Bayonne Celebrates Chocolate

Bayonne, Capital of Chocolate Since the 17th Century

The history of chocolate in Bayonne dates back to the early 17th century, when Sephardic Jews, fleeing Spain and Portugal, settled in the Saint-Esprit district and introduced the art of chocolate making. Bayonne thus became one of the first French cities to process cocoa, a tradition that continues today with numerous artisan chocolatiers in the city.

A Gourmet and Festive Event

Created in 2018, the Bayonne Celebrates Chocolate festival is organized by the Bayonne Chocolate Academy and the City of Bayonne. For three days around All Saints' Day, the city center transforms into a true temple of chocolate, with activities spread across several emblematic sites.

• Place de la Liberté: The heart of the event with stands from master chocolatiers, tastings, and sales of chocolate creations.
• Café du Théâtre: Demonstration workshops by the Academy's master chocolatiers, sharing their expertise with the public.
• Salle de la Poudrière: A chocolate laboratory visible to the public, featuring demonstrations of artisanal production.

Festival Highlights

The program for Bayonne Celebrates Chocolate is rich and varied:

• Guided Tastings: The Academy's master chocolatiers offer guided tastings to discover different cocoa origins and manufacturing techniques.
• Educational Workshops: Workshops for children and adults allow participants to learn the art of chocolate, from tempering to creating bonbons.
• Conferences: Cocoa and chocolate experts share their knowledge on the history, botany, and challenges of the cocoa trade.
• Guest Country: Each edition highlights a cocoa-producing country, inviting the public on a flavorful journey around the world.

The Bayonne Chocolate Academy

The Bayonne Chocolate Academy is an association of the city's artisan chocolatiers. Founded to preserve and promote Bayonne's chocolate tradition, it drives the event and ensures the quality of the activities offered. Academy members are passionate artisans who perpetuate a unique know-how, recognized nationally and internationally.

Bayonne and Chocolate: A Living Heritage

Chocolate is inseparable from Bayonne's identity. The city still boasts many artisan chocolate shops, some of which have been operating for generations. The Rue du Port-Neuf, nicknamed "Chocolate Street," hosts several shops where you can taste and buy artisanal chocolates. The festival is an opportunity to celebrate this living heritage and introduce it to an ever-wider audience.