2 Best Places to Shop in Around the Eiffel Tower, Paris

Specializing in chocolate sculptures, pastries, and other sinful delights, this enchanting boutique is any chocolate lover's dream. Maverick chocolatier Michel Chaudun was a legend around Paris. Trained at the Maison du Chocolat, the master confectioner was the very first to strike out on his own, long before Paris became a chocolate mecca. He was also the first to introduce granules of cocoa bean into his chocolates to achieve a rich intensity. In 2015, Chaudun passed the baton to Gilles Marchal, who has more than upheld the standard.

Founded in 1800, this Parisian chocolatier rose to fame for providing “health chocolates” to Marie-Antoinette (now sold as Pistoles de Marie-Antoinette) and was soon the sole supplier of sweets to the French kings and aristocracy. The Rue des Saints-Père flagship—designed by the architects to Napoléon—may be a classified historic monument but it’s brushed off its fussy image, unveiling a chic range of chocolates to accompany cocktails. Delightful illustrated cards are found inside every chocolate box featuring famous clients, from Marcel Proust to Sonia Rykiel. And you’ll still find their signature Croquamandes (chocolate-covered almonds), truffles, candied chestnuts, and sublime fruit jellies.