Chocolate

Flanders

The northern part of Belgium is known as Flanders. All Flemish towns are brimming with quaint medieval squares, tree-lined canals, gorgeous architectural facades, world class museums, trendy fashion and designer boutiques, and friendly outdoor cafés perfect for sipping on one of the many hundreds of different local beers. And – not to forget – the best chocolate in the world...Travelling to Flanders is an unforgettable experience!

Pure and natural. And with a creative twist. Belgian chocolatiers make chocolate into an art form.

In fact, Belgium produces 172,000 tons of chocolate per year in over 2,130 chocolate shops. Our chocolate has pure cocoa flavour because we use nothing but the best ingredients: 100% cocoa butter is the norm.

Pralines are handcrafted pieces of chocolate art: a beautifully sculpted chocolate shell conceals a centre of filling which explodes with a surprising texture and flavour in your mouth. This is craftsmanship based on hundreds of years of tradition...

Did you know you can even do a chocolate walk, take a workshop, or organize chocolate tastings?

Not to Miss

Bruges

Bruges is the chocolate city par excellence. The links between Bruges and cocoa go way back: it all began in the late Middle Ages, and developed from a trade into an art. Today master confectioners create new treats for the sweet-toothed and discover new ways to enjoy the age-old delight in the more than 50 chocolate ateliers spread across town.

ChocoStory

At ChocoStory in Bruges, learn about the history of chocolate, the health benefits and watch how chocolate is made – and taste some too! If you want to learn how to make chocolate yourself, enquire about the workshops that teach you all the essential skills.

Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate

Housed in a magnificent building near the Grote Markt in Brussels is the Museum of Cocao and Chocolate, where you will learn everything about the origins and the arrival of cocoa and chocolate in Europe. Every day a free demonstration is given by a master chocolatier showing how pralines are made in a traditional way.

Sablon

The stylish Sablon district in Brussels is your one stop shopping place for all things chocolate: Pierre Marcolini, Godiva, Neuhaus and Wittamer's shops are all located in walking distance.

Dominique Persoone

Dominique Persoone, owner of “The Chocolate Line”, has helped revolutionize traditional chocolate pralines, with exotic combinations such as peppers, garlic, guacamole, wasabi, chicken, oysters and tequila. He has even rubbed shoulders with The Rolling Stones and was invited to their birthday celebration to show the band how to “sniff” cocoa from his specialy designed cocoa shooter. His shops in Antwerp and Bruges are a must for every self-respecting chocoholic.

Dessert

After your sumptious meal try some mouth-watering desserts that feature chocolate. Chocolate Mousse is made with the best Belgian chocolate: it is a creamy, airy, delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolatey experience. Another classic is Dame Blanche: a refined combination of premium vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce. Whipped cream anyone?

Holidays

On special holidays – like Easter or Saint-Nicholas – local chocolatiers demonstrate their creativity by making stunning art pieces in chocolate, to decorate their shop windows and as a perfect gift for the occasion. Figurines in the shape of the Easter hare and Easter bells – traditionally for Easter – or Saint-Nicholas and his horse and helpers – traditionally for the December 6th holiday of Saint-Nicholas – are incredibly popular (and tasty)!