The Salon du Chocolat is a true institution in the capital. Many activities around this ultra-gourmet ingredient have been offered every year since 1995.
And enthusiasts of this specialty will be delighted. A second event of this kind will soon be established in a large city in the South-West. In Bordeaux, about a hundred artisans will gather to delight the visitors.
Bordeaux asserts itself as the French chocolate capital
From May 1st to 3rd, 2026, the Palais de la Bourse will host the ShowColat Festival, an event entirely dedicated to bean-to-bar chocolate organized by the European Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Association. This international event will bring together over 90 artisans from Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. The goal of this new type of fair? To showcase their creations and share their expertise with the public.
The objective of this new type of fair is twofold: to allow visitors to discover original and exceptional creations, and to offer artisans a unique platform to share their expertise, creativity, and passion for artisanal chocolate. Beyond tasting, the festival promises a true immersion into the world of cocoa.
“With ShowColat, we wanted to create a festival that is accessible, demanding, and educational at the same time, to introduce the true chocolate to the general public,” said Vincent Ferreira, president of the European Bean-to-Bar Association. The professional aims to highlight all aspects of this exceptional product. Conferences will particularly emphasize the issues of the cocoa industry such as deforestation, price increases, transportation, and sustainability.
And good news: to discover them, there is no need to spend a lot. Access to the ShowColat Festival is free and open to all.
What are the highlights of this fair?
The ShowColat Festival offers a rich and varied program for all audiences. Visitors can explore an immersive 200 m² museum dedicated to the history of chocolate and its transformation process, from bean to bar, or have fun with the “Chocolate Crime” escape game. This last activity will also appeal to your children and is accessible from 12 years old.
A hot chocolate bar will be set up at the heart of the event. The festival will also host the European finals of the International Chocolate Awards on Saturday, May 2nd, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Since Venezuela is the guest of honor for this first edition, you can discover a dedicated space to this country known for its exceptional fine cocoas.
Margot Iodice
Rédactrice
After training as a journalist at ESJ Paris and gaining various experiences in women’s press, I chose to combine my two passions: writing, cooking, and more specifically pastry. My weakness: tiramisu without hesitation. Always on the lookout for culinary news and curious to discover new ways of cooking, I will find all the recipes and tips from your favorite chefs.
