Founded in 1967 by Belgians Jean-Guy and Marie-Anne Roelandts, Chocolaterie de Puyricard is a manufacturer and purveyor of fine hand-made chocolates based here in Aix-en-Provence. Once a sweet luxury available only to Aixoise locals, the family-owned business has expanded significantly over the years with retail stores across the southern region and north to Paris (they also ship worldwide).
The Chocolaterie de Puyricard factory is very close to where I live, and I often go past it on runs with my dog. I still haven’t decided whether this is a blessing or a curse as I often must restrain myself from veering in for a mid-workout sampling from the boutique. Their website lists some fun – and amazingly precise – facts about the time and care that go into making each hand-crafted chocolate: about an hour-and-a-half per kilo, or just over one minute per chocolate. It’s worth a short drive out from the center of Aix to the commune of Puyricard to see where they’re made, or they also have a store in town to pick out a few treats for fueling the rest of your sightseeing.
Interested in a Walking Tour of Aix-en-Provence?
Take the first step by visiting my GET STARTED page and fill out the pre-tour questionnaire. There’s no obligation to completing this form. It’s simply a way for me to gather some initial information about your next vacation in Aix-en-Provence.