Choco-Story Paris (Musée du Chocolat)

The Basics

Following its founding in Bruges and in Prague, Choco-Story opened its third location in the heart of Paris in 2010. Spread across three floors, the family-friendly museum displays over 1,000 chocolate-themed objects and welcomes upwards of 100,000 visitors each year. In addition to learning more about the history of chocolate in the museum’s exhibition spaces, visitors can also see treats being made in the demonstration center, enjoy a wide variety of chocolates as they go, and register for a hands-on workshop.

To make logistics simple, museum entry can be booked online prior to your visit. Choco-Story Paris is also included in the Paris Pass scheme.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The museum’s audio guide is available as a smartphone app and is free to download.

• Group museum tours and workshop reservations can be booked online.

• In addition to the free chocolate samples, a number of hot chocolate varieties are available for purchase at the museum.

• Choco-Story provides a guide for families with young children that includes quizzes, games, and other entertaining activities.

How to Get There

Choco-Story Paris is conveniently located in the 10th arrondissement. Take Métro line 8 or 9 to Bonne Nouvelle or line 4, 8, or 9 to Strasbourg–Saint Denis. Alternatively, the museum is served by bus lines 20, 39, and 48. You can also access Choco-Story on foot, by car, or by Vélib’ bike.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm (last entry is at 5pm). Choco-Story hosts various themed workshops throughout the year, so it’s worth researching your options and reserving places in advance.

Chocolate Sculptures

One of Choco-Story’s top highlights is its collection of enormous sculptures made from chocolate. Works range from fashionable shoes and accessories to famous Paris monuments, including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. Together, the sculptures weigh over 1,100 pounds (500 kilograms).

Ways to explore

Book entry to Choco-Story Paris online before your visit to make logistics simple and avoid a wait at the entrance. A stop here is an ideal way to break up a day of sightseeing for families with kids, so pair your visit with a city tour on foot, by bike, or via hop-on hop-off bus.

Choco-Story Paris sits just a short walk away from the Grevin Museum (Musée Grevin), the city’s family-friendly wax museum that has an entire section dedicated to cartoon characters and other fictional heroes for a kid-focused day out.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to wheelchairs.

Age limits

None; this kid-friendly attraction offers workshops and a printed treasure hunt guide for children. Children under 3 enter for free.

What to pack

Camera, cash or credit card for chocolate purchases

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Though the chocolate sculptures may be tempting, they are not for sampling.

Amenities

Restroom, audio guide, chocolate shop

Address

Choco-Story Paris is conveniently located in the 10th Arrondissement, just north of the Louvre. It’s easy to access on foot from sights along the River Seine; however, the distance could be too far for small tots, and public transportation may be more convenient for families.

Driving

Snarled traffic and expensive parking make driving to sights in Paris a hassle. Get around by public transportation, on foot, or by bike.

Public transportation

Take metro line 8 or 9 to Bonne Nouvelle or lines 4, 8, or 9 to Strasbourg–Saint Denis. Alternatively, the museum is served by bus lines 20 and 39.

Best times to visit

School groups usually visit the museum in the morning, so afternoons are often quieter.

Best days to visit

Weekends and school holidays tend to be the busiest times for this kid-friendly museum, so opt for a weekday for relative peace.

Best months to visit

Pop in during the hot summer months to give young travelers a respite from the city heat.

Special events

Choco-Story hosts various themed workshops throughout the year that can be booked online in advance.