in search of Quebec City chocolate
The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel is an icon of Quebec City, Canada, along with the old walled village that has made Quebec City a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Photo courtesy of Fairmont Hotels.
From time to time, I am offered a guest post from a chocolate lover who is visiting a locale and would like to report on its chocolate for me. Renée Borg recently travelled to Québec City, Canada, to practise her French and search for chocolate. In this guest blog, she reveals the taste-tempting ‘trésors’ (treasures) discovered there. Please help me welcome Renée Borg as she searches for the best Québec City chocolate.
an Easter chocolate tour of Quebec City
I picked a serendipitous time of year–just before Easter, for my visit to Québec City. The first night, a display caught my eye at the local Metro grocery, where I was seeking treats for a midnight feast. It featured an assortment of chocolate bars, rosettes, and chocolate-coated fruits and nuts handmade locally by the Mistassini Trappist Monks. I tucked a dark chocolate bar into my basket.
You will see “caleche” horse-drawn carriages throughout old Quebec. Renee’s visit coincided with a late spring snowfall.
The next morning, I headed for la vieux Québec (old town Quebec), a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passing through the stone ramparts, I came upon cobblestone streets, horse-drawn caleches and the occasional sighting of a costumed Courier des Bois.
Entering this rampart takes you into the old walled village of Quebec City, a UNESCO world Heritage Site.
in search of chocolate treasures in Québec City
My first stop was La Fudgerie, renowned for handmade chocolates and fudge, including irresistibly cute sausages in unusual flavours like wasabi and garam masala. Helen offered me a sample of fragrant maple fudge that melted creamily in my mouth.
Helen greets customers with a sample and a smile at La Fudgerie Chocolaterie.
The shop was crammed with a Genie’s cache: hot chocolate blends, chocolate-covered coffee beans, fudge pops and Easter cream eggs, chocolate bark swirled with different flavourings and studded with nuts and fruit, and chocolate shields shaped in the image of their eponymous sign which has swung over the doors since 2002. All of the products are handmade at their main workshop, located in the historical quarter of Charlesbourg, just north of Québec city. Did I mention the chocolate-dipped marshmallows?
Chocolate and fudge saucissons (sausages) at La Fudgerie in Quebec City, Canada.
more quebec city chocolate
Saturday was market day at le Vieux Port Marketplace. Tucked inside the bustling Marché was the patisserie Pralines et Chocolat featuring beautiful Easter figures, artisan breads, brioches, specialty cakes and pastries. I sampled blueberry honey, lavender, and sea buckthorn filled bonbons, intense flavour bursts enrobed in rich, dark chocolate.
A scrumptious assortment of chocolates at Pralines et Chocolat in Quebec City.
On funky Rue St. Jean I found Erico’s Creative Chocolate Shop and Museum. The chocolate boutique was busy, but I enjoyed exploring the quirky Chocolate Museum, and found it fun and informative. The story of chocolate is well documented here, though the interactive games were a trifle outdated.
hands-on discovery at the Chocolate Museum in Québec City
Sunday dawned a perfect day for walking and sampling. Champagne Chocolatier was located on the other end of Rue St. Joseph in the neighbourhood of St. Roch. There were plenty of Easter chocolates and wrapped baskets. They also featured Marzipan popular characters like Nemo and Shrek. All of the chocolate was crafted in-house, featuring saffron, lychee, balsamic, Fleur-de-sel and pear-ginger flavours. I sampled Larme du Diable truffles, which translates to Devil’s Tears – fragrant, dark chocolate with a searing chili bite. They also featured Perles Du Quebec, which were stylized after Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
Renee enjoyed a fabulous chocolate croissant at Croquembouche Boulangerie & Patisserie on Rue St. Joseph in Quebec City.
My last stop was Croquembouche on the same street-–a great lunch spot with sumptuous chocolate displays, European-style cakes, French macarons and pastries, notably a maple éclair. I enjoyed a Chocolatine (chocolate croissant) and bought some chocolate fish to add to my trove of sweet Québecois treasures. A weekend magnifique!
Thanks so much to Renée Borg for sharing her delicious exploration of Quebec City chocolate offerings with us as we celebrate the 400th post on Chocolatour.
With an abundance of French culture and historic architecture dating back to the 17th century, Quebec City is a feast for the eyes. And now we know it’s a great place for Chocolatouring as well!
I loved the old city of Quebec with its cobbled structures, it looks so rustic. Plus what a great search for chocolates. Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for stopping by the blog, Reshma. Quebec City is indeed one of the most scenic and iconic cities in Canada. And where there’s good chocolate … it’s even better!
Thanks for the mouthwatering chocolate tour of Quebec. I know I would love to gnosh on a variety of bonbons for sure.
If you’ve never been to Quebec, Jeri, you would love it! I hope that you will soon be able to plan a trip.
