As if you didn’t already need an excuse to go to Paris…
We all know that France is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and what better time or place to delight your taste buds than the annual Salon du Chocolat (Chocolate Show) in Paris from 30th October – 4th November.
Salon du chocolat: the doubly gourmet edition
30th October until 3rd November
As the biggest event in the world dedicated solely to chocolate, the Salon du Chocolat is the unmissable event for those with a passion for this wonderful treat. Now in its 19th year in Paris, the event is supported by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and this year the Salon du Chocolat is bigger than ever, increasing from 12,500 to 20,000 square metres dedicated entirely to sweet treats. The Salon du Chocolat will host more than 400 participants, chocolatiers, cocoa experts, chefs and pastry chefs from all over the world and around 120,000 visitors, all passionate about one thing: chocolate.
This year through the exciting events taking place dedicated to Chocolate and Confectionery the Salon du Chocolat aims to explore the culinary and existential question: why is chocolate so magical? Must-see events include the Cocoa Show, chocolate-making demonstrations by some of the world’s best chocolatiers, talk and tasting sessions and the chocolate fashion show. The Salon du Chocolat’s fashion show is unique since it combines the freshest French fashion talent with the most talented chocolatiers to craft extraordinary couture masterpieces. This couldn’t happen anywhere else, the blending of Paris’ most indulgent pleasures: fashion and food. Expect to see creations that look too good to eat.
The Salon du Chocolat has become the place to be for chocolate lovers, who are offered the chance to discover everything there is to know about chocolate from cocoa bean to finished product. Visitors will not only learn about the traditions and savoir-faire hidden behind a seemingly simple bar of chocolate but will also discover chocolate trends for the year and be able to buy the world’s finest chocolate at a great price.
You are strongly advised to buy tickets beforehand from the show’s website (www.salonduchocolat.fr), however, a limited number of tickets will be available at the onsite box office during the show. Tickets costs €13 for adults and €6.50 for children under 12. Children under 3 enter for free. It will take place at Paris Expo, the exhibition centre at Porte de Versailles in the 15th arrondissement from 10am until 7pm between 30th October and 3rd November 2013.A London-Paris return on the Eurostar is currently from only £79 return during the festival!
If you can’t make the trip to Paris, versions of the show will also take place in other locations in France later in the year:
Lyon in the Centre de Congrès – Cité Internationale from 8th -11th November
Cannes at the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès from 23rd – 25th November
Marseille at the Parc Chanot from 28th February to 2nd March 2014
Lille at the Lille Grand Palais in February/March
Nantes at the Parc des Expositions in February/March
Bordeaux at Hangar 14 in March
For more information about the properties offered by Sextant in Paris click here.