In Paris, you will find some of the best chocolate stores in the world.
But one question remains: what are the best chocolate stores in Paris?
What was once considered a gift of the God of Wisdom in the ancient Aztec civilization and unknown to European citizens until the 16th century, is now something you can buy everywhere in the world, and particularly in Paris, from supermarkets to local bakeries and gift shops.
Needless to say that these mentioned outlets are NOT where you will find the best chocolate. Nothing compares to the unbelievable taste and craftsmanship of the real chocolate sold by real experts.
To give you access to a wonderful and unforgettable chocolate experience, we have asked our chocolate expert Lauranie to reveal her favorite chocolate stores in Paris.
Just so you know, some of these chocolate stores are visited during our Chocolate Walking Tour, where you will get the privilege to taste the house specialty in each and every chocolate store you enter.
But if you feel like discovering these chocolate experts on your own, here is Lauranie’s list of the 12 best chocolate stores in Paris. They are not ranked: it all depends on your tastes.
1 Debauve & Gallais
It is said that practice makes perfect. Should it be the case, then Debauve & Gallais is the epitome of perfection. Created in 1800 by Sulpice Debauve, Debauve & Gallais is the oldest chocolate store in Paris. Since day 1, they offered chocolate so delicious that they quickly became the official supplier for Napoleon and the French Court. So why not step into the shoes of some of the greatest French leaders and treat yourself to delicious chocolate at Debauve & Gallais. They offer a wide range of dark chocolates with coca percentage coming as high as 99%!
Address: 30, rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 45 48 54 67
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9AM to 7PM
Website: http://www.debauve-et-gallais.com/en/
2 Maison Pralus
La Maison Pralus originated in Roanne (a small city 100km away from Lyon) where Auguste Pralus set up his bakery in 1948. In 1955 he received the prestigious “Meilleurs Ouvrier de France” (MOF) award for his delicious chocolate creations. In 1988, his son François Pralus took over the business, and remains one of the finest chocolate experts in France, having won many prestigious awards himself. He has even invested in a cocoa plantation in Madagascar, enabling him to control the whole process from the bean to the end product.
Try the famous “barre infernale”, a large piece of chocolate. Deliciously infernal
Address: 35, rue de Rambuteau
Phone: +33 (0)1 57 40 84 55
Opening Hours: Every day from 10AM to 8PM (Sunday, the store closes at 7PM)
Website: https://www.chocolats-pralus.com/
3 Gérard Mulot
Located in the heart of Saint Germain (as well as in 2 other Parisian neighborhoods), Gérard Mulot not only has fine chocolate, but also a wide range of outstanding macarons (discover the best macarons in Paris here) and delicious pastries. Gérard Mulot opened his first store in 1975 in Saint Germain, and launched his first chocolate creations in 1980. The success was immediate and since that year, he has risen to become one of the best and most respected chocolate expert in Paris.The chocolate tablets are a must-buy!
Address: 76, rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 43 26 85 77
Opening Hours: Thursday to Tuesday from 7AM to 7:30PM. Closed on Wednesday
Website: http://www.gerard-mulot.com/
4 Jacques Genin
The lively and charming Marais district is where you will find Jacques Genin’s chocolate store. The chocolate is, of course, delicious, but that’s not all. Jacques Genin also makes wonderful caramels, fruit pastes, nougats and marshmallows. Try the caramel with huge chunks of almonds inside. Your children (and yourself) will be begging for more!
Address: 133, rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
Phone: +33 (0) 45 77 29 01
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11AM to 7PM. Closed on Monday
Website: http://jacquesgenin.fr/fr/
5 Jean-Charles Rochoux
When it comes to chocolate sculpture, it is almost impossible to compete with, let alone beat Jean-Charles Rochoux. He is not only a real chocolate expert, but a true artist, with chocolate creations resembling bronze statues or exotic animals. No one blends art and chocolate quite like Jean-Charles Rochoux. This luxurious chocolate shop will have everyone amazed, and taste buds will be taken to a point beyond imagination.
Address: 16, rue d’Assas, 75006 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 84 29 45
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:30 AM to 7:30PM (opens at 1PM on Monday). Closed on Sunday.