Such a wide variety of chocolates!
The city too looks splendid especially the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel!
I can see you’ve got an eye for quality, Tuhin! Yes, the Chateau Frontenac is an exquisite hotel right in the heart of Quebec City. I love all the Fairmont Hotels that I have stayed at.
The morning I walked by the Frontenac was frosty cold, yet the hotel looked magnificent rising from the ice and snow. You can go in and have a drink at their famous bar, Bistro Le Sam, that has breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence river. I am hoping to do this next time! Wonder if they have chocolatinis…..
Renee, Chocotinis are pretty much my favourite drink when I’m out in a fancy bar. And most bartenders in good places know how to make some version of the drink. I think the best I’ve had to date has been the one I had at the Modern Cafe in Nanaimo, BC. The owner has promised the recipe to me to share with my readers, but check out my post on the Nanaimo Bar Trail for a taste-tempting look!
Doreen — first ,what a beautiful city! And so many chocolate shops. My mouth is watering at the chocolates in the photos. I’ve never been to Quebec City and realize I’m missing something very special.
I hope you’ll get the opportunity to visit QC at some point, Jeannette. It really is the next thing to visiting France, and is a while lot safer!
Looks like I am going to put on some weight at my next visit to Quebec! I’ll be checking this out!
Definitely is a destination that the whole family can enjoy, Kevin! 🙂
A chocolate tour around easter, a horse-drawn carriage and traveling through the ramparts if the city. Sounds like a great adventure. The picture achieves perfection with chocolates and loads of them. I think this is chocolate pampering to the senses of the highest order.
Thanks for stopping by, Sandy. Yes, you’d be surprised how much sweeter your travels can be if you focus them around CHOCOLATE! 🙂
Yes, it was very romantic – Quebec city would be such an awesome getaway for newlyweds, or even re-kindling a current relationship…it really transports you to another time and place. I easily could have stayed a few more days, and discovered even more chocolate delights!
That’s so true, Renee. Certain destinations seem to instil that feeling of love and romance in them. Is it something about the French and their joie du vivre? Either way, I agree with you that Quebec City has it! 🙂
I had probably my favorite slice of chocolate cake in Quebec City. And on my birthday.
I DIRE the pictures so much. I love chocolate…especially beautiful chocolate. Such artistry. Thanks for the virtual tour.
oh my gosh, Quebec fudge yes please. We do the best maple fudge, I mean, I know its not chocolate but close enough
Indeed, Kimberly. Fudge is pretty amazing. And I’ve had some incredible chocolate fudges on the Big Island of Hawaii. YUMMM.
Haven’t heard of the City or if I have nor do I recall…
Nevermind, back to your amazing post love it like always and hope I will visit it sometime
Hi Sushmita: Quebec City is the capital city of the province of Quebec in eastern Canada. The primary language spoken there is French, and all the street and shop signs are in French. That is why Canada is an officially bilingual country, with both French and English being official languages.
I am not a chocolate person but once in a while I do like them, especially the dark ones. This sure is an innovative post. Would love to try the chocolate mentioned here.
Hello Abhinav: Well, if you’re eating dark chocolate, you’re doing your body a favour. Dark chocolate has many health benefits if eaten in moderation. Enjoy!
The only time I’ve been in Quebec City was when I was 13 years old. I went there with my school so we could practice our French. Though, unfortunately, we did not get to sample any chocolate because I’m sure my 13 year old self would have loved that. Seems like a fun trip with lots of great chocolate.
So many of us had that school experience! This had been my first trip to Quebec City since a high school trip back in the 70’s. Although the popular historical sites hadn’t changed a bit, it was a totally different experience – and way more delicious!
Quebec City is a unique and beautiful city, with a very interesting history. I never knew there was a chocolate museum there. this will be on my list of places to visit next time I am up there.
Right on, William. The great thing about travel us that there are always new surprises to add to the experience.
I never tire of visiting Unesco sites. And I can get behind champagne & chocolate…or champagne IN chocolate. All looks and sounds delicious.
I hear you, Rose. I,too, love visiting UNESCO sites. So amazing.
Doreen – I was almost dancing when I looked at the collection of chocolates. You and I both know I have a weakness for selection chocolates (I have certainly mentioned it enough times!)
The Fairmont Le Chateau Hotel is rather stunning. I am sure you can eat off of the grass – it looks so tidy.
Thanks for your comment, Phoenicia. Yes, I appreciate your love for boxed chocolates. I am hoping sometime in the future, that I can have a reward for loyal readers to win a box of very special chocolates for which I would pay the postage. You certainly deserve it, for all the wonderful comments you have shared with us here. And YES! The Chateau Frontenac is a marvellous hotel. I remember staying there several years ago and loving every minute of it. 🙂
Going on vacation to QC this summer, thanks for all the chocolate suggestions!
