10 Best French Chocolate Brands You Should Try

France is globally renowned for its exquisite culinary traditions, and when it comes to chocolate, the French certainly don’t disappoint. While Belgium and Switzerland are often spotlighted for chocolate, French chocolatiers bring a unique artistry and refinement that set their creations apart. From silky ganaches to perfectly balanced pralines, the best French chocolate brands emphasize craftsmanship, premium ingredients, and timeless elegance.

Whether you’re a dedicated chocoholic or a curious gourmand, here’s a list of the 10 best French chocolate brands you need to know. These names represent the crème de la crème of French chocolate artistry.

1. La Maison du Chocolat

Founded: 1977
Location: Paris

Why it’s special:
La Maison du Chocolat is a Parisian icon that blends classic French sophistication with an innovative approach to flavor. Created by Robert Linxe, the brand is known for its silky-smooth ganaches and delicate truffles. It was among the first to elevate chocolate from a sweet treat to a luxurious culinary experience.

Must-try:

Dark chocolate truffles
Caracas ganache (64% dark chocolate)

2. Pierre Hermé

Founded: 1998
Location: Paris

Why it’s special:
Often dubbed the “Picasso of Pastry,” Pierre Hermé is best known for his legendary macarons, but his chocolates are equally impressive. Hermé plays with bold flavor combinations, from passionfruit and basil to black lemon and rose. Each chocolate is meticulously designed and aesthetically stunning.

Must-try:

Assortment boxes with exotic ganaches
Ispahan-infused chocolate

3. Michel Cluizel

Founded: 1948
Location: Normandy

Why it’s special:
A true bean-to-bar pioneer, Michel Cluizel is a family-run business that works directly with cacao growers. They control every step of production, ensuring quality and traceability. Their single-origin bars showcase the pure essence of cacao with no added soy or artificial flavorings.

Must-try:

Noir Infini 99% dark chocolate bar
Plantation Mangaro Madagascar chocolate

4. Jean-Paul Hévin

Founded: 1986
Location: Paris

Why it’s special:
Jean-Paul Hévin is a Meilleur Ouvrier de France (Best Craftsman of France) winner, and his chocolates reflect this honor. His style is refined and often inspired by savory elements, such as smoked tea, cheese, and even foie gras. His boutiques in Paris and Tokyo offer a couture-like chocolate experience.

Must-try:

Chocolate macarons
Cheese and chocolate pairings

5. Patrick Roger

Founded: 1997
Location: Sceaux (Île-de-France)

Why it’s special:
Patrick Roger is both a master chocolatier and a sculptor. His boutiques are part art gallery, part chocolate haven. Known for large chocolate sculptures and unique flavor combinations, Roger’s approach is daring and avant-garde. His chocolates often play with herbs, citrus, and rare spices.

Must-try:

Lime and basil ganache
Pralinés with hazelnut and coriander

6. Chapon Chocolatier

Founded: 1985
Location: Paris

Why it’s special:
Patrice Chapon began his career as an ice cream maker at Buckingham Palace before turning his passion to chocolate. Chapon is particularly celebrated for its whimsical packaging and vintage-style tins. Their chocolate mousse bar in Paris is a destination in itself.

Must-try:

Chocolate mousse bar (tasting experience)
Venezuelan and Peruvian origin bars

7. Bernachon

Founded: 1953
Location: Lyon

Why it’s special:
A legendary name outside the Parisian circuit, Bernachon is one of the few French chocolatiers that roast and grind their own beans in-house. It’s still a family business, producing small-batch, high-quality chocolate. The brand has a cult following among chocolate purists.

Must-try:

Président cake (chocolate and almond praline)
Palets d’Or (gold-leaf-topped ganache)

8. Bonnat Chocolatier

Founded: 1884
Location: Voiron

Why it’s special:
Bonnat is among the oldest chocolate makers in France and an early adopter of the bean-to-bar philosophy. Their pure origin bars are smooth, complex, and reflective of terroir. Bonnat has also been involved in replanting rare cacao trees, making them a sustainability leader.

Must-try:

Hacienda El Rosario bar (Venezuela)
Chuao 75% dark chocolate

9. A la Mère de Famille

Founded: 1761
Location: Paris

Why it’s special:
This is the oldest chocolate shop in Paris. Walking into A la Mère de Famille feels like stepping back in time. Their charming boutique is filled with classic French sweets, from chocolate-covered almonds to traditional orangettes. It’s perfect for those who love nostalgic flavors.

Must-try:

Orangettes (candied orange peel in dark chocolate)
Coated fruit and nuts

10. Edwart Chocolatier

Founded: 2014
Location: Paris

Why it’s special:
One of the newer names on the scene, Edwart Chocolatier was founded by Edwin Yansané and brings a modern flair to French chocolate-making. The brand is known for its bold flavors and collaborations with international chefs and mixologists. It’s inventive and playful without losing authenticity.

Must-try: