15.08.a - French Chocolate Decoded: A Guide to France's Finest Chocolate Brands, Cafés, and Hot Chocolate
In this PAID le Bulletin: An delectable journey through French chocolate's artisanal magic from Valentine traditions to Parisian deep rich hot cocoa... cakes, desserts, tarts, chocolat chaud,& recipes
Today at a Glance: your PAID weekly newsletter
Bonjour all you wonderful new and long-time supporters, and friends…
I’m thrilled you’re here with me again this week—bienvenue—welcome.
Once again, I thank you for your financial support, which enables me to continue producing these two newsletters weekly!
Here’s what you’ll find today:
We dive into the wonderful world of French chocolate.
What’s happening in MyFrenchLife Magazine - new articles to read.
Delighted by today's journey? Here's how to deepen your French connection:
🔓 UNLOCK MORE FRENCH STORIES - Save with an annual subscription - Never miss an intimate story from our French correspondents.
⭐ BECOME A CHERISHED MIGHTY SUPPORTER - Help bring more exclusive French stories to life - Get special access to real French lives beyond the cliché
🎁 SHARE THE JOURNEY - Gift le Bulletin to friends and family who dream of France - Give them weekly authentic French stories in their inbox
💡 Did you know? Access our complete archive anytime—dive into real-life French stories whenever wanderlust strikes.
Warm regards
Judy - 22.2.2025
1. Your Weekly French Life: French Chocolate Decoded - A Guide to France's Finest Chocolate + recipes
I must confess something: I'm absolutely convinced there's something magical about French chocolate. Je ne sais quoi (that indefinable 'something'), if you will. Do you find yourself similarly enchanted?
As Valentine's Day just passed, I found myself pondering why chocolate and February 14th are so inexorably linked. The answer, as it turns out, is quite fascinating. The connection traces back to ancient civilizations—the Mayans and Aztecs considered cacao sacred, a symbol of fertility and romance. But it was the brilliant marketing minds at Cadbury who truly cemented this delicious tradition. In 1868, they introduced their "Fancy Boxes"—heart-shaped boxes of chocolates specifically for Valentine's Day. Et voilà (and there you have it), a tradition was born!
Is French Chocolate Truly the Best?
Pour être honnête (to be honest), while French chocolate consistently ranks among the world's finest, declaring any chocolate "the best" feels a bit like choosing a favorite child! What makes French chocolate special, though, is a dedication to excellence that's simply extraordinary.