From the youngest sweet tooths to the biggest lovers of delicacies, one foodstuff transcends generations: chocolate. This truly universal pleasure is well worth a trip across France to discover a range of fun activities to share with the whole family. Gourmet reading...
1- Visit a chocolate factory as nice as Willy Wonka's

Welcome to this tour of France's most fascinating and magical chocolate factories. In charming Burgundy, the Dufoux chocolate factory invites visitors to discover the secrets of this delicate craft through a guided tasting session, to awaken the palates of even the youngest visitors.
Then off to the Pays de la Loire region for the Showcolat visit to the Guisabel chocolate factory. From the pod to the chocolate, immerse yourself in the history of this delicacy during a gourmet tour, an experience to be savoured with the whole family.
In Brittany, explore the Grain de Sail adventure in Morlaix. A fun and educational tour of the chocolate shop awaits you, all set in an exotic setting.
Finally, the Valrhona chocolate city near Valence in the Drôme and Les gourmandises d'Aliénor in the Arcachon basin are also must-sees for chocolate lovers in search of new flavours.
2- Visit a chocolate museum to find out everything you need to know

Immerse yourself in the history and secrets of chocolate by visiting the museums dedicated to this melt-in-your-mouth delicacy. In Paris, Choco Story takes you on an immersive adventure tracing the evolution of chocolate. In Lyon, the Musco de Seve takes you behind the scenes of this sweet world. In Strasbourg, Alsace, the Les Secrets du Chocolat museum invites you to explore an exhibition full of discoveries. In the charming town of Bayonne in the Basque Country, the Musée du Chocolat offers an immersive experience through a 1? hour discovery tour of the world of chocolate, from growing cocoa trees to making chocolate. The Musée des Arts du sucre et du chocolat, in Cordes-Sur-Ciel in the Occitanie region of France, offers a complete experience with visits, workshops, courses and tastings. You can immerse yourself in the creations of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France and World Champions, including those of Yves Thuriès.
3- Making your own chocolate

Follow the experience by starting to create your own chocolate at one of the world's leading chocolate factories. The workshops at the Guisabel chocolate factory in Candé - Pays de la Loire - offer an introduction to working with chocolate. Lollipops, chocolate painting, moulding: creativity is the order of the day. In Châteauneuf-du-Pape in Provence, the Castelain chocolate factory is offering children the chance to discover the art of moulding and decorating their chocolate creations. In Paris, the Musée du Chocolat opens its doors to chocolate lovers who want to make their own bar. Maison Weiss in Saint-Étienne also offers a similar experience, with the opportunity to create a personalised bar. And why not become a Maître Chocolatier for a morning at Maison Maxime in Normandy? A unique opportunity to delve into the secrets of this delicious confection.
4- Learn to cook chocolate

Explore the culinary dimensions of chocolate by taking part in specialised cookery classes. At L'atelier de la gourmandise in Hauts-de-France, immerse yourself in mouth-watering chocolate recipes. From a choco passion tart to a delicious chocolate and praline dessert or a chocolate and raspberry entremet, these classes will introduce you to the delights of pastry-making. Opt for a chocolate-packed cooking class with L'atelier Gourmand in Bastia, Corsica, or make lollipops, coated marshmallows and mini-mendiants with Chocolaterie Max Vauché in Bracieux, Pays de la Loire. The famous Valrhona company also offers chocolate pastry-making courses, so you can perfect your skills in creating chocolate delights. Finally, make your own Yule log with Weiss, or share a moment of indulgence and complicity with the house of Karen Chocolat in Lyon.
Tips and recommendations
If you're lucky enough to visit the magnificent Gers region in south-west France, don't miss a visit to the chocolate museum run by the Ethiquable cooperative. Known for its chocolates and other eco-responsible products, Ethiquable pioneered distribution in all French supermarkets.

By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.