Little Luxuries from Paris Part 2

Little Luxuries from Paris—The Chocolate That Ruins You for All Others

If there is one place in Paris that never fails to stop me in my tracks, it’s La Maison du Chocolat. In fact, when I get settled into the hotel, this is always one of my first stops. I have to stock up so I am ready for my long working days!!!

The moment you step inside any of the La Maison du Chocolat boutiques, everything slows down. The air is filled with the smell of chocolate, and the displays are like little arranged chocolate jewels behind a glass case. And the service? They treat you like royalty; gracious, patient, and genuinely delighted to help you make your choices.

The Maison was founded in 1977 by legendary French chocolatier Robert Linxe. The house was built on this simple yet powerful philosophy: chocolate should be refined, balanced, and deeply flavorful rather than overwhelmingly sweet. Even today, the chocolates are celebrated for their elegance and exceptional cacao. The French add a layer of refinement by using less sugar, allowing the exceptional flavor to shine through.

I have a few favorites that can always be found in my carry on, just enough to hold the cravings at bay and to be enjoyed for a short time back home. Just in case you’re able to visit this favorite of mine, here they are.

First, their dark chocolate-covered almonds. They are dangerous—perfectly roasted almonds wrapped in a thin, crisp shell of deep dark chocolate. Somehow, they manage to be both indulgent and restrained enough that you keep reaching for one more.

Then there are the ganaches, which are extraordinary. My personal favorite is the passion fruit ganache. The bright fruit paired with dark chocolate creates the most beautiful balance, perfectly sweet and tart at the same time. In fact, any of their fruit ganaches in dark chocolate are exceptional. One small square melts on the tongue, and suddenly that craving for something delectable is completely satisfied.

And finally, the dark chocolate praliné, which I simply cannot resist. Hazelnuts and almonds are caramelized with sugar, then finely ground before chocolate is added to create a rich paste. That filling is then enrobed in yet another layer of dark chocolate. The result is deeply nutty, slightly crunchy, and slightly addictive.

The flavors are pure, the craftsmanship impeccable, and every piece feels like a moment of indulgence.

Whenever I bring a box home, I promise myself I’ll make it last. I never quite manage it. But for a few days, at least, there’s a little bit of Paris waiting in the kitchen. And really, it’s probably a good thing that Paris is such a wonderful walking city… considering all that chocolate.