherry liquor!

Address: 127 Rue de Sèvres, 6th arrondissement 

Bonnat

Maison Bonnat, founded in Voiron, France in 1884 by Felix Bonnat, has garnered global renown for its extensive line of single-origin chocolate bars ranging from milk to 100% cocoa. The Bonnat family and chocolate have a great story, with the business being passed down through generations.

Today, Felix's great-grandson, Stéphane Bonnat, proudly manages the company as a sixth-generation chocolatier, carrying on a history that began almost 130 years ago.

Chocolate production is an art form at Maison Bonnat- from bean harvesting to grinding, they assure perfection. This passion is visible in their famed chocolate bars, each of which offers a distinct flavor that is just irresistible, making it impossible to select a favorite! I NEVER buy just one bar…I can't!

Address: 189 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 8th arrondissement

Jacques Genin

When it comes to handmade chocolate in Paris, the name Jacques Genin stands out. This chocolatier-pâtissier creates confections that are a great treat, with minimum sweetening and the use of high-quality natural ingredients. Every bite is a sensory experience, from the ganaches filled with fresh mint leaves to the classic hazelnut praliné with capers.

Jacques Genin also offers delights other than chocolate, such as caramels, nougats, fruit candies, and candied chestnuts making it a must-visit for both locals and visitors

Address: 133 Rue de Turenne, 3rd arrondissement

Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse

With Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse, the renowned French chef behind fine-dining establishments has expanded his talents into the world of chocolate. Ducasse's chocolates are made in Paris in collaboration with artisan producers utilizing the best and most flavorful cocoa beans.

He was the first to open a bean-to-bar shop in Paris and people were skeptical. Turned out very well for him! His inventions are available in three categories: ganaches, pralines, and truffles, and they come in a variety of flavors and textures. Alain Ducasse's chocolate products and candied fruit, dragée sweets, and chocolate spreads can also be lovely gifts.

Address: 40 rue de la Roquette, 11th arrondissement

Patrick Roger

Patrick Roger, a well-known artist, and chocolatier, is widely regarded as one of the greatest in Paris. His extraordinary talent has earned him the renowned title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” (France's Best Craftsman). 

His sleek turquoise boxes of different chocolates include pralines, ganaches, and hemispheres, among other exquisite concoctions. He also has a large assortment of dark chocolate bars with high cocoa percentages that are flavored with delicate flavors like jasmine and obtained from various chocolate hotspots throughout the world.

Address: 108, boulevard Saint-Germain, 6th arrondissement

Best Chocolate Ice Cream in Paris

I have already written about where you can find the best ice cream in Paris, but chocolate ice cream deserves its own section. First, because 90% of the time I get ice cream I get chocolate so I am somewhat of a connoisseur, and secondly, chocolate ice when done right…oh la la!

Berthillon

Berthillon is an absolute must-visit when it comes to chocolate ice cream in Paris. Berthillon has become a renowned institution among ice cream fans due to its superb quality and incomparable flavors. Long queues form outside the store regularly to witness the amazing flavor and artistry that goes into each scoop.

Berthillon provides a delicious experience for any chocolate fan, with a delectable assortment of 5 to 8 chocolate flavors on any given day. Each spoonful is a symphony of tastes that will transport you to chocolate ecstasy, from rich dark chocolate to silky milk chocolate. Don't pass up the opportunity to sample this icy goodness, where their dedication to quality promises an amazing dessert experience.

Address: 31 rue Saint Louis en l'Île, 4th arrondissement, plus it is served in restaurants all over Paris!

La Maison du Chocolat Victor Hugo

La Maison du Chocolat Victor Hugo is all about the world of chocolate ice cream. Since 1994 (under the guidance of Robert Linxe), the renowned chocolatier has been nestled in the 16th arrondissement, displaying its talent with a wide variety of tasty delights.

La Maison du Chocolat offers a variety of delicacies to be relished alone, shared, or gifted in elegant boxes, ranging from pralines to crisp bars, melting truffles, and delicious pastries. 

Along with their well-known chocolate assortments, La Maison du Chocolat Victor Hugo also offers smooth and creamy ice cream selections. The gourmet finish of their chocolate boxes has been translated into several delectable flavors but their intense dark chocolate ice cream still remains a favorite.

Address: 120 Avenue Victor Hugo, 16th arrondissement

Le Bac à Glace

If you’re at Le Bac à Glace, a Parisian ice cream restaurant with a long history dating back to 1955, take a moment to indulge in their delectable taste of chocolate sorbet. This family-run business takes pleasure in making its ice cream using traditional methods to provide a genuine flavor and creamy texture.

Their chocolate sorbet has a strong and pure chocolate flavor that will captivate your taste buds, thanks to the natural ingredients and use of little sugar. 

Le Bac à Glace focuses on creating ice creams and sorbets that are free of additives, colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives, with an emphasis on quality and purity. They constantly develop new and inventive flavors to surprise their clients.

Address: 109 Rue du Bac, 7th arrondissement 

Grom

The pure delight of chocolate gelato at Grom is nothing but a true indulgence. Grom creates their gelatos with careful care and attention to detail, using only the finest raw materials. Each scoop is a true pleasure thanks to their philosophy of using only the greatest ingredients. Their gelatos are gluten-free and free of artificial colorings!

Address: 81 Rue de Seine

Best Chocolate Mousse in Paris

Classic. Simple. And mastered by the French! Chocolate mousse doesn't get enough attention in my book. While visiting Paris if you see chocolate mousse on the dessert menu get it immediately! Be warned, many of the places I list below serve HUGE portions, so you might even go straight to the desert!

Chocolat Chapon

Enter the enchanted world of Chocolat Chapon, where Patrice Chapon, an ice cream expert and chocolate enthusiast, created a gastronomic masterpiece known as the Bar à Mousses aux Chocolats. This delicious invention, which even has a registered trademark, is a must-try if you’re serious about all things chocolate!

My first experience with Chapon was during my Baguette to Bistro: Context Travel Paris Food Tour. We entered the shop and I was confused. They were serving chocolate mousse as you would ice cream and I had never seen that. I also couldn't decide!

Chapon is the only one in Paris who roasts his cocoa beans in his workshop and creates some of the best chocolate mousses. They also have vegetarian and lactose-free options, so there’s no reason to miss this unique experience.

Address: 69, rue du Bac, 7th arrondissement 

Chez Janou

A lively bistro with a great Provincial environment and authentic French food, the real jewel of this place is their wonderful chocolate mousse, produced in a time-honored manner and served abundantly in a rustic earthenware vat with a ladle.

What's more, you are free to savor as much of this velvety bliss as your taste buds desire. It's an experience you won't want to miss!

Debauve: 2 rue Roger Verlomme, 3rd arrondissement

L’Ambassade d'Auvergne

L'Ambassade D'Auvergne, where tradition and culinary brilliance meet, offers an unrivaled chocolate mousse experience. This exclusive restaurant has built a loyal following over the years, attracting a broad clientele ranging from local regulars to tourists from all over the world.

As you savor their delectable offerings, save room for the pièce de résistance—the smooth and irresistible chocolate mousse. Served generously in giant bowls, prepare to be captivated by its velvety texture and addictive flavor, for once you have tasted it, you will be compelled to indulge in seconds, and perhaps even thirds!

Address: 22 Rue du Grenier-Saint-Lazare, 3rd arrondissement

Cinq-Mars

If you’re looking for a contemporary yet nostalgically themed cafe with a neo-retro loft vibe, nothing beats Cinq-Mars. Every detail contributes to its unique ambiance, from polished concrete flooring to exposed stone walls and a quaint zinc bar.

After a delicious meal here, prepare yourself for a truly decadent experience—their famous chocolate mousse! This wonderful delicacy is served in an enormous dish with substantial portions that could comfortably feed a group of five.

This dessert's sheer luxury is likely to leave an impression, making it an appealing treat for any chocolate lover. It is a dessert experience meant to be shared, enjoyed, and remembered.

Address: 51 Rue de Verneuil, 7th arrondissement 

Les Petits Parisiens

You absolutely must try the heavenly chocolate mousse at Les Petits Parisiens. Their Mexican chocolate mousse is accompanied by peanut ice cream and a delightful chocolate crumble. It's light and filled with rich flavors.

Another irresistible choice is the chocolate mousse infused with olive oil and a sprinkle of fleur de sel. Here, prepare to have your taste buds enchanted by the magic of chocolate!

Address: 49 Av. Jean Moulin, 14th arrondissement

Chez René

The chocolate mousse at Chez René is the real deal – packed with intense cocoa flavor and a satisfyingly dense texture. No frills, just pure, rustic deliciousness. Each mouthful melts nicely on your tongue, allowing the chocolate's rich scent to show through without being excessively sweet.

And here's the greatest part: they don't skimp on the portions. You'll get a large dish that will totally satisfy you!

Address: 14 Bd Saint-Germain, 5th arrondissement 

Pierre Hermé

Pierre Hermé’s chocolate mousse is a game-changer! This mousse hits the perfect mix between light and thick. Instead of using whipped cream, Hermé creates a cloud-like texture out of egg whites.

It's pure genius and a nice surprise that reminds you why it's one of the best sweets available. The icing on the cake is that Pierre Hermé has generously published his recipe online, allowing you to make this divine delicacy in your own kitchen.

Address: 35 boulevard Haussmann, 9th arrondissement

Les Artizans

For dessert lovers, this tiny cafe and bakery is a hidden gem. Among their delectable pastries, cakes, and sweets, their chocolate mousse stands out. This original French recipe has been lovingly prepared with care and competence.

Address: 30 rue Montorgueil, 1st arrondissement

Boulangerie Julien

Boulangerie Julien in the lively Les Halles district is a hidden gem for all things desserts! Their genuinely delicious chocolate mousse will send your taste buds to paradise. They also offer a delectable range of sweets in a variety of flavors – there's something for everyone, from creamy custards to fruity tarts!

Address: 33 Rue de Turin, 8th arrondissement

Angelina

Café Angelina, the quintessential tea establishment, offers more than simply a lovely ambiance. While you’re treating yourself to their exquisite hot chocolate, a gourmand's dream, don’t forget to try their other delicacies!

If you're looking for something truly decadent, their chocolate mousse is a must-try. It's sumptuous with a thick and silky texture that will leave you wanting more.

Address: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement

Blé Sucré

If you're in the Bastille neighborhood and craving some divine delights, head straight to Blé Sucré, the bakery that understands how to satisfy taste buds. While their flaky pains au chocolat and buttery croissants are famous, don't miss out on their delicious chocolate mousse.

It's a treat that will transport you to chocolate heaven: creamy, velvety, and simply wonderful.

Address: 7 Rue Antoine Vollon, 12th arrondissement

Chez Mademoiselle

Chez Mademoiselle is the place to go for a taste of a quaint French cafe. Their chocolate mousse is the pinnacle of sweetness – every spoonful is a delight with its velvety texture and rich chocolatey flavor. Not to mention the accompanying side of exquisite chantilly cream, which adds an extra touch of luxury. It will definitely leave you wanting more!

Address: 16 Rue Charlemagne, 4th arrondissement

Best Pain au Chocolat in Paris

If you put a croissant and a pain au chocolat in front of me, I am going to take the pain au chocolat each time (but most times I am visiting Paris I will gluttony take both!). Trust me you get to know the difference between a really good pain au chocolat and a mediocre one! Here are the ones I think are the best.

Also not that a pain au chocolat is the SAME as a chocolate croissant so if you are looking for the best chocolate croissant in Paris you will find them in the shops listed below!

Mamiche

While their initial social media success was built on their tempting babka and a variety of delightful delights such as hot donuts, “ugly but good” loaves, and scrumptious cookies, the amazing almond pain au chocolat of Mamiche is what truly steals the show. This delectable delicacy demonstrates their culinary prowess and will leave you wanting more.

