There's something magical about stepping into a Parisian chocolate shop. The smell of cocoa, the beautiful displays, the temptation to try just one more praline… Who could resist?
But with so many incredible chocolatiers in Paris, where should you start?
We've handpicked 11 of the best chocolate shops in Paris, France, from legendary chocolate houses to creative artisans. Discover their specialities, where to find them and how you could save with a VAT refund on eligible purchases.
And if you're planning to bring back more than chocolate, don't miss our guide to the best souvenirs to buy in Paris!
Key takeaways
- Every chocolatier has something special: Patrick Roger turns chocolate into art, Jacques Genin is famous for his caramels, and Alain Ducasse celebrates the rich flavours of cocoa.
- Looking for a gift? Le Chocolat des Français is hard to resist with its creamy salted-caramel chocolate bars and crunchy praline treats, while La Maison du Chocolat offers elegant ganache assortments.
- Not sure what to buy? Pralines and ganaches are French classics, while artisan chocolate bars are ideal for discovering different cocoa flavours.
- You could save on your shopping: If you live outside the EU, some chocolates exported unused may qualify for a VAT refund. With Zapptax, you can combine purchases from different French stores.
The 11 best chocolate shops in Paris, France
1. Patrick Roger: chocolate meets art
Patrick Roger takes chocolate-making to another level. Famous for his spectacular chocolate sculptures, this award-winning French chocolatier combines artistic creativity with exceptional craftsmanship. Beyond the impressive displays, you'll find rich ganaches, crunchy pralines and delicious chocolate-covered almonds. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates both art and chocolate.
📍 108 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris
2. Jacques Genin: a paradise for chocolate lovers
Hidden in Le Marais, Jacques Genin is celebrated for his delicate chocolate ganaches and irresistibly soft caramels. Everything here focuses on quality ingredients and perfectly balanced flavours. Don't leave without trying the famous salted butter caramels or the beautifully crafted fruit jellies.
📍 133 Rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
3. Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse: from cocoa bean to chocolate bar
Created by renowned French chef Alain Ducasse, this artisan chocolate manufacture transforms carefully selected cocoa beans into exceptional chocolates. Discover single-origin tablets, refined pralines and rich ganaches that reveal the complexity of cocoa. An excellent address for anyone curious about the art of chocolate-making.
📍 40 Rue de la Roquette, 75011 Paris
4. Le Chocolat des Français: sweet souvenirs with personality
Who said chocolate gifts had to be traditional? Le Chocolat des Français combines delicious French-made chocolates with colourful packaging designed by artists. From chocolate bars to pralines and personalised gift boxes, there's plenty to fall for. A fun stop for anyone looking for a Parisian souvenir that's as beautiful as it is tasty!
📍 39 Avenue de l'Opéra, 75002 Paris; 36 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris.
5. La Maison du Chocolat: the luxury gift
Looking for an elegant souvenir? La Maison du Chocolat is a Parisian classic. Founded in 1977, this prestigious house is known for its silky ganaches, delicate pralines and beautifully presented assortments. Its signature gift boxes are perfect for treating someone special or yourself!
📍 225 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris
6. Jean-Paul Hévin: refined French chocolate
Jean-Paul Hévin is one of France's most respected chocolatiers, celebrated for his precise craftsmanship and inventive creations. His boutique offers sophisticated ganaches, dark chocolate tablets and delicious macarons. Chocolate enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the opportunity to discover different cocoa origins and intensities.
📍 231 Rue Saint-Honoré (courtyard entrance), 75001 Paris
7. À la Mère de Famille: a sweet trip back in time
Step inside one of Paris's oldest confectioneries, established in 1761. With its vintage décor, traditional sweets and irresistible chocolate assortments, À la Mère de Famille feels like a journey into another era. It's the perfect place to pick up nostalgic French treats, from orangettes to beautifully packaged chocolates.
📍 35 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris
8. Chapon: discover the flavours of cocoa
Chapon is an excellent choice for adventurous chocolate lovers. Known for its carefully selected cocoa beans, the house creates distinctive chocolate tablets, pralines and ganaches. Its indulgent chocolate mousse is another speciality worth discovering, particularly if you enjoy rich, intense cocoa flavours.
📍 69 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris
9. Pierre Marcolini: Belgian chocolate in Paris
Why not add a Belgian touch to your Parisian chocolate adventure? Pierre Marcolini brings exceptional cocoa craftsmanship and contemporary elegance to his Paris boutiques. Expect delicate pralines, signature chocolate hearts and beautifully designed gift boxes. A wonderful stop if you're searching for refined chocolates to bring home.
📍 89 Rue de Seine, 75006 Paris
10. Debauve & Gallais: chocolate fit for royalty
Founded in 1800, Debauve & Gallais is one of Paris's most historic chocolate houses, with a fascinating connection to the French royal court. Its elegant boutique offers traditional chocolate assortments and the famous chocolate pistoles. A lovely address for combining a delicious treat with a little Parisian history.
📍 30 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75007 Paris
11. Edwart Chocolatier: chocolate with a creative twist
Looking for something unexpected? Edwart Chocolatier reinvents traditional chocolate with surprising ingredients, from aromatic spices to unusual flavour combinations. Located in the heart of Le Marais, this contemporary chocolatier is a great alternative to the city's more traditional chocolate houses.
