Discovery areas - Paris
Cake Time
Cake Time at the Salon du Chocolat is one of the most eagerly awaited events for visitors seeking a high-end sweet treat. Inspired by the famous Tea Time served in luxury hotels, this elegant and intimate space recreates a warm atmosphere where pastry becomes a true art of living.
Designed as a gourmet interlude, Cake Time showcases refined creations by leading French pastry chefs. In a cosy and friendly setting, visitors can savour exceptional desserts accompanied by teas carefully selected by George Cannon, tea specialists since 1898.
The great chefs in the spotlight
Once again this year, Cake Time brings together some of the biggest names in French pastry. Among the talents present are:
- Claire Santos Lopes, pastry chef at the prestigious Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
- Nina Métayer, founder of Délicatisserie, voted best pastry chef in the world in 2023
- Eddie Benghanem, pastry chef at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace
- Nicolas Guercio, pastry chef at the Mandarin Oriental, Lutetia Paris
- Julien Dugourd, pastry chef at the Mandarin Oriental, Paris
The perfect pairing with George Cannon teas
To enhance these sweet treats, Cake Time has partnered with George Cannon, founded in Paris in 1898. This leading French tea brand offers a selection of delicate infusions, designed to reveal the full aromatic richness of the desserts.
Each tasting becomes a harmonious experience, balancing flavours and elegant pairings.
New for 2025: Royal Tea Time
A major new feature of the 2025 edition, Royal Tea Time enriches the gourmet experience with a refined and festive pairing: the chefs' pastry creations are combined with the fine bubbles of Gremillet Champagne. This subtle marriage of sweet artistry and Champagne excellence promises an even more prestigious tasting experience, ideal for prolonging the magic of the Salon du Chocolat.
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International Destinations Pavilion
The Salon du Chocolat's International Pavilion is an invitation to explore the diversity of cocoa and pastry cultures from around the world. A true multicultural showcase, it brings together chocolatiers, pastry chefs, confectioners and producers from five continents to share their creations and artisanal expertise.
In this unique space, visitors discover original recipes, iconic terroirs and ancestral traditions surrounding cocoa. Between gourmet tastings, live demonstrations and encounters with passionate artisans, the sensory journey promises to be as enriching as it is delicious.
The richness of terroirs and expertise
The International Pavilion pays special tribute to the major cocoa-producing countries, whose terroirs are the source of chocolate's aromatic richness:
- Peru, renowned for its fine, aromatic cocoa beans
- Ecuador, home of the famous Arriba Nacional cocoa
- Côte d'Ivoire, the world's leading producer of cocoa beans
- Ghana, renowned for its powerful and balanced varieties
- Madagascar, appreciated for its beans with fruity and tangy notes.
Through tastings and discussions, visitors will discover the central role these countries play in the global cocoa industry and their contribution to chocolate excellence.
Gourmet destinations to discover
Beyond the producing countries, the Pavilion also highlights the creativity and dynamism of many gourmet destinations: China, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates... A dozen international chefs will offer demonstrations, allowing visitors to travel through new flavours without leaving Paris.
The Salon du Chocolat, which has an international presence (Malaysia, Peru, United Arab Emirates, China, Canada, Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, United States, Turkey), thus confirms its role as a global platform for promoting the craftsmanship and expertise of chocolatiers and pâtissiers.
Brazil, guest of honour at the 30th edition
To celebrate its 30th edition, the Salon du Chocolat is paying special tribute to Brazil, the country of honour in 2025. The historic birthplace of cocoa, Brazil remains an essential reference thanks to the richness of its terroirs and the diversity of its beans.
This choice highlights the importance of this producing country in the history and future of chocolate
A unique sensory and cultural journey
The International Pavilion is not just a place for tasting: it is a cultural immersion into the heart of the world's chocolate-making traditions. Visitors enjoy a unique experience, discovering the origins of cocoa, celebrating gourmet diversity and meeting the world's greatest artisan chocolatiers.
En Résidence
A daily showcase of sweet culinary talent!
En Résidence stands out as one of the must-see highlights of the Salon du Chocolat and Pâtisserie in Paris. Each day, passionate creators will share their expertise and unveil original creations, offering visitors a unique experience of indulgence and innovation.
- On Wednesday, October 29, GÜ Dessert will open the program with bold recipes and surprising textures that reinvent the art of sweet tasting.
- On Thursday, October 30, and Friday, October 31, Panade and chef Mérouan Bounekraf will present a creative approach where pastry becomes a field of artistic expression, blending modernity with refinement.
- On Saturday, November 1, Aurélien Cohen will meet the public with chocolate creations that push the boundaries of imagination, highlighting his commitment and passion for taste.
- Finally, on Sunday, November 2, Nicolas Paciello will bring this series of encounters to a close with refined compositions that combine pastry tradition, terroir, and contemporary boldness.
This unique space invites visitors to discover exceptional talents, enjoy exclusive recipes, and draw inspiration from a world where chocolate and pastry are experienced as a true sensory journey. En résidence is an invitation to meet visionary artisans and savor exclusive creations at the heart of the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate.
Cocoa-Producing Countries
Cocoa Destination: a journey to the roots of chocolate
The Salon du Chocolat offers a rare opportunity to connect with the world’s cocoa producers – the true guardians of chocolate’s origins. Travelling from all over the globe, they come to share their expertise and unveil the secrets of this treasured bean.
Through authentic exchanges, visitors will discover the richness of cocoa's diversity: unique terroirs, traditional cultivation methods, and fermentation techniques that shape chocolate’s aromatic complexity.
This space highlights the fascinating transformation from cocoa pod to early chocolate production – a deep sensory journey through the plantations to meet those who nurture this gourmet treasure.
By the end, chocolate will (almost) hold no more secrets!