Here are just a few of the finest bonbons in France.

1 Coquelicot de Nemours

This is a very traditional bonbon that was first made in 1870. During the months of June and July, wild poppy petals are collected and dried and this is the flavouring used in the candies. Mixed with syrup, liqueur, vinegar this becomes Coquelicot de Nemours!

2 Négus de Nevers

I have to say that of all the ‘bonbons’ this has to be my very favorite – soft chocolate caramel covered by a hard caramel coating. Made with fresh butter, milk, cocoa it is a king amongst candies.

3 Pâtes de fruits d’Auvergne

Pâtes de fruits used to be the way the French preserved fresh fruit and they called it ‘confiture sèche’ which translated means dry jam. The fruit is heated and reduced to a pulp, the sugar is added, it is cooked and when ready poured onto slabs or into molds. It is then cut into cubes and sprinkled with sugar after which it is wrapped and ready for us to enjoy.

4 Nougat de Montélimar, Nougat de Provence

Nougat de Montélimar is known all over the world and I must say I prefer the soft variety to the harder one. In Provence you can find either black or white nougat full of grilled almonds and pistachios. The reason the nougat is softer is that there is much more honey used in the recipe and black nougat has an additional ingredient of lavender honey which makes it so very delicious.

Have you ever tasted any French ‘bonbons’? I strongly recommend that you try some this Christmas. In Provence nougat is a very important part of Christmas desserts and I remember just how much I used to enjoy them during our festive feasts.

As a child I would love my hot chocolate drink in the winter. Made with dark chocolate and lots of fresh cream, it gave me a real taste for a passion that I have kept throughout my life.

There is an academy for making chocolate in France which gives you an insight into how seriously the French take it. The discerning French palate would never accept anything but the best and ‘Maitres Chocolatiers’ have been delighting us for a very long time with their extravagant recipes of dark chocolate, the bitter and the sweet of decades of perfection. Here are just a few of the many French chocolatiers found in Paris.

1 La Maison du Chocolat – Paris

These marvelous chocolate shops are in the heart of Paris. Their ‘ganaches’ which are chocolates with ultra rich, creamy centers are known all over the world but they have other specialities including truffles and mendiants which are slices of chocolate topped with delicious dried fruits.

2 Josephine Vannier – Paris

I spent many happy times in the Marais, Paris so I have to mention one of my very favorite chocolate shops. The amazing creations found here range from crispy nougatine, truffles, mendiants and so many other superb chocolates. A visit to the website will reveal just how uniquely original some of the masterpieces really are.

3 Pierre Hermé – Paris

This French gentleman is a celebrated pastry Chef but he is also known for his gourmet chocolates. His very famous ‘Death by Chocolate’ is just one of the many delights that he has created over the years.

The great thing about the Internet is that if you cannot find some of these superb chocolates near you then all you have to do is go online and order them directly. How wonderful is that? Especially if you are looking for a special gift for someone you love.

With Christmas not so far away, I know that I will be stocking up with ‘goodies’ for the festive season and I will include my favorite French chocolates which I know my family and Christmas guests will enjoy as much as I do. Do you include chocolates on your shopping list for Christmas? Then I suggest you try some French delights so that you understand just what I mean.