I was hopingContext Paris was going to offer their chocolate walking tour of Paris (something both Sammi and my nephew would love to do), while we were there but it doesn't appear so. I was checking out Paris-Walks and they offer a private chocolate tour (assuming I can schedule it while I'm there) for €180 (context paris would have been way more for the 4 of us). Has anyone ever done a chocolate tour with them? How about any other agencies?
We enjoyed our visit to a boulangerie under that program, which is quite reasonably priced. I notice that the same website has a specialized chocolate tour, but it is a lot more expensive.
Also, Kim, don't forget about the other organization we really liked: Paris Greeters. We had a terrific "greeter" in Paris a couple of years ago, and also recently a wonderful experience with the greeters organization in Lyon.
- Roz
Edited to add: I just noticed what looks like another good resource linked from that page above: Paris Smiles for You.
Because of advice from this group, my mother and I booked a tour of the chocolatier Gerard Mulot with Meeting the Parisiens at Work. It was a perfect arrival day activity because it gave us something specific to do while we were getting our bearings after the long flight. It is a very intimate tour - you stand in the little baking area while a staff is mixing and preparing macaroons and try some fresh from the oven after the buttercream is added. There is a guide who tells you what is happening and also the various bakers talk to you. However, for me the real treat was watching the chocolate maker. It is an artisanal process and fascinating to see them temper the chocolates and experiment with unusual flavor combinations. The people who work there are obviously quite proud of their tradition and products. Plus you get 5 or 6 samples while they are explaining.
Today's Seattle Times had a reprint of an article on chocolate in Paris. It was originally published in the San Jose Mercury which includes some tasty pictures.
Which one did you end up doing, Kim? We're just starting to think of what to do next March when the kids are out of school for 2 weeks - Paris, Venice/Bologna, or being lazy in the Caribbean!
We did the Chocolate Walk with Paris Walks. They offer one on their normal schedule but I believe you have to pre-book. Unfortunately, while we were there, they had none on schedule so we hired them for a private tour - definitely pricier but we all enjoyed it. I'll try to get something written up this week.
