Essential Stops for Chocolate Lovers in Geneva

Some visit Geneva for its beautiful, clean lake, some for its beautiful old town and tree-lined squares, some for its fascinating watch-making history and others? It’s for the food. Not just any food – the delicious raclette and rosti – but for the chocolate… velvety mouthfuls that have been expertly handmade in the city, and are so delicious that they make Geneva a foodie destination in its own right.

You don’t have to have a sweet tooth to appreciate the skill, commitment and knowledge that goes into every single chocolate that’s made in the city. Naturally, the taste is important, but so is the process and the presentation, and many regard these chocolates as a work of art that also doubles as a special gift to take home.

If you are partial to a bite – or box – of chocolates, you’re in the right place. From independent shops to bigger longer-standing institutions, the city is crammed with places and things to do for anyone fond of chocolate. But first: a brief history.

Chocolate making is a huge part of Geneva’s heritage and identity. Its history dates back to 1826 when the first chocolate factory was built. Since those first hand-made chocolates, the city has blossomed into a destination for chocolate makers and lovers – who visit to try the variety of textures and flavours that now exist.

There’s the Nougaline, with its crispy shell and soft hazelnut filling (and a recipe that’s remained the same since 1932). Then there’s the Aveline, a milk, dark or praline variety with vanilla, almonds and hazelnuts. The Pavé genevois, meanwhile, dates back to 1936, and is still the same small square encased in a layer of cocoa. Or you may prefer the Poubelle genevoise, which refers to the city’s old bins – a bin-shaped outer with a creamy truffle inside. Meanwhile, the Amande princesse consists of caramelised almonds with a milk and cocoa exterior – which you can try at Auer, a family-run factory in the city. As for other places to try chocolate in Geneva?

Choose from 50 types of chocolate in Auer, an institution in the city since 1939. These are luxurious chocolates of the highest quality – nip in to try a selection of truffles and Pavés glacés genevois, or the chocolate-coated almonds, which are famous across the city. There’s handy outdoor seating if you’re keen to people-watch during your coffee and chocolate stop.

• Address: Rue de Rive 4, 1204 Genève
• Getting there: The closest tram stop is Molar (trams 12 or 17). You may choose to combine your visit with a look around St Pierre Cathedral, which is nearby
• Opening hours: 9am-6:45pm; closed on Sundays

Luxurious, organic and sustainable chocolate makes Sweetzerland one of the most popular choices in the city. Their hand-made chocolates are exciting and colourful (the seasonal creations, in particular, are worth heading here for). Candied fruits, salt-flecked bars and "Sweet Rocks" make the glass-fronted boutique a must-visit on your trip to Geneva. Looking for a modern and stylish hotel nearby? Novotel Genève Centre is centrally located, and even has a sauna and hammam to soothe weary muscles after a day of pounding the pavements.

• Address: Rue du Mont-Blanc 5, 1201 Genève
• Getting there: The shop is a seven-minute stroll from the main train station
• Opening hours: 10am-7pm; closed on Sundays

Beautiful bars in vibrant packaging sit alongside more classic, smaller chocolate bites at Du Rhône. There are a number of specialities, including the Mocca glacés, the Pure Cocoa Spread, the Mendiants or the Noble Du Rhône, which are a seriously decadent treat. Looking for the best hot chocolate in Geneva? You’ll find it here. It may just be the best place to buy chocolate in Geneva, too – the slimline bars at Du Rhône are easy to slip into your suitcase or hand luggage.

• Address: Rue du Rhône 118, 1204 Genève
• Getting there: The nearest tram stop is Rive (trams 12 and 17)
• Opening hours: 9am-6pm; closed on Sundays

Albert Pougnier isn’t just a chocolate shop, but also a factory and a place where you can pick up a chocolate-filled pastry, too. Its chocolate-making expertise extends back to 1949, and inside you'll discover decadent truffles, coated almonds and pralines. Handily, there are a couple of locations in the city, some of which are also tea rooms – the perfect place for a warming hot chocolate or coffee to go with your sugar-dusted pastry.

• Address: Rue de la Confédération 5, 1205 Genève
• Getting there: The closest tram stop is Bel-Air (tram numbers 12, 14, 17, 18)
• Opening hours: 6:15am-6:45pm most days; 8:30am-4:45pm on Sundays

This chocolaterie and patisserie isn’t just a place to sample and purchase chocolates, but a relaxed and refined space to take a seat and tuck into rich chocolatey cakes, teas and coffees. At the glass counter you’ll see hundreds of stacked pralines, and the beautiful presentation and gift bags make them a lovely present to bring home. For a similarly stylish stay, try the Hotel Rotary Geneva-MGallery, with its art deco-inspired interiors.

• Address: Rue Micheli-du-Crest 1, 1205 Genève
• Getting there: The nearest tram stop is Plainpalais (tram numbers 12, 15, 17 and 18). You may like to combine your visit with the Patek Philippe Museum, which is nearby
• Opening hours: 9am-6:30pm; closed on Sundays

You may be quite content simply popping into a chocolate shop or two, but for those really taken by the craftsmanship – and taste – of the best Swiss chocolate in Geneva, it’s worth buying a Choco Pass. The pass means you can visit 10 chocolate shops, including Sweetzerland and Guillaume Bichet, sampling a plate of chocolates – from truffles to pralines – in every one. It’s one of the best-value ways to taste a variety of chocolates in the city, and learn a little more about the makers.

Purchase your Choco Pass online or at the Tourist Information Centre. The pass is valid for one year and is activated for a period of 24 hours after your first chocolate tasting.

• Address: Tourist Information Centre, Place de Cornavin 7, 1211 Genève
• Price: Adults 30 CHF (€32) / Children 6 CHF (€6)

The Choco Pass is a brilliant option if you want to taste lots of chocolates independently, but if you’re keen to learn more about the city, the city’s chocolate heritage and the individual chocolatiers, then the Geneva Chocolate Tour by Local Flavours is perfect for you. The three-hour tour of the city will have you strolling along the cobbles of the Old Town, taking you past churches and squares, with a boat ride on Lake Geneva, too. You’ll pop into six chocolatiers and patisseries, where you’ll learn to taste chocolate like award-winning pralines and truffles using your five senses. Along the way you’ll try the favourite chocolates of people like Winston Churchill and Grace Kelly, while also making the big decision on which you like best, too.

Tours can be booked at localflavourstours.com and run at 10am and 2:30pm Monday to Saturday, with a 2pm tour on Sundays. Book in advance to avoid missing out.

Whether you’re a chocolate connoisseur or just prefer a small nibble every so often, visiting the chocolate shops of Geneva is considered a must-do when visiting this beautiful, historic city in Switzerland.