The UnTourist

Reposting a previous publication…

The Origins Of Chocolate

Aside from snails/escargot, one of the images that most readily pops to mind of food in France is of pastries. The one thing that doesn’t pop to mind is chocolate, that area being dominated by the Swiss and even the Belgians.

Chocolate Drakkar Sales & Museum

Yet, if you are looking for a delightful chocolate experience, you should check out the Drakkar chocolate factory near Bayeux. We had spotted it on the way into Bayeux but couldn’t stop at that point. Fate took us back that way and we decided to stop, and glad I am that we did.

Sampler Pack

This artisanal factory is also part museum, and showcases some of what it takes to process chocolate from start to finish. A point often missed is that chocolate can come from all over the world, and the raw product will have different flavors, some very subtle, just as do wines from different regions. Believing that an educated consumer is a good customer, the fine folks at Drakkar have put together a nice sampler package, and even provide notes on each component. I am slowly working my way through one such, taking the chance to savor and learn along the way.

Another Array of Flavors

They also offer an excellent variety of confections, and even of bars of chocolate. The pairings in these bars, at least of those I sampled, were delightful and I have a few favorites should I get the chance to return. The shop isn’t large, and one need not spend a large amount of time there to enjoy it and learn. Yet, it is easy to spend some time as you browse, inquire, and learn.

It is well worth the stop, as you will come out richer in mind and in delights for savoring as you travel. Recommended.