French chocolate | A French Collection

The History of Chocolate in France

The history of chocolate in France actually starts in Spain when Anne of Austria, the daughter of Spain's Philip III, brought the delicacy across to France. It was part of her dowry upon her marriage to King Louis XIII. Quickly loved by the French court and nobles, it became the fashionable elite beverage of Louis XIII's court.

At that time chocolate was considered to be both an exotic treat (only consumed by nobles) and a medicine. Taken with other medicines it disguised their flavours, and the chocolate itself had a mild calming effect. Mostly consumed at this time as a liquid with spices added, it wasn't until the 1800s that it evolved into the solid chocolate that we are more familiar with.

Living in France – The French ‘Chocolate Sausage’ Mystery

On route to Paris a few weeks ago I was enjoying a dessert at the French Patisserie PAUL with my eldest son Thomas in Dubai International Airport, who casually asked with a cheeky smile, if I remembered the ‘chocolate sausage’ story? I laughed and said I did. Here is the ‘chocolate sausage’ story of when Thomas was only 9 years old and it was our first trip to France during Christmas 2009.

Annette Charlton

Annette lives with her family between their homes in France and Australia. She’s been featured in International magazines including French Property News, on numerous blogs and travel websites and appeared on ABC National Radio. You can connect on Instagram or Facebook.