Selections from the

La dolce vita
France’s best chocolate and flower shops

CHOCOLATES

Chocotruffe In addition to her traditional ganaches and pralines (400F per kg), Madame Tissier offers chocolate lovers numerous creations many of which are associated with certain days of the year — including a special Advent calendar “theme” and heart shapes for Valentine’s Day. All kinds of quirky chocs... even African masks, and for children, the entire contents of a school satchel (pencil case, pen-tray...).Tue-Sat 10am to 7:30pm, 39 rue du Cherche-Midi, 6e, M° Sèvres-Babylone, tel: 01 42 22 49 99

La Fontaine au Chocolat A visit to Michel Cluizel’s (a master chocolate maker since 1948) has become a “must” for connoisseurs, whether they prefer “dark” or “milk,” or chocolates made with nuts and rum, mint, or calvados and raisins. A 150g box of mendiants (chocolaty biscuits with dried fruit) is 72F, while 200g of pistoles costs 96F. Such exceptional talent couldn’t possibly be confined to France... Indeed, Monsieur Cluizel now has a shop in Tokyo. Mon-Sat 10am to 7pm, 201 rue St-Honoré, 1er, M° Tuileries, tel: 01 42 44 11 66. Alternative address: 101 rue St-Honoré, 1er, tel: 01 42 44 11 66

Nicolsen Right in the middle of the rue Mouffetard market, this shop offers the gourmet a choice between a variety of ganaches (flavored with tea, mint, mocha, ginger, orange or whisky), as well as chocolate-coated caramels (36F for 100g). Along with a fabulous array of chocolaty desserts, including delicious homemade brownies (from 68F for 3-4 people to 108F for 8-10 people). Mon-Sat 9am to 1:30pm & 2:30-7:30pm, Sun 9am to 1:30pm, 112 rue Mouffetard, 5e, M° Censier-Daubenton, tel: 01 43 36 78 04

Christian Constant This shop proffers the very best dark chocolate (pure, even 100% cocoa) in bars or in ganaches flavored with coffee, tea, almonds or cinnamon (480F per kg). An exceptional pastry cook, Christian Constant concocts superb desserts with evocative names such as “Black Sun” (chocolate mousse and cinnamon, harmoniously blended in the shape of a dome), or “China Flower” (a gourmandise perfumed with jasmine tea...). Mon-Sun 8:30am to 9pm, 37 rue d’Assas, 6e, M° St-Placide, tel: 01 53 63 15 15

Puyricard Founded in the small village of Puyricard in the Bouches-du-Rhône region, in the South of France... this firm has been established in Paris for the past two decades. Here, in a chocolate enclave, decorated with Provençal furnishings alluding to its origins, you’ll find a wide range of sugary creations (360F per kg): ganaches, caramels with salted butter and chocolates filled with mocha, marzipan, figs, orange or apricots, as well as pralines — not to mention authentic calissons from Aix (240F per kg). The owner’s welcome and southern sense of hospitality make this place a must for both festive and every day occasions. Mon 2-7pm, Tue-Sat 10am to 7pm, 27 avenue Rapp, 7e, M° Pont de l’Alma, tel: 01 47 05 59 47. Alternative address: 106 rue du Cherche-Midi, 6e, tel: 01 42 84 20 25

Michel Chaudin No longer obliged to make a name for himself, Michel Chaudin has adopted a highly creative approach to his trade. The knowledge and experience of this man whose ground-breaking products include chocolate with cocoa chips are an absolute guarantee of quality. In fact, his originality resides in his extraordinary artistic talent. A veritable sculptor, he models his chosen material into any form that springs to mind: boats, animals, toys... monuments, even! (Have you ever eaten a chocolate Eiffel Tower?) And, all kinds of symbols and letters are available. Tue-Sat 9:45am to noon & 1-7:30pm, 149 rue de l’Université, 7e, M° La Tour-Maubourg, tel: 01 47 53 74 40

A la Petite Fabrique In this boutique, you can choose from some 40 different chocolates, including ganaches, giandujas, bouchées with liqueur, pralines or palet d’or variations. You’ll find chocolate bars (from 10F to 20F for 80g) that combine cocoa with more than 16 other flavors (orange, tea...). Tue-Sat 11am to 7:30pm, 12 rue St-Sabin, 11e, M° Bastille, tel: 01 48 05 82 02

FLOWERS

Comme à la Campagne The smell of branches, of leaves, of abundant vegetation... instantly seduces you, as you enter this store. Create a bouquet in keeping with your mood and budget. Here, there are gift ideas galore! Small pots of jasmine in wickerwork (80F) hyacinths (50F), orchids (240F)... Along with a display of decorative objects, all inspired by the world of flowers: for instance, a lamp covered with ivy and a pine picture frame. Daily 11am to 8pm, 29 rue du Roi-de-Sicile, 4e, M° St-Paul, tel: 01 40 29 09 90

Christian Tortu Highly imaginative flower and leaf arrangements that follow the seasons: mimosa in spring, but also violets, pansies and daffodils, or anemones, tulips and jonquils when it’s colder outside! You’ll love the apple or pear branches which give such charm to Christian Tortu’s creations. Expect a minimum cost of 150F or 200F for the bouquet of your dreams. And, there’s an equally original collection of candles and accessories, such as zinc vases from 370F. This is a trendy address you absolutely must check out. Mon-Sat 10am to 8pm, 6 Carrefour de l’Odéon, 6e, M° Odéon, tel: 01 55 42 65 15

Espace Bonsai Remy Samson A place where both the connoisseur and the uninitiated will find something to enchant them: there are masses of tools and manuals, as well as hundreds of specimens from Asia. The keenest among you will be able to follow courses on how to take care of these, or teach themselves by acquiring a book on the subject. Tue-Sat 10:30am to 1pm & 2-7pm, 10 rue de la Comète, 7e, M° La Tour-Maubourg, tel: 01 45 56 07 21

Baptiste Tiny posies of violets or magnificent bouquets of hydrangeas... The choice is yours! Florists with magic hands will promptly put together a colorful, sweet-smelling creation, conceived specially for you. Truly sublime bouquets, from 50F for a bunch of tulips to 500F or more. Daily 8am to 8:30pm, 85 rue Vaneau, 7e, M° St-Germain-des-Prés, tel: 01 42 22 82 31