Do you dream of savoring exceptional dark chocolate during your vacation in Charente-Maritime? The Île de Ré is home to many passionate artisan chocolatiers who transform cocoa into true works of art. From our campsite on Île de Ré, set out to discover these gourmet spots that define the island’s sweet side. Follow the trail… and savor every stop! Book your stay now to combine relaxation with wonderful culinary discoveries!
Our selection of the best chocolate shops
| Chocolate Shop | Specialties & Highlights | Flagship Product |
|---|---|---|
| Île de Ré Chocolates | Family-owned business, factory tour, store design. | La Pomme de Terre (hazelnut praline & fleur de sel). |
| La Chocolatière | Palm oil-free, pure butter, 99% cocoa bars. | Les Galets de La Flotte and artisanal ice cream. |
| Les Petites Folies | Organic and fair-trade, with no additives. | Artisanal cookies and spreads. |
Île de Ré Chocolates: Eric Vallégeas’ Passion
Eric Vallégeas embodies the pinnacle of chocolate-making on the Île de Ré. This artisan chocolatier has been running a renowned family-owned business since 1995. His team crafts the products with surgical precision.
In Saint-Martin-de-Ré, you’ll visit a modern laboratory to uncover the secrets of cacao. Through a short film and a thoughtfully designed exhibition, the history of chocolate unfolds, from its ancient origins to the various stages of its production.
After this immersive experience, it’s time to focus on technique and craftsmanship with a demonstration by an artisan chocolatier, before discovering and savoring the range of chocolates in a welcoming retail space.
The chocolate potato remains this chocolate shop’s signature product. This candy resembles the island’s famous tuber. Its center contains a flaky hazelnut praline. The artisan uses Charentes-Poitou AOP butter and fleur de sel from the Île de Ré for his caramels.
Address: Ile de Ré Chocolats – Artisan Chocolatier, 15 Philippsburg Ave., 17410 Saint-Martin-de-Ré, France, 7 km from our campsite.
Hours: Open from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday year-round. Monday through Saturday in July and August.
La Chocolatière in La Flotte
The village of La Flotte is home to a historic chocolate shop that has been passed down from mother to daughter. Cécile Graça runs La Chocolatière, this family-run institution founded in 1990. The products are crafted in the Ré workshop without any palm oil. The artisan selects pure cocoa butter to ensure optimal quality. The dark chocolate bars here reach new heights with 99% cocoa. Connoisseurs of rare cocoa beans appreciate this intensity. The line of chocolates features fleur de sel from the Île de Ré for a hint of the sea.
Don’t leave without trying the “galets de La Flotte”—they make the perfect sweet souvenir. This chocolate shop also offers marshmallows coated in dark chocolate.
Address: 1 Rue du Marché, 17630 La Flotte, 5 km from our campsite.
Hours of operation: Low season: Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. High season: daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to midnight; Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Les Petites Folies in Rivedoux
Gaëlle Bonnin offers a different take on chocolate-making. Her shop, Les Petites Folies, focuses on organic and fair-trade products. In fact, the artisan uses chocolate processed in France according to strict ethical standards. Her workshop in Rivedoux-Plage produces 100% organic confections. The lineup includes chocolate bars, rochers, and spreads. The absence of chemical additives guarantees an authentic taste. In fact, reviews often highlight the delicacy of her artisanal creations. It’s an ideal stop right after the bridge to the island.
Address: 36 rue des Gros Peux, 17940 Rivedoux-Plage, 6 km from our campsite.
Hours: Open Tuesday through Friday (2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and Saturday (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.).
Visit Île de Ré for its exceptional artisanal products! Every chocolate shop has amazing surprises booked for you. The flavors of our local region will brighten up your campsite vacation. Don’t wait any longer to taste these delights—plan your own gourmet tour starting from our campsite on Île de Ré! Book your stay at Les Prises Campsite, then set out to discover the local chocolatiers.
