Salon du Chocolat 2026 – Paris, France
Overview
The Salon du Chocolat 2026 is the world’s most prestigious celebration of cocoa and pastry, returning to the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles for its annual five-day residency. This massive event serves as a global crossroads where over 500 participants, including legendary master chocolatiers, award-winning pastry chefs, and cocoa producers from 60 countries, gather to showcase their expertise. From bean-to-bar innovations to avant-garde confectionery, the festival offers an unparalleled sensory journey through the past, present, and future of chocolate.
Visitors can expect a vibrant program that balances high-end culinary artistry with interactive entertainment. The festival is famous for its signature Chocolate Fashion Show, where models hit the runway in stunning, edible couture designed through collaborations between renowned couturiers and chocolatiers. Throughout the venue, live masterclasses and recipe demonstrations by world-class chefs provide a behind-the-scenes look at the technical precision required to create world-class desserts, while massive chocolate sculptures serve as awe-inspiring monuments to artistic creativity.
In 2026, the event places a reinforced emphasis on sustainability and the “Destination Cacao” zone, which highlights the importance of ethical sourcing and the stories of individual cocoa farmers. For professionals, the B2B Village offers a dedicated space for networking and industry insights, while families can enjoy specialized pastry workshops for children. Whether you are a dedicated connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, the Salon du Chocolat remains the definitive global event for anyone with a passion for the world’s most beloved sweet.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Event Highlights
- Witness the legendary Chocolate Fashion Show, a unique daily spectacle where haute couture meets high-end confectionery on the runway.
- Experience live masterclasses at the Pastry Show, where international pastry stars demonstrate their secret techniques and latest recipes.
- Explore the Destination Cacao area to learn about sustainable farming and taste rare single-origin chocolates from around the globe.
- View spectacular, larger-than-life chocolate sculptures created by master artists specifically for the 2026 Parisian edition.
Why Attend
The Salon du Chocolat is a must-attend event for anyone who views chocolate as more than just a treat, but as a sophisticated art form. It is ideal for foodies, professional pastry chefs, and families looking for a high-quality cultural experience in the heart of Paris. Attending this festival provides a rare opportunity to meet the world’s best chocolatiers in person, allowing you to discover artisan brands and unique flavors that are often unavailable in standard retail markