Maison Chaudun (chocolate store), Paris

Michel Chaudun, a name synonymous with masterful chocolate craftsmanship, established his eponymous store on University Street in Paris in 1986. His new venture quickly gained popularity, enchanting generations of Parisian children with its magical window displays and becoming the first French chocolatier to expand to Japan, in 1991.

For Chaudun, chocolate is not just food but an art form, demanding a perfect balance of flavors. Here, they practice assemblage, skillfully blending different cocoa vintages from major producers to craft a unique, harmonious chocolate experience. This approach is likened to a symphony of subtle, elegant flavors that create complex sensory experiences, contrasting with the trend towards single-variety chocolates.

A signature creation, the Pavé, epitomizes Maison Chaudun’s philosophy of combining technical sophistication with elegant simplicity. Introduced in 1991, these small squares of soft ganache delicately dusted with cocoa encapsulate the essence of Chaudun’s style. Pavés are more delicate and short-lived by all accounts: a chocolate creation that is much more than a truffle.

Further innovating, Chaudun developed a unique chocolate bar with cocoa nibs in 1993, inspired by a request for coffee bean chocolate. This led to the creation of a distinctive chocolate using freshly roasted cocoa beans, a method that remains partially secret and inimitable.

Recently, Maison Chaudun has returned to its roots, offering a select array of cakes and pastries that blend the art of chocolate with contemporary pastry techniques, available in variations like Dark Pavé or White Pavé. These pavés and their awesome bonbons are a true delight.

Lately, Maison Chaudun has also expanded its repertoire to include candied fruits from Corsica, adhering to the same high standards of natural, quality ingredients without artificial enhancements. For a burst of tangy sunshine, try these!

Additionally, visitors can admire or purchase fabulous chocolate handbags and statues, which are not only great sculptures but also delicious. Although one may be tempted to buy a box of chocolates as a gift or for later, these heavenly treats are very unlikely to make it home. ;)