So long Mother’s Day, we’re now moving on to the Easter season! As much as we’re fans on hot cross buns, it wouldn’t be Easter without a proper egg hunt and a serious chocolate game. To celebrate it the French way, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting options out there.
Playful Easter eggs by Pierre Hermé
One of the most famous French pastry chefs, Pierre Hermé is renowned for his delicate macarons and pâtisseries. But his gorgeous range of chocolates is definitely worth the detour too. For Easter this year, his “Taken in the Game” collection plays around with the shapes of classic board games like checkers or chess.
We have a soft spot for the “Labyrinth” eggs and their maze-like intricate patterns. Available in caramelised white chocolate with fleur de sel, dark or milk chocolate, these sculptural creations make one of the finest Easter treats — with a side of his iconic “Infiniment Chocolat” macarons, of course!
Easter collection from £25
Pierre Hermé
38 Monmouth Street
+44 (0) 207 240 8653
Monday-Friday 11.30am-7pm, Saturday 10.30am-7pm, Sunday 12am-6pm
© Pierre Hermé
Easter fishing with Le Chocolat Alain Ducasse
In addition to his gastronomic table at The Dorchester, legendary Michelin-starred chef and entrepreneur Alain Ducasse runs three bijou chocolate shops in London, which deliver all over the country as well — lucky us! This Easter, la Manufacture de Chocolat Alain Ducasse is heading to the sunny Mediterranean, one chocolate sea creature at a time!
Expertly designed by the teams of head chocolatier Quentin François-Gaigneux and designer Pierre Tachon (Soins Graphiques), the architectural sea creatures are filled with surprises like praliné for the Shark or pépites for the Turtles box. We love the milk sardines and the Lobster Chocolate Bar. A far-from-fishy catch of the day, for all adventurers at heart.
Easter collection from £6
Coal Drops Yard: Unit 15 Bagley Walk Arches, London N1C 4DH
Borough Yards: 5 Dirty Ln, London SE1 9PA
Selfridges Corner: 400 Oxford St, London W1A 1AB
© Alain Ducasse
Parisian flair with Ladurée
You can never go wrong with anything from this Parisian institution founded in 1862, best known for afternoon tea and macarons. This Spring, Ladurée unveils the Mimosa collection, a celebration of the spring blossom, with delicate hand-painted prints. Star of the show the Signature Egg by Executive Pastry Chef Julien Alvarez is covered in springtime flowers — whilst their traditional milk Lala Easter bunny awaits at the heart of the 35 cm-high chocolate egg.
If you’re not into the whole egg hunt, but still want to treat yourself to some chocolatey luxury, then the mini eggs and chocolate fritures basket is your go-to! Visit one of their 12 UK locations or order online for next-day delivery.
Ladurée Burlington Arcade: 71/72 Burlington Arcade, London W1J 0QX
Ladurée Covent Garden: 1 The Market, London WC2E 8RA
Ladurée at Selfridges & Co Manchester: 1, Exchange Square Central, Manchester M3 1BD
© Ladurée
The Chick-iest eggs with Le Chocolat des Français
Established by three Parisian friends in 2014, Le Chocolat des Français carved a name for themselves by associating each chocolate bar with a different artist. But in addition to their bright and funky packaging, the gourmet chocolates of the award-winning brand are carefully crafted in France from 100% pure cocoa butter, without any nasties.
Perfect for Easter is their playful take on the traditional egg box, available online in the UK. The cool design holds a selection of dark and milk chocolate Easter eggs. The perfect gift for foodies with an artistic knack.
Eggs box, £10.25
© Le Chocolat des Français
Olives but not as you know them, with François Doucet
Based in the South of France in Provence, Francois Doucet confectionery company has been making high-quality pralines, jellies and chocolate treats for 50 years, inspired by local flavours and ingredients.
A sweet nod to the rich olive fruit, these little delicacies are actually Provence almonds dipped in dark chocolate. The final layer of white chocolate is painted dark green and black to mimic the olives of Provence — a great option for the connoisseurs, selected by Sous-Chef, the online destination for discerning gourmets and professional chefs alike.
Francois Doucet Chocolate Olives £12.99
© François Doucet
Contributor
Valentine Benoist
Editor