You’ll love it Roxanne!
Studying French and searching for chocolate sounds like a great vacation anywhere but Quebec City seems to have it all!
So true, Michele. I remember just being amazed at how European Quebec City is! Montreal, too, in a lesser degree. Canada is so fortunate to have these Euro-Canadian gems within our borders.
I’ve been to Montreal a couple of times but never Quebec City. It looks wonderful! I had no idea there were so many chocolate shops but following Doreen’s blog has really opened my eyes to the wonders of chocolate. Thanks for sharing your visit to this beautiful area.
Thx for your comment, Marty. Yes, before I embarked on the Chocolatour journey, I had no idea there were so many artisan chocolate shops in virtually every corner of the world. The biggest surprise for me so far has been the chocolate artistry of Iceland! Who’d of thought? I must get there and experience it for myself one day, but I’ve certainly tasted its great chocolate.
Would love to take a chocolate tour of Quebec. Looks delicious.
I’m sure you’d enjoy it, Catarina. Quebec is multicultural, cosmopolitan, and a delight for those of us who love culinary travel.
Quebec City is pretty high up on my bucket list – and it’s just moved a bit higher up now! I’d love to try the wasabi “sausage”.
Hi Karen: There are so many amazing places to see in Canada. But Quebec is unique in that you really do feel like you are in Europe when you are in the Old Town, as you are enclosed within the old stone wall and feel as if you are transposed back in time. The same way I felt when I was strolling Gruyeres in Switzerland last fall.
I regret now that I didn’t buy one of those for my son, who loves wasabi. Oh well, there’s always next time!
Oh Wow did I hear garam masala flavour? That must be quite unique! Munnar in India is quite famous for homemade chocolates may be I should submit a guest post to you someday regarding Munnar’s chocolates!
Thanks for your comment, Tania. I just might take you up on that offer! I have so many places I must get to for the upcoming volumes of Chocolatour. India is going to be part of volume III. I’m just finishing up the research for volume II now. Let’s keep in touch!
Wonderful! I would love to be in touch with you and I will provide you with any information or help you need regarding ‘Chocolate In India’!
And yet another reason i need to head back to Quebec City. All that chocolate!! Great write up. Now I’m craving chocolate
Thanks, Arienne. Yes, I, too, would love to get back to both Montreal and Quebec City. Canada is so big, it’s hard to visit coast to coast regularly.
Congratulations, Doreen, on your four hundredth post on Chocolatour. Your posts about chocolate are always interesting and informative. I have always wanted to visit Quebec City because of all the history to be found there. The variety of chocolate available in Quebec City offers another very strong reason to visit.
Thanks, Bev. I know you would LOVE Quebec city. It’s almost like going to France without the overseas flight.
My mouth is watering reading this it sounds an amazing place to visit, the flavours of the different chocolate sound divine.
Hi Michele: Quebec is such a marvellous blending of the old and the new world. and the culinary scene is incredible! Time for me to revisit. 🙂
Chocolate is everywhere! Good stuff, Renée.
It is indeed, Kathe. 🙂 It’s amazing how almost every place on the planet is slowly finding its way onto the artisan chocolate scene. But Quebec certainly has a multitude of fine offerings.
I’ll email her to let her know it’s up.
Thanks, Kathe – I had such a great time scoping out the Quebec chocolate scene!
Wow, there certainly is a lot of chocolate in Quebec City. Renee did an amazing job checking everything out. I certainly learned a lot and will definitely be telling my close friend to read this as she’s taking a trip there this coming week! Thanks for sharing this. Well done Renee.
Thanks for stopping by, Suzanne, and for recommending the post to your friend. And to referring Renee to my blog in the first place. Don’t you just love the web? I’m hoping Renee will pop by the blog tomorrow. She hasn’t seen the post yet.
That’s pretty cool Doreen. It be a treat to tour old Quebec City and taste all the delights. One things for sure, it wouldn’t be good for my waistline.
Susan, I guarantee you would love Quebec as a province, and Quebec City specifically. It is a culinary destination you would long remember.
Seeking out chocolate in any city is fun, but it has to be extra special in Quebec City. It’s such a lovely place. I’d like to sample most of the items listed but Larme du Diable truffles top the list.
Thx for stopping by, Donna. Yes, I adore Quebec City. It’s almost as good as going to Euope. And now, we have one more delicious reason to visit.
Hi Donna – those really were amazing. Some of the other places featured chili in chocolate as well – it’s such a great combination. These were actually tear-shaped, and I wished I had bought a whole bag!
Quebec City is such a great place. Had no idea Quebec City was big on chocolate.
Hi Heather. I, too, love QC, but haven’t had the time to return in recent years. So I was thrilled when a reader offered to provide this post. Sounds like an amazing adventure!