No matter the question, chocolate is the answer. So whether you prefer Switzerland’s creamy Alpine milk chocolate or the delicate constructions of a French artisan chocolatier, you’ll find the perfect tonic in our chocolate lover’s guide to Europe.
Spend your days marvelling at decadently decorated chocolateries and attend some of the most renowned chocolate festivals in the world. And if you’re travelling by ferry, why not fill up the car with as many treats and truffles that you can get your hands on and reap the benefits of your chocolate tour for months to come?
Chocolate heaven in Paris
Elegant displays of beautifully designed chocolates adorn plenty a window along the streets of Paris – this is a city famous for its food, after all. Begin by swatting up on all things cocoa at Choco-Story, a museum detailing the history of chocolate that starts 4,000 years ago as a crucial role in Mayan rituals. After that, you’re introduced to genuine chocolatiers, get to sample the goods and even make your own treats. Then take to the French capital’s streets for a walking tour of the city – with convenient stops at some of the best chocolateries around. Wander along the north bank of the river to visit the delectable Pierre Hermé, Gerard Mulot and Chocolat de Neuville artisan shops, then find Ladurée and La Maison du Chocolat on the south bank.
Ultimate chocolate lovers should plan their trip to Paris around the Salon du Chocolat, held between 31st October and 4th November. This cocoa extravaganza is the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate, bringing together over 500 participants from 60 countries. As well as trying a few of the exquisite artisan samples on offer, you can marvel at the exhibits and elaborate chocolate sculptures, attend pastry workshops and watch live demos and talks from the best of the best. The highlight of this event is undoubtedly the Chocolate Fashion Show, which sees 15 pairs of chocolatiers and fashion designers combine forces to create stunning couture outfits made and inspired by chocolate.
Cocoa mad in Belgium
In Belgium, chocolate is a serious art. Rather than blending it in with pastry or baking courses, the country even has whole schools dedicated to the wonders of Belgian chocolate. And Brussels is the heartland of this local specialty – and it only takes an hour and a half to reach once you disembark your ferry to Belgium. The Groovy Chocolate Tour walks you past its most beautiful chocolate shops, passing by the city’s iconic monuments and stopping for plenty of treats along the way. Next, head to the Neuhaus Chocolate Factory Store – where praline was invented. Arrive early to stock up on bargains at wholesale prices.
If you’re visiting Belgium near Christmas, make sure to check out ChocoPalace Festival. Held in Wallonia between 1st and 23rd December, the festival transports visitors to a magical world made of chocolate. Its crowning feature this year is a complex jungle world with monkeys, crocodiles, parrots and even a three-metre high elephant in a magnificent riverside habitat – and you guessed it, they’re all made out of chocolate. After a walk through this rainforest, indulge on gourmet tastings of chocolates, waffles and churros, which you can wash down with some of the beer, wines and spirits also on offer there.
Indulgence in Switzerland
The home of Lindt, Milka and Toblerone attracts chocolate lovers from around the world in a bid to sample their favourite brands right where they began. Start in Zurich, where you can tour some of the most famous chocolatiers around. In the centre, a visit to the Teuscher store should be the first stop on your list. This premier chocolatier has mouthwatering filled chocolates in a range of flavours, but the most iconic of these is the famous champagne truffles, made with Dom Pérignon, no less. A short journey out to Kilchberg by Lake Zurich takes you to the Lindt & Sprungli factory store. On a guided tour of this famous establishment, you’ll be invited to try innovative and experimental new flavour combinations – and could even be one of the first in the world to pioneer a new favourite!
For a truly unique experience, why not book a spot on the Chocolate Train? Beginning in Montreux, close to the French border, this nostalgic first-class trip is a dream for cheese and chocolate lovers alike. The train first stops in the town of Gruyères for a tour of the cheese factory, where you can learn all about the wonderfully gooey local delicacy. Once back on the train, you’ll head to the historic Maison Callier in Broc, where an interactive factory and museum takes you through the entire chocolate-making process – from the sourcing of cacao beans all the way to the delicious final product.
Ready to begin a chocolate tour of Europe? Book your ferry crossing today.
