The best places to visit for amazing chocolate
We chocoholics don't need an excuse to indulge in our passion! So in honour of World Chocolate Day, we've listed some of the best places in the world to enjoy fabulous chocolate treats.
Bruges
Most people visit Bruges for its wonderfully-preserved Gothic architecture - indeed, it's considered the best preserved city in all of Flanders. Highlights include the Provost's House (1666); and the Church of Our Lady (13th century onwards).
But for those with a sweet tooth - particularly the chocolate variety - it's the chocolate shops of Bruges that will be of most interest.
Almost every street has its own chocolate emporium, offering beautifully-made chocolates of every imaginable flavour and style.
Jacques Genin Chocolate Shop in Paris
Paris is known for many things - one of which is a chocolate lover's paradise. With a wide selection of expert chocolatiers, Paris really is a chocoholic's haven.
The process of making chocolates is a serious business - something you'll really appreciate when you see Jacques Genin - master chocolatier - in action.
A visit to Jacques Genin's Chocolate Shop is a visit to Chocolate Heaven. Actually, there are two in central Paris: on the 27 Rue de Varenne and 133 Rue de Turenne. Why not visit both?
Take a look at Genin's extraordinary chocolate artworks here.
La Maison du Chocolat
Founded by Robert Linx with over thirty years of experience as a chocolatier, La Maison du Chocolat (The House of Chocolate) has plenty of choices to offer even the most discriminating taste buds. Delicious handmade chocolate, La Maison du Chocolat ranges include creamy ganaches to the most luxurious truffles and chocolate bars.
Indeed, such is the success of the brand, branches can be found globally outside of Paris, including Japan, New York and London.
Edelweiss, Beverly Hills, California
There are lots of reasons to visit California - from theme parks like Disneyland, Universal Studios and Boomerang Bay, to the Yosemite and Redwood National Parks.
But if you happen to be a chocolate lover, then the Edelweiss chocolate shop in Beverly Hills will make your Californian sojourn that much sweeter.
Established for more than 70 years, Edelweiss's exquisite chocolates have been a firm favourite with the likes of Frank Sinatra.
They offer more than 120 different types of chocolates, mostly made the old fashioned way.
San Gines Chocolate Shop, Madrid
San Gines is probably Madrid's most famous chocolate shop, which is why there's often a long queue outside. However, inside, you won't find truffles and bars of chocolate; San Gines speciality is hot chocolate and churros (deep-fried tubes of pastry you dip into the chocolate).
If you're short of time or are desperate to get a taste of the delicious churros without queuing too long, there is a takeaway kiosk across the road where you can enjoy San Gines' famous churros on the go, without having to wait.
Paul A Young, London
If you're desperate for some world-class chocolates, you don't necessarily need to leave the country.
London boasts many fine chocolatiers, not least of which is Paul A Young, who's Soho and Islington shops show off his remarkable chocolate wares.
Paul has a reputation as an incredibly creative flavour alchemist, whose creativity has won him numerous awards and led to him being ranked amongst the world's best chocolatiers.
Will you love or hate the Marmite filled chocolate bar?
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