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A la Mère de Famille is a chocolate store but it surely looks like stepping right into a dwelling piece of Parisian historical past. Tucked into Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, its inexperienced and gold facade instantly units the tone: you’re not strolling into a stylish idea retailer, however reasonably right into a world that has stood the take a look at of time since 1761.

The wood-paneled inside, creaky floorboards, and glass jars crammed with pastel-colored sweets gave me the sensation of being inside a superbly preserved reminiscence. The legacy right here is tangible. Although the identify got here later (in honor of the founder’s widow who raised 4 youngsters alone and remodeled the enterprise), the soul of the place feels deeply rooted. Regardless of the group of holiday makers, there’s a quiet reverence in the best way individuals transfer, like everybody senses they’re someplace particular.

The clientele was a mixture of locals and curious vacationers like myself. I even overheard a pair asking for suggestions in English and getting pleasant strategies from the workers with completely no rush or pretension.

Candy Treats: What They’re Recognized For

Earlier than even wanting on the labels, I used to be drawn to the colours and textures of the shows — shiny caramels, sugar-dusted pâtes de fruits, pralines in gold foil, and tender truffles tucked into neat rows. It’s onerous to not really feel a bit like a child once more.

On a advice, I picked up the Baba au rhum signed by Maison Storer, it’s tender, aromatic, and wealthy with rum with out being overpowering. As I used to be paying, the workers provided me a tasting of one in every of their home candies, a darkish ganache that melted slowly and completed with a slight floral word. That second of generosity felt old-school in one of the best ways.

I additionally purchased a small field with a mixture of their signature pralines and orangettes to share with my household. We tried them collectively later that night, and the field was almost empty by the following night time. There’s one thing concerning the skinny crisp shell of the praline giving technique to a silky filling that makes you need to attain for one more with out considering.

I didn’t ask particularly about vegan or gluten-free choices, however there was a variety of selection from candied fruits to sugar-dusted almonds and superbly packaged bars, so I think about these with dietary wants might nonetheless discover one thing.

The packaging is basic and stylish, orange ribbon, deep inexperienced containers, and clear consideration to presentation. Every part felt gift-worthy with out being gimmicky.

Vibe, Ambiance & Buyer Expertise

Deal with: 35 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, 75009 Paris, France

This Parisian chocolate store is on the small aspect, and it was crowded after I visited so I needed to wait a couple of minutes earlier than having the ability to actually browse. However as soon as inside, nobody rushed me. Regardless of the tight area, I used to be in a position to transfer slowly via the shows and take all of it in.

The workers appeared used to a gradual stream of shoppers and dealt with it with ease. They had been heat however environment friendly, switching between languages as wanted. After I requested a query in English, I acquired a form, useful reply and so they appeared genuinely blissful to speak concerning the merchandise.

There’s an old-world rhythm to the service right here. Individuals browse, pause, level, ask. It’s not fast-paced like a sequence store, neither is it overly curated or Instagram-focused. You possibly can inform the main focus is on high quality and expertise, not spectacle.

What to Attempt: Signature Picks

If it’s your first time, I’d advocate selecting a combined field of candies, one thing you may style, share, and perhaps carry again dwelling. It’s a great way to discover completely different textures and flavors, and the workers will enable you to construct one.

The orangettes had been surprisingly addictive: bitter orange peel wrapped in darkish chocolate, with simply sufficient chunk to chop via the sweetness. I additionally liked the pralines with hazelnut cream and the pâte de fruits in flavors like peach, fig, and blackcurrant. When you’re fortunate, you would possibly catch one thing seasonal. After I visited, they had been organising a small Halloween show, which appeared like it might be filled with limited-edition goodies.

Location & Close by Stops

The store sits at 35 Rue du Faubourg Montmartre, proper between the Grands Boulevards and Montmartre. It’s simply walkable from the metro, and the neighborhood has that basic Paris mixture of busy streets, bakeries, and bookstores.

After your go to, I’d advocate grabbing a espresso close by or strolling via Passage Jouffroy, it’s a coated arcade with vintage retailers and quiet allure.

Late morning or late afternoon felt like the very best time to go, not too early when tour teams flood in, and never too near closing when the workers begins prepping to wrap up.

Ultimate Takeaway: Why Go to A la Mère de Famille

When you’re the type of traveler who enjoys entering into locations with a narrative, A la Mère de Famille is a should. It’s not flashy or fashionable, however that’s precisely what makes it so comforting. The store blends indulgence with historical past in a approach that feels deeply Parisian.

It’s good for chocolate lovers, sure but in addition for nostalgic vacationers, households, and anybody who appreciates an area the place time strikes just a bit slower. It’s additionally the right cease off on a Paris meals tour! 

I left with a small inexperienced field of candies, a handwritten receipt, and that heat sense of getting found one thing that may nonetheless be right here the following time I return.

FAQs

Do they ship internationally or have a web based retailer?
Sure, they do. You possibly can order from their official web site, with worldwide delivery obtainable.

Are you able to pattern earlier than shopping for?
Sure particularly when you’re buying candies or specialty gadgets. I used to be provided a tasting with out even asking.

Do they provide sugar-free or dairy-free choices?
Not prominently marketed, however some fruit-based treats could also be appropriate. It’s price asking the workers straight.

Are there different areas in Paris?
Sure, however the authentic boutique on Rue du Faubourg Montmartre is essentially the most iconic one and price a go to when you’re close by.

Sources:

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Greatest chocolate in Paris. Consuming Europe Weblog. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/weblog/best-chocolate-in-paris/

Consuming Europe. (n.d.). Paris meals excursions. Consuming Europe. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/paris/

La Mère de Famille. (n.d.). La Mère de Famille. Retrieved October 21, 2025, from https://www.lameredefamille.com/