Address: 45 Rue Condorcet, 9th arrondissement; 32 Rue du Château d’Eau, 10th arrondissement

Cyril Lignac

The delicious pain au chocolat of Cyril Lignac is one of their hallmark inventions. The use of fresh butter from Poitou-Charentes, which complements the excellent chocolate filling, gives this delicious delight its incomparable flavor and perfection. 

Mr. Misadventures and I go to the shop in the 17th all the time as it's right off of Rue de Poncelet, a food shopping street we visit frequently. We also go there a lot as Mr. Misadventures' favorite dessert is baba au rhum and I can get my chocolate fix at the same time he gets his sweet treat.

Address: 9 rue Bayen, 17 arrondissement; 24 rue Paul Bert, 11th arrondissement; 55 boulevard Pasteur, 15th arrondissement

Tout Autour du Pain

Tout Autour du Pain has established a well-deserved reputation as a top contender in Paris' culinary scene. You will have to visit them on a weekday for an exceptional gastronomic experience as they are closed on weekends. Indulge in their wonderful pain au chocolat, which is nicely paired with a freshly baked baguette.

Address: 134 Rue de Turenne, 3rd arrondissement

Le Grenier à Pain

Le Grenier à Pain embraces an artisanal concept similar to Mamiche, bringing genuine skill to their baking. They are always looking to push the limits of creativity with their bread-making crafts. When it comes to their pain au chocolat, its flakiness is a wonderful delight that elevates the eating experience to perfection.

Address: 38 rue des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement

Stohrer

Stohrer distinguishes itself from the conventional bakery by being classified as a patisserie and a heaven for all dessert connoisseurs. It has the distinction of being Paris's oldest patisserie with a rich history dating back centuries.

Their pastries and sides are just too tempting, making it difficult to choose just one! Along with their wonderful baked goods, Stohrer specializes in traditional French pastries such as éclairs, lemon tarts, and baba au rhum. They also make one of the best almond croissant in Paris!

Address: 51 Rue Montorgueil, 2nd arrondissement

Cédric Grolet

Cédric Grolet's creation, while not a simple pain au chocolat, is a true masterpiece that perfectly combines visual attraction with technical mastery. Each piece embodies his philosophy: “Beauty attracts, and goodness brings them back.” This remarkable creation defies description. 

To ensure you get the opportunity to watch the team create these masterpieces at the Opera store, I recommend arriving early to watch them through the windows and grab your mouthful of culinary perfection. A must-try morning experience!

Or if you can't get to Paris Cédric is also an Instagram sensation and I watch him make something new in his daily stories, he even recently had Zoe Saldaña make tartes with him!

Address: 35 avenue de l'Opéra, 19th arrondissement

Best Chocolate Cake in Paris

Besides other chocolatiers who make delightful cakes in Paris, Laurent Duchêne is a stand-out that is worthy of a mention. Chef Duchêne is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France et Meilleur Pâtissier de Paris Gault et Millau. His pastry shop is definitely worth a visit!

Address: 238 rue de la Convention, 15th arrondissement

Best Chocolate Soufflés in Paris

Le Soufflé

My first chocolate soufflé in a restaurant was at Le Soufflé, located near Place Vendôme, which is a treasured Parisian institution known for its wonderful chocolate soufflé. This lovely restaurant's recipe dates back to 1961 and captivates its customers with its immaculate presentation, exquisite crispness, and heavenly melting core.

We went there many times while staying at the Westin Paris – Vendôme and we were never disappointed. I think they have the best chocolate souffle in Paris!

Address: 36 Rue du Mont Thabor, 1st arrondissement

Comice

Comice was created by Noam Gedalof and Etheliya Hananova as a world of art and beauty. This institution has earned a reputation as a refuge for its superb soufflés. Don’t forget to try their chocolate soufflé, flawlessly executed with a perfectly risen structure. 

It has a firm outer crust that gracefully guards its molten chocolate center. Plus, a quenelle of velvety vanilla ice cream tops this culinary masterpiece. A genuinely wonderful experience!

