Best Chocolate Advent Calendars in Toulouse
One of the first French traditions that I wholeheartedly embraced upon moving to France was the Advent calendar.
(I mean this quite literally, as we moved to France on November 30th). Not just for children, the Advent calendar is a way of reminding yourself to take time to enjoy small pleasures every day and to not get caught up in the Christmas rush. For me, as well, it was a FANTASTIC way to get acquainted with the vast array of chocolates from a local chocolatier in Toulouse – opening a window or box every day to find a beautiful surprise, consulting the booklet with pictures of all of the chocolates to discover what it was, slowly nibbling away until all that remained were tiny traces that I licked off my fingers, and then – because I’m that kind of person – making notes in the booklet about which were my favorites (now you’re starting to see why I became a food tour guide…).
Now that I’ve got you salivating, here’s a round-up of some of the best chocolate Advent calendars in Toulouse.
For this list, I stuck with artisan chocolatiers who make their chocolates in or around Toulouse – no chains or mass-market offerings. Many of the chocolatiers that I spoke with advised me to wait as long as possible before buying an advent calendar in order to preserve the freshness of the chocolates, which are made without preservatives. Pure chocolate pieces and pralines have more staying power, but ganache-based chocolates have approximately a 3-week lifespan, falling just short of the 24 days of Advent. Many chocolatiers will offer alternative options to the ganache chocolates for the final days of the calendar to make sure you enjoy it to the very end. However, many of the calendars featured here are only available in limited quantities, so think of reserving one in advance of December 1st!
Bello et Angeli
(shown above) 20 €, including chocolate
12 Rue des Filatiers
www.belloangeli.fr
Cacaofages
(shown below) Limited quantities, so reserve yours soon!
27 Rue Reclusane, Place de l’Estrapade
cacaofages.com
Source: Facebook, Cacaofages
La Compagnie du Chocolat
A very affordable – and perhaps the most kid-friendly – option, at only 10 € for the calendar, which includes simple milk and dark chocolates, molded in holiday shapes (shown below).
17 Rue des Puits Clos
9 Rue du Taur
www.compagnie-chocolat.com
Criollo Chocolatier
(shown below) 10 € for the calendar, plus the price of chocolates by the weight – approx. 25-29 € total, depending on what is chosen
23 Place Victor Hugo
2 Place Saint-Etienne
www.criollo-chocolatier.com
Antoine Fornara
31 Avenue des Minimes
www.facebook.com/patisserieGateauxetChocolat
Sandyan
(shown below) This year, Sandyan’s Advent Calendar is decorated by the residents of the association Marie Louise, a non-profit created by parents of children with multiple disabilities, and filled with a variety of candies and chocolates – as well as a voucher for a bûche de Noël – and certain boxes contain certificates for your choice of pastries at the boutique! 46 € (remember, includes a bûche de Noël), limited edition – so reserve one right away
54bis Rue d’Alsace Lorraine
www.sandyan.fr
Source: Facebook, Sandyan
Tête de Cabosse
37 Rue Lafayette
www.tetedecabosse.com
Did you miss out on buying your Advent calendar due to limited quantities?
Make your own! I’ve spotted empty Advent calendars in shops like HEMA and Monoprix that you can buy and to add your own chocolate. Otherwise, think about making your own Advent calendar to fill with whatever gourmet treats your heart desires!
Not a chocolate person?
Busquets will make sure you have a very merry Advent with their beer Advent calendar. 10 € for the calendar/box, plus cost of beer
10 rue de Rémusat
21 place Victor Hugo
www.maisonbusquets.com
Have you seen any other good Advent calendars at local businesses in Toulouse? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list!
Can’t get enough of the good stuff? Gift certificates are NOW AVAILABLE for the NEW Chocolate and Pastry Tour that will be starting in February! Give someone you love (or yourself) the gift of sweet, sweet anticipation…
[Disclaimer: I’ve tried to to the best of my ability to double-check this information, but am not responsible for missing or incorrect details – or sold-out Advent calendars! Proceed at your own risk.]
