How to make your own chocolate in Paris

This week on The Earful Tower podcast we’re talking about chocolate. And who better to explain it all than special guest Marielle Bourat? She comes from three generations of French chocolatiers, and who works at the Atelier C chocolate shop in the 12th arrondissement.

She explains where chocolate fits on the French food chain, talks about the shop’s Bean To Bar chocolate-making classes, and even discusses the shop’s magnificent location in the Viaduc des Arts.

Find the shop online here, find much more information below, and listen to the podcast by clicking play. You can also find the episode by searching The Earful Tower on your favourite music and podcast platform.

The Earful Tower Podcast episode

What is the Viaduc des Arts?

The Viaduc des Arts in the 12th arrondissement has become a hub for art, craft, and creativity. Once an abandoned railway line, the viaduct has been transformed into a vibrant pedestrian walkway with workshops and galleries lining its arches.

Spanning over 1 kilometre, the structure was built in the mid-19th century to support the railway line connecting the Gare de Lyon to the suburbs of Paris. However, by the 1960s, the railway line became obsolete and was abandoned, leaving the viaduct in disrepair.

In the 1990s, the city of Paris decided to renovate and repurpose the viaduct. The renovated viaduct features pedestrian walkways, gardens, and a collection of workshops and galleries where visitors can admire and purchase the creations of local artisans.

The Viaduc des Arts is a spot where visitors can discover and appreciate the work of local artisans, including jewelers, painters, sculptors, and a gin distillery. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of culinary delights, from traditional French patisseries to contemporary cuisine at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

Once you’ve checked out the shops and restaurants, take one of the many staircases to the top to find the Promenade Plantée, a picturesque elevated park that runs along the top of the viaduct. The park offers a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, with beautiful gardens and scenic views of Paris.

The Atelier C chocolate shop

At number 123 Avenue Daumesnil, you’ll find Atelier C, the chocolate shop that caught my eye this week. There’s a big table in the centre for the classes, where in three hours you’ll turn cocoa beans into bars of chocolate to take home (or, bean to bar as they call it). There are also shelves of artisanal chocolate for sale, and all centres inside a beautiful arch of the former railway.

Atelier C has become a must-visit spot for chocolate lovers in Paris, and it’s no surprise why. The shop’s flavour combinations and attention to detail make for a memorable snack. And while I’m yet to take a class there, I’ll be doing it soon in a live video for Patreon members to watch.

Atelier C is a chocolate shop that embodies the spirit of Paris – unique, charming, and unforgettable. Marielle and her colleague Christophe have a passion for chocolate and their commitment to creating a one-of-a-kind experience for their customers is evident in every aspect of the shop. If you’re in Paris and looking for a chocolate experience like no other, make sure to visit Atelier C.

And don’t forget to listen to Marielle’s interview on the Earful Tower podcast to learn more about her story and love for chocolate.

Find the Atelier C here, become a Patreon member of The Earful Tower here, and get our PDF guide to Paris below.