Address: 31, avenue de Versailles, 16th arrondissement

Champeaux

If you're looking for a more modern experience, head to Alain Ducasse's Champeaux, a vast industrial-style restaurant where the art of soufflé takes center place. Located in the Forum des Halles, Ducasse has mastered the technique of creating one of Paris' finest chocolate soufflés. 

This delicacy, with its perfect height and melt-in-your-mouth center, features chocolate from La Manufacture d'Alain Ducasse (his chocolate-making factory), providing an outstanding taste experience. 

Address: Rue Rambuteau, 1st arrondissement 

Apicius

Prepare to be blown away by a delicate and buttery soufflé waiting for you within the walls of a historic 18th-century hotel at Apicius. This light soufflé, filled with rich chocolate flavors, is elegantly presented on gorgeous Limoges porcelain for a one-of-a-kind dessert experience

Address: 20, rue d'Artois, 8th arrondissement 

Le Récamier

The tiny restaurant Le Récamier, located on Paris' Left Bank has become a sanctuary for lovers of the delicious chocolate soufflé. Chef Gérard Idoux, noted for his passion for resurrecting the French soufflé, has gathered a following of notable personalities who love to sample his creations. 

Their seasonal menu includes over fourteen different kinds of savory and sweet soufflés. Even the lovely terrace of Le Récamier will tempt you to indulge in their ultimate chocolate soufflé experience before the summer ends.

Address: 4, rue Récamier, 7th arrondissement 

More Best of Food in Paris

• Best crepes in Paris
• Best donuts in Paris
• Best macarons in Paris
• Best croissants in Paris
• Best ice cream in Paris
• Best chocolate in Paris
• Best hot chocolate in Paris
• Best fondue in Paris
• Best French onion soup in Paris

Best Hot Chocolate in Paris

Indulging in a cup of hot chocolate in Paris is an experience like no other. The city has a longstanding love affair with this velvety beverage, and the result is a rich and decadent treat that surpasses expectations. 

Parisian hot chocolate is renowned for its intense flavor, luxurious thickness, and exquisite craftsmanship. Whether you prefer it dark and intense or creamy and smooth, Paris offers a wide array of hot chocolate variations to satisfy every palate. From charming traditional cafes such as Angelina and Carette to trendy chocolate boutiques like Toraya and Plaq, the city boasts numerous hotspots where you can savor this beloved drink.

To discover the best places to enjoy a heavenly cup of hot chocolate in Paris, make sure to check out my comprehensive hot chocolate guide, where I’ve curated a handpicked selection of some of the finest destinations for a delicious cup of chocolat chaud.

Chocolate Museum in Paris

Did you know there is a whole museum dedicated to the world of chocolate in Paris? 

Head to Le Musee Gourmand du Chocolat, which houses over 1,000 chocolate-related antiques. Once in, you can explore the museum's expansive exhibits and demonstrations, delving into the 4,000-year history of the cocoa bean.

It is a fantastic way to learn about the rich cultural significance of chocolate, from the ancient Mayans and Aztecs to the transfer of cocoa to Europe in the 1500s. They have live demonstrations as well as chocolate samplings. Children can join in unique activities and even treasure hunts

The chocolate samples include a range of products, such as silky smooth Costa Rican chocolate, delicious fruity Peruvian chocolate, and some enticing scents of Vanuatu cocoa beans. You will also discover the surprising health benefits of chocolate, which can help you feel less guilty about indulging. Don’t forget to stop by the museum shop to grab some chocolate-related souvenirs on your way out!

Address: Chocolate Museum (Le Musee Gourmand du Chocolat), 28 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, 10th arrondissement

Needless to say, I am just a little bit of a chocoholic but the French believe a piece of chocolate a day keeps the doctor away, so I am rolling with it!

How about you? Do you have a favorite French chocolatier or chocolate item in Paris? Do tell!

Don't forget to pin this for later!

Share now!

AUTHOR BIO

Andi Fisher

I am married to a French man, lived in France for 3 years, and have been to Paris more than 50 times. I am always a tourist so the information, tip, and tricks I share are created to help you!