the secrets of Bayonne sparkling chocolate

Since the 17th century, Bayonne (Pyrénées-Atlantiques) has been the chocolate capital of France. In the city center, the Cazenave house, created in 1854, perpetuates the tradition. It is the oldest still in operation and is renowned for its dark chocolate. The product that made it famous, sparkling chocolate. “That’s my grandmother, at the time, she brought me as a little girl, as a reward, to drink chocolate here”explains a woman installed with her mother and her aunt, who continues this family tradition.

The flavors of sparkling chocolate are very particular. The sign has changed owners several times. “We stayed with this line of very traditional, very natural chocolates, with basic products that we know”says Marie-Claudine Maudet, co-owner of the Cazenave chocolate factory, bought by her grandparents in 1934. With Easter approaching, everything is ready in store to receive customers.