Jean-Charles Rochoux, Chocolatier

Jean-Charles Rochoux opened his charming shop on the rue d’Assas in 2004 after working for years with master chocolatier Michel Chaudun and others. Whimsical molded chocolate figurines including cows and garden gnomes fill his windows and shelves, but he also creates some 40 filled bonbons (his basil ganache is a prizewinner). Among his many chocolate bars is the tablette aux noisettes, an utterly delicious—and addictive—bar filled with whole hazelnuts encased in crunchy caramel. He also collaborated with the American bourbon Maker’s Mark to create a perfect marriage of bourbon and dark chocolate ganache, each bonbon garnished with a tiny red-seal logo that evokes the signature red wax coating on the top of Maker’s Mark bottles.

Rochoux’s shop windows are a delight, filled with constantly-changing displays of chocolate treasures. His ephemeral collections include bars filled with fresh fruit including juicy strawberries, made-to-measure chocolate sculptures and such wonderful spreads as hazelnut and caramel with fleur de sel. A must for any serious chocolate lover.

16 rue d’Assas, 6th, Métro: Rennes. 01.42.84.29.45. website