Website: http://www.jcrochoux.com/en
6 Jean-Paul Hévin
Another high end chocolate store is Jean-Paul Hévin, located in the very luxurious Rue Saint Honoré (where you will find luxury brands such as Hermès or Cartier). With great finesse and expert knowhow in the making, Jean-Paul Hévin is all about the classic taste. Nothing fancy or overly creative, just classic perfection. You will also find great macarons here.
Address: 231, rue Saint Honoré, 75001 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 55 35 35 96
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 7:30PM. Closed on Sunday
Website: https://www.jeanpaulhevin.com/en/
7 La Maison du Chocolat
La Maison du Chocolat (the House of Chocolate) was born out of the passion of Robert Linxe in 1977. From a small shop back in the day, it has become a chocolate brand you can find in every corner of the world, from the Rockerfeller Center in New York City to Pacific Place in Hong Kong! In 1996, Nicolas Cloiseau, master chocolatier and winner of the MOF prestigious award in 2007, joined La Maison du Chocolat, pushing forward the exceptional craft, finesse, elegance and taste of their high end chocolate.
Address: 225, rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 27 39 44
Opening Hours: Every day from 10AM to 8PM. Store closes at 1PM on Sunday
Website: http://www.lamaisonduchocolat.fr/en/#/home
8 Michel Cluizel
Michel Cluizel first started making chocolate in the family kitchen in Damville, a small town in Normandy where his parents had a bakery. Slowly but surely, his chocolates started getting a lot of attention and in 1987, Michel Cluizel opened his first shop in Paris. He also owns a chocolate factory in Normandy, where he makes some of the most delicious pure chocolate bars (99% cocoa).
Address: 201, rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 42 44 11 66
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 7PM. Closed on Sunday
Website: http://www.cluizel.com/en/
9 Patrick Roger
Patrick Roger is famous for his very surprising and daring, yet mouthwatering creations. He embraces freshness and acidity like no other chocolate expert in Paris, which makes his chocolate shop a must-do if your taste buds like adventure. Try Patrick Roger’s lemon & basil ganache, or the ginger and Sichuan pepper ganache. But is you are more of a traditional person, you won’t want to miss the jasmine tea ganache or their “praline feuilleté”.
Address: 108, boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 43 29 38 42
Opening Hours: Every day from 10:30AM to 7:30PM
Website: https://www.patrickroger.com/
10 Pierre Hermé
Pierre Hermé is famous for 2 things: his macaroons and his chocolate. In any of his outlets in Paris, there is a good chance you will have to wait a little before selecting your favorite chocolates as a lot of locals come here to buy their chocolate gifts or treats. Pierre Hermé has delicious classic creations, but for the ones seeking a bit of creativity, try the sweets with blue salt from Iran or the corn praliné, the taste of which will take you to the hills of Mexico, the birthplace of chocolate.
Address: 72, rue Bonaparte, 75006 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 43 54 47 77
Opening Hours: Every day from 10AM to 7PM (closes at 8PM on Saturday)
Website: http://www.pierreherme.com/
11 Pierre Marcolini
Pierre Marcolini is a person who likes change and innovation. If you expect to find the same things in his boutique as the last time you came, you are in for a surprise. His recipes and creations change constantly, like the seasons. One of his biggest success is something you will be able to taste only in winter: the 4 spices ganache, which will take you to the most charming and traditional Christmas markets in the East of France (Alsace region). But if you are here in summer, try the chocolate infusion!
Address: 89, rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 44 07 39 07
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:30AM to 7PM (closes between 1PM and 2PM on Tuesday and Thursday)
Website: https://eu.marcolini.com/?___from_store=eu_fr&___store=eu_en
12 Chocolats Richart
Chocolats Richart has a beautiful store on Boulevard Saint Germain, but this chocolate expert comes from Lyon, and everyone there knows this name (and their chocolate). Their very small individually decorated ganache are their trademark and are one of the most emblematic creations in the chocolate industry for the past 15 years. Some of the ganache filling are surprising and quite daring, but it’s always a great and delicious surprise.
Address: 258, boulevard Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris
Phone: +33 (0)1 45 55 66 00
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10AM to 7PM. Closed on Sunday.
Website: http://www.chocolats-richart.com/chocolat/