📍 17 Rue Vieille du Temple, 75004 Paris
Where to find the best chocolate shops in Paris by neighbourhood
Why spend your day crossing Paris when you can visit several excellent chocolatiers in the same neighbourhood? Here are three areas worth exploring.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: a chocolate lover's walking route
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is perfect for a chocolate-filled afternoon. Start at Patrick Roger on Boulevard Saint-Germain, stop by Pierre Marcolini on Rue de Seine, then explore Debauve & Gallais and Chapon nearby.
Between chocolate stops, enjoy the neighbourhood's art galleries, charming streets and iconic cafés. You can also discover more addresses in our Saint-Germain shopping guide.
Le Marais: classic ganaches and unexpected flavours
If you prefer independent boutiques and unexpected flavours, head to Le Marais. Jacques Genin is a favourite for his delicate ganaches and buttery caramels, while Edwart Chocolatier offers more adventurous creations.
The neighbourhood is also packed with vintage shops, art galleries and charming cafés. Perfect for combining chocolate tasting with a little shopping!
Central Paris: iconic chocolate shops near the sights
Short on time? You can easily fit a chocolate stop into your sightseeing itinerary. Discover Le Chocolat des Français near Opéra Garnier for colourful chocolate gifts, Jean-Paul Hévin near Place Vendôme or the historic À la Mère de Famille near Grands Boulevards.
No special itinerary needed, just follow your sweet tooth!
What chocolate should you buy in Paris?
With so many tempting options, choosing can be tricky. Looking for something to enjoy straight away or a delicious gift to bring home? Here's what to look for.
Pralines and ganaches: the French classics
For a taste of traditional French craftsmanship, start with pralines and ganaches. Pralines combine chocolate with delicious nutty flavours, while ganaches offer smooth, melting centres.
A mixed assortment is ideal for discovering different textures without committing to one flavour.
Chocolate bars: simple but full of flavour
Don't overlook artisan chocolate bars! They're a great way to explore different cocoa origins, from fruity and floral to intense and roasted.
They're also easier to pack than delicate filled chocolates, making them a practical souvenir.
Chocolate gift boxes: a taste of Paris to bring home
A beautifully packaged chocolate box makes an elegant alternative to typical tourist souvenirs.
La Maison du Chocolat and Pierre Marcolini are excellent choices for luxury gifts, while À la Mère de Famille offers traditional French sweets with a nostalgic touch.
Just remember to check the shelf life, especially for fresh ganaches.
Can tourists claim a VAT refund on chocolate purchases in Paris?
Good news for international shoppers! If you live outside the European Union, your chocolate purchases may qualify for a VAT refund.
The catch? Your chocolates must leave the EU with you, unused, and your purchases must meet the tax-free shopping requirements. That box of pralines you finish during your Paris stay won't count, but the chocolates you pack to take home could!
How to get a VAT refund with Zapptax
Imagine buying chocolates in Saint-Germain, perfume near Opéra and a few fashion accessories during your trip. With Zapptax, you can combine purchases from different French stores and shopping days to reach the €100.01 minimum spending threshold.
Here's how:
- Download the Zapptax app and complete your traveller profile.
- Ask for an invoice in Zapptax's name when shopping, using the billing details provided in the app.
- Upload your invoices and generate your tax-free form once the requirements are met.
- Validate your form at Customs when leaving the EU, keeping your purchases accessible for inspection.
- Receive your refund after successful validation and processing.
To qualify, you must normally live outside the EU, be at least 16 years old and export your eligible purchases within the required deadline.
Make your Paris shopping even sweeter with Zapptax
Chocolates, perfume, fashion, souvenirs… Your Parisian shopping list can add up quickly.
Why not make the most of it? With Zapptax, eligible non-EU travellers can manage their tax-free purchases in one app, without relying on individual store refund procedures.
Curious how much you could save? Try our VAT refund calculator before shopping in Paris.
Conclusion: Paris, one chocolate shop at a time
Our advice? Pick a few chocolatiers that catch your eye, explore the surrounding streets and enjoy every bite. You might even discover a new favourite along the way.
And if you're bringing chocolates and other French treasures home, don't forget to check your VAT refund eligibility with Zapptax.
Because a suitcase filled with delicious Parisian finds is even better when you've shopped smart.
FAQ
Are chocolate shops in Paris open on Sundays?
Some are, but not all! Jacques Genin's Marais boutique welcomes visitors on Sundays, while La Maison du Chocolat on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré is closed. Always check opening hours before heading out, especially on public holidays.
Can you taste chocolate before buying in Paris?
Some boutiques offer tastings, although free samples aren't guaranteed. At Jean-Paul Hévin's Vendôme boutique, visitors can try a featured chocolate bar that changes weekly. Don't hesitate to ask the staff what's available.
Can you find vegan or dairy-free chocolates in Paris?
Yes. Some Parisian chocolatiers offer vegan creations, including fruit-flavoured ganaches at La Maison du Chocolat. However, not all dark chocolates are dairy-free, so always check the ingredients. If you have allergies, ask about possible cross-contamination too.
Can you create your own chocolate gift box?
At some boutiques, yes. La Maison du Chocolat, for example, lets you customise certain assortments with your favourite flavours. It's a lovely way to create a more personal gift instead of choosing a pre-packed selection.
Can you attend a chocolate-making workshop in Paris?
Yes! If you'd like to try making chocolates yourself, Edwart Chocolatier offers hands-on workshops in Paris, including sessions in English. Booking ahead is recommended, as places are limited and some workshops have minimum age requirements.
Can Parisian chocolate shops deliver internationally?
Some do! La Maison du Chocolat, for instance, offers international delivery to selected destinations, although international shipping is suspended during the spring and summer. Check the chocolatier's delivery options before ordering, especially if you're planning to send chocolates as gifts.
