Celebrate Christmas with the most delicious Advent calendars in Toulouse – 2019
One of my favorite Christmas traditions in France is the Advent calendar – especially when it’s food-related!
The joy of opening up a tiny surprise each day, whether to find something new or rediscover an old favorite; taking a small time-out from the hustle and bustle that seem ever-present in December to enjoy a “petit plaisir” (little pleasure) – this is what I love about Advent calendars. Here in Toulouse, you’ll find that many of the city’s best chocolate shops offer Advent calendars (which is usually where I head), however, this year I also wanted to feature a few different options that are now available from other cool local businesses. If you’re like me and enjoy things both sweet and savory – I say, why limit yourself to just ONE Advent calendar? However, if you see one you like, don’t wait until December 1st – reserve it right away, as many are offered as limited editions.
Here’s my round-up of the most delicious Advent calendars in Toulouse this year:
Barrelle
Those of you who live near Blagnac rejoice, Barrelle sells several different types of Advent calendars with their wonderful chocolates and also offers refills for your reusable Advent calendars. For those of you who prefer something different, they are even selling a high-quality tea calendar from Compagnie Coloniale.
35 Rue Pasteur, 31700 Blagnac
barrelle.fr
Bello & Angeli
Bello & Angeli sells several different styles of chocolate calendars filled with a variety of their artisanal chocolates. I love their ganache and praliné chocolates, but I also tasted their “fritures” (small, molded hard chocolates) today and I can’t stop thinking about the white chocolate and tonka bean one – and this from someone who usually doesn’t like white chocolate! And don’t even get me started on what is essentially a gourmet malted milk ball…
12 Rue des Filatiers
4 Rue Victor Hugo
www.belloangeli.fr
Busquets
Busquets will make sure you have a very merry Advent with their artisanal beer Advent calendar.
10 rue de Rémusat
21 place Victor Hugo
www.maisonbusquets.com
Cacaofages
(shown above) Limited quantities, so reserve yours soon!
27 Rue Reclusane, Place de l’Estrapade
cacaofages.com
La Compagnie du Chocolat
(pictured at top) A very affordable – and perhaps the most kid-friendly – option (only 12 €, including the chocolate!), which includes simple milk and dark chocolates, molded in holiday shapes (shown above).
17 Rue des Puits Clos
9 Rue du Taur
www.compagnie-chocolat.com
Criollo Chocolatier
Criollo’s beautiful Advent calendar was one of my first purchases when I moved to Toulouse! 10 € for the calendar, plus the price of chocolates by the weight – approx. 25-29 € total, depending on what is chosen. You can decide exactly what is in each day (and how many – if you want to share a calendar between two people, for example) or ask their helpful staff to choose.
23 Place Victor Hugo
2 Place Saint-Etienne
www.criollo-chocolatier.com
Antoine Fornara
31 Avenue des Minimes
24 Place Dupuy
www.facebook.com/patisserieGateauxetChocolat
Fromagerie Emilie
If you’re more of the savory persuasion, Fromagerie Emilie is offering a CHEESE advent calendar for 1-2 people. Each cheese is vacuum-sealed to guarantee freshness until Christmas. Order by email or Instagram direct message, then pick up at her stand in the Marché Victor Hugo. And if you’re shy about speaking French, no need to worry – Emilie speaks English (so she’s also a wonderful resource to ask for what cheeses to buy for Christmas)!
Marché Victor Hugo
fromagerieemilie.fr
DIY Advent Calendar
This year, I’ll be refilling an old Advent calendar with new chocolates and other delicious things (like I said – why limit yourself to sweet OR savory?). Some stores sell reusable Advent calendars that you can refill year after year or you can make your own and fill it with whatever your heart (or stomach) desires!
Have you seen any other good Advent calendars at local businesses in Toulouse? Let me know and I’ll add them to the list!
