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Is there anything more romantic than spending Valentine’s Day in Paris? The city’s grand architecture and mesmerizing Seine River are natural backdrops for lovers. And adding a chocolate tour to your V-Day itinerary is guaranteed to make your day even sweeter.
Paris Accommodation: 1-bedroom rental in St. Michel (PA-1899)
Spend the entire afternoon savoring divine chocolate from some of the best artisanal chocolatiers in the world. And since three of the best shops are located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district of Paris, it’s easy to walk from one delicious store to the next.
Begin your sumptuous tasting tour at Christian Constant, near the Luxembourg Gardens (37 rue d’Assas). The world-class chocolatier, best known for blending chocolate with exotic spices and flowers, has a devout following among chocolate-lovers. You’ll see why when you sample delectable combinations like dark chocolate with ylang ylang, orange blossoms and even earl grey tea.
From there, take a leisurely stroll over to the Pierre Hermé Boutique (72 Rue Bonaparte). Affectionately known as the “Picasso of Pastries,” Hermé is one of the most celebrated pastry chefs in the world. The boutique offers delicious pastries, cakes and gourmet chocolates, but no trip is complete without sampling a few of the heavenly macaroons. Choose from an assortment of flavors like milk chocolate with passion fruit and toasted hazelnut with white truffle cream.
Once you’ve managed to pull yourself away from Hermé’s addicting treats, it’s time to wind down the tour at Patrick Roger’s shop (108 Boulevard Saint-Germain). Roger’s over-the-top window displays and quirky chocolate sculptures are worth a trip in itself, but the confectionary delicacies are pure bliss. And in case you wanted your chocolate affair to continue well beyond your stay in Paris, Roger offers a box of chocolates over three feet long, filled with pralines, caramels, nougats and bon bons.
Stay in one of the many New York Habitat apartments nestled in the Saint-Germain-des-Pres neighborhood, and you’ll be able to begin the chocolate tour right from your front door. Consider one of these romantic apartments:
A luminous studio rental in St Michel - St Germain - Notre Dame (PA-705) with beautiful garden views and southern exposure. The apartment is located on the fifth floor of a charming late 16th century building.
A cozy 1-bedroom rental in St Michel - St Germain - Notre Dame (PA-1899) located just a few meters from the Seine. The apartment’s wood-beam ceiling gives off a warm chalet feel — a perfect winter retreat for Valentine’s Day lovers.
Visiting so many amazing chocolate shops will make you appreciate the joys of chocolate like never before. Stock up on some of the chocolatiers’ creations along the tour so you can enjoy them year-round.
Who do you think makes the best chocolate in Paris? Do you have a store that should be added to the tour? Please share your recommendations with us.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- Christmas in Paris: the City of Lights
- Top 5 Hidden Gem Museums in Paris — #3 Le Musée de la Monnaie
- Warm Up This Winter With Fondue in Paris
- Victor Hugo’s Paris Comes to Life
- Arab Institute of Paris: Bonaparte and Egypt exhibition
January 26th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
The best store for chocolates is Leonidas I love this store. The chocolates are great, it is true that they are quite expensive. In any case I am sure almost every gourmet chocolate store in Paris are excellent.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:29 am
I would recommend if you have can to go to the Salon du Chocolat (The Chocolate Show)in Paris. It will be taking place in October 2009. I am sure New York Habitat can help you to find a nice apartment.
January 29th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
After reading this article, I have to admit it realyl makes me want to travel to Paris and try any and all of the desserts that they have to offer. I love white chocolate, and I would love to go these different places and test the difference between sweets here in the U.S. and over in France.
January 30th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
I’m not a real chocolate person–go figure, a girl who doesn’t like chocolate–but Richart is without a doubt the best French Gourmet Chocolate. Unfortunately, I don’t live in Paris and can’t indulge myself with the delctable flavors on a regular basis, but I can always shop Richart chocolates online when I feel that overwhelming urge.
February 5th, 2009 at 2:16 pm
Spending Valentine’s in Paris, what a romantic way to enjoy this “Holiday”….Maybe this should be something mandatory in every relationship!!!!!! Happy Valentine’s day to every one