Some sweet solace for the arm-chair traveler…
Paris has its four-season allure but springtime is a perfect time for wandering the streets of this magnificent city.
Sweet lovers can’t help but gaze into the seductive display windows of patisseries and chocolateries with confections that often look more like art than edibles.
Chocolatier Par Excellence: La Maison du Chocolat
Legendary in Paris and the world of chocolates is La Maison du Chocolat, which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this October. In 1977, founder Robert Linxe opened the first boutique dedicated entirely to chocolate on one of the most fashionable streets in Paris, Rue de Faubourg Saint-Honore.
Linxe, often referred to as the “Sorcerer of Ganache,” is especially known, too, for his signature packaging that is so beautiful that purchasers are more likely to give them a second life than throw them away.
If you can’t get to Paris, you can visit one of the La Maison du Chocolat boutiques closer to home or order the chocolates online for U.S. delivery.
Gifting a box of these creatively packaged chocolates is a great way to acknowledge friends, family—or as a splurge on an any-day gift for someone special in your life.
From Zagat Review of La Maison du Chocolat (Madison Avenue)
…French chocolates in très “unique” flavors, plus “perfect macarons”, pastries and “insanely smooth” hot chocolate, all of which can be consumed on-site; prices are in the “investment-banker” range, but the “delectable” goods in “beautiful”, haut packaging are “well worth it” – and a sweet “way to self-medicate after a bad day.”