La Chocolaterie Alain Ducasse, la Manufacture in Paris

Alain Ducasse's Manufacture de Chocolat has opened its doors in Paris, in the heart of the Bastille district. For lovers of real chocolate, Alain Ducasse has opened not just a boutique, but a factory that makes chocolate from A to Z.

If you're a chocolate junkie who can't stop, don't bother. This Manufacture de Chocolat could well be your undoing. Born ofAlain Ducasse's long-considered desire to create his own chocolate, the 1st Parisian Manufacture was set up on rue de la Roquette in Paris.

What makes this chocolate factory so special, apart from the fact that it was created by a three-starred chef, is the fact that chocolate is made by hand, from the bean to the candy. Equipped with old-fashioned machinery (nowadays, only large industrial machines are made), which had to be sourced far away and adapted for small-scale production, the factory takes care of conching the beans.

Does this have a real impact on the taste of chocolate? It's up to you to find out. What is certain is that the Manufacture, entrusted to the hands of Nicolas Berger, Alain Ducasse's former executive pastry chef, can pride itself on controlling the manufacture of chocolate at every stage. The aim is to sublimate the taste of cocoa beans from different origins through tailor-made adjustments.

At a time when industrial production is under attack, the return to home-made products, where we select our own high-quality basic ingredients without borrowing from intermediaries, is very appealing. In addition to chocolate, the factory also makes its own praline from the fruit.

The Manufacture supplies Ducasse's various restaurants, but a pretty adjoining boutique also awaits chocolate lovers. Under an attractive glass roof subtly decorated with old Banque de France furniture, you enter to discover a central display case under a cloche, presenting pralines and ganaches in a variety of flavors. The bookcases along the wall showcase the shelves in their retro look. Bars of different origins, sometimes impossible to find elsewhere, with different cocoa contents, filled or unfilled, chocolate bonbons, orangettes, chocolate almonds - there's enough to feed your compulsions.

Of course, with products of such high quality, it's hard to get away without making your wallet scream (especially if you find it hard to stop). Note, for example, that a 75g bar will cost you between €6 and €10, depending on type and origin.

In conclusion, a chocolate shop to discover, a little luxury to treat yourself to from time to time, in moderation!

Practical info:
Manufacture de chocolat Alain Ducasse
40 ure de la Roquette - Paris 11e
Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Pierre Monetta