World Chocolate Day

World Chocolate Day is the day each year when chocolate is celebrated even more than it usually is, with the vague hint that it falls on the 7th July because that was the date when chocolate was introduced to Europe in 1550. Whatever the reason, it’s a good excuse to eat some chocolate, so is an entirely good thing. If you want to commemorate World Chocolate Day in fashion, here are some of the best places to visit.

Puccini Bomboni, Amsterdam

The name may not sound very Dutch, but when it comes to chocolate, this is an Amsterdam institution. It’s all handmade and while they’ve finally decided to start selling their chocolates online, the best place to sample them is still their own cafe and restaurant. With a range of exotic recipes to try, it’s a treat for your taste buds.

Richart, Paris

With gourmet chocolate galore and their famous macarons on offer, a trip to this boutique in Paris is an essential part of any time spent in the City of Lights. Richart has won the prestigious Ruban Bleu (the French award for confectioners) on several occasions and its chocolates are both delicious but also incredibly stylish.

Debauve & Gallais, Paris

The oldest chocolate shop in Paris, Debauve & Gallais has been selling its chocolates for well over 200 years, often by royal appointment. They have every flavour, size and shape you could imagine, including the Queen’s Coins that were designed for Marie-Antoinette herself.

Rausch Schokoladenhaus, Berlin

If you are a fan of luxurious pralines, the Rausch Schokoladenhaus is the place to go on World Chocolate Day. It has the longest praline counter in the world and sells over 200 different types. It’s also worth a visit for the chocolate sculptures, which are as spectacular as they are tasty.

Mary Chocolatier, Brussels

Back in 1919 a lady called Mary Delluc opened a chocolate shop in Brussels and blazed a trail for women chocolatiers, making such a name for herself that she was given the Belgian Royal Warrant by King Leopold II. Today her name lives on with her famous chocolates and visiting her shop is a must for any true lover of chocolate.

Chocaladehuisje, Bruges

World Chocolate Day isn’t just about celebrating the taste of chocolate, but also the fun side of it, so where better to go than this shop in Bruges, which offers all kinds of interesting designs? Their most (in)famous ones are rather naughty, so it’s maybe not a chocolate shop for a family trip, but its window displays are certainly eye-catching.

With our ferries to Europe, the best chocolate in Europe is on your doorstep. So how will you celebrate World Chocolate Day?