The 22nd annual edition of the Salon du Chocolat in Paris takes place from October 28 to November 1, 2016 at the Porte de Versailles exhibition hall.

This five-day chocolate extravaganza, the world’s biggest chocolate festival, showcases the hottest trends in chocolate and pastry from France and around the world. The show will feature 20,000 square metres of displays devoted to chocolate in all its forms!

This year’s theme, “Back to Chocolate,” focuses on both current and future trends in chocolate. More than 500 chocolatiers, culinary chefs, pastry chefs and cocoa experts will be on hand to present their products, share their knowledge and discuss trends.

As always, the 2016 Salon du Chocolat will feature plenty of attractions: chocolate and pastry demonstrations and workshops, interactive presentations, seminars, book signings, music & entertainment and plenty of chocolate samples.

Among the dozens of featured artisans are Arnaud Larher, François Pralus, Jean-Paul Hévin, Jean-Charles Rochoux, Georges Larnicol, Sadaharu Aoki and numerous other leading Paris chocolatiers.

And of course, there’s also the famous chocolate fashion show that takes place every afternoon.

Opening night welcomes public

New this year: the Salon du Chocolat’s opening night (October 27) will be open to the public. (A limited number of tickets are available for sale, with proceeds going to charity.)

The 2016 edition of the show will also feature “The Japanese Experience,” a special area dedicated to Japanese chocolatiers. There will also be a “junior” version of the Salon du Chocolat offering  workshops and events for children and teenagers.

Two other key chocolate events will be held alongside the Salon du Chocolat: the International Cocoa Awards; and the annual Awards du Chocolat, organised by the Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat in partnership with the Salon du Chocolat.

Chocolate shows still to come in 2016/2017 include London, Lyon, Beirut, Seoul, Japan (Tokyo, Sendai, Sapporo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka), Brussels, Milan and Moscow.

What: Salon du Chocolat
When: Friday, October 28 to Tuesday, November 1, 2016/ Inaugural evening on October 27 (by invitation or special ticket)
Hours: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm daily
Where: VIPARIS, Porte de Versailles, Pavillon 5
Métro: Porte de Versailles or Balard
Tramway: T2/T3 Porte de Versailles
Admission: Adults, 14 euros; children 3 to 12 years, 6.50 euros. (free for children under 3). Family pack (2 adults + 2 children) 35 euros.

For more information, visit the Salon du Chocolat official website.

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Photos ©: Salon du Chocolat