Maison Bernachon: Lyon’s artisan chocolate in Paris
To enter the world of Bernachon is to discover much more than a chocolate maker. It’s to enter a family home, a unique savoir-faire, and a tradition handed down with passion for three generations.
Founded in 1953 by Maurice Bernachon, Maison Bernachon has become a benchmark for artisan chocolate. In 1975, the family alliance with Paul Bocuse strengthened this heritage by blending gastronomy and chocolate-making. Today, the third generation perpetuates this tradition with the same care and passion. A fine house that embodies French excellence and know-how!
That’s why this Lyon institution deserves its place among the greatest names in chocolate. You’ll find it in your Select address book in Paris. We had the privilege of putting a few questions to this exceptional craftsman, heir to a rich history and ambassador of exceptional chocolate. Find out more about this fascinating encounter. 🍫✨
“Craftsmanship handed down with excellence“
It all starts with total mastery of chocolate, from bean to bar. This particular manufacturing process is called bean-to-bar, meaning that the entire creation, from bean to packaging, is carried out by the same artisan chocolatier. The raw beans, carefully selected from the best origins, are roasted, blended and processed according to unique in-house recipes. Each chocolate is then matured, stored for three months in our cellars, to allow its aromas to develop… like a fine wine!
“Le Président: a creation that stands the test of time“.
If you’re ever in Lyon, be sure to sample the company’s signature cake: Le Président! This emblematic pastry was created in 1975 to celebrate the presentation of the Légion d’honneur to Paul Bocuse by President Valérie Giscard d’Estaing. Génoise, hazelnut praline ganache and white cherries preserved in homemade cherry alcohol, all covered with a lace of chocolate. More than a dessert, it’s a taste experience that stays with you.
Bernachon does not limit itself to this icon. Gourmet fans can also turn to more recent creations like their Piedmont hazelnut spread, Bernachoc’, designed to appeal to a younger clientele, while remaining faithful to their exceptional know-how. We tasted it, and it’s a real treat!
“A presence in Paris, a mirror of the Lyon house”.
In 2019, Bernachon opened a boutique in Paris, in the 6ᵉ arrondissement. This new showcase is designed as a “mirror” of their Lyon house, offering a selection of refined chocolates. However, only one pastry is available: the Éventail, a house classic (almond cookie and dark chocolate ganache). Parisian customers can therefore enjoy the same ganaches, pralines and emblematic creations. And if you get the hang of it, which is highly likely, all chocolates can be ordered online, in ballotin, box or coffret format. Think of it for the holidays!
“A chocolate that tastes like a fine wine“
“To fully appreciate our creations, one essential tip: store chocolate between 14 and 18°C, in a cool place, but never in the refrigerator. Like a fine wine, their ganaches and tablets deserve to be tasted in the best conditions to reveal all their subtleties”.
For a festive tasting experience, pair dark chocolate with a glass of brut or extra brut champagne. Its freshness and bubbles will contrast delicately with the intensity of the dark chocolate for a chic, refined pairing!
“Anexceptional houseto discover and share”.
“If you were to try us for the first time, I’d recommend the Palet d’Or, a noble ganache combining chocolate and crème fraîche, which evolves in flavor day after day. I also have a particular affection for truffles, praline chocolates, ganaches and nougatines, not forgetting the famous marrons glacés! ” Our advice: opt for assortment boxes that will delight all gourmets.
The Maison Maya box is the one we found most interesting for sampling (almost) every chocolate flavor. This box is an assortment of Maison Bernachon’s emblematic specialties: dark chocolates, praliné, nougatine, liqueurs, palets d’or and caissette chaï: the new chaï tea-flavored chocolate. See and order here.
Practical information
📍 Address: 127 rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris
🚇 Access: Line 6: Duroc & Vaneau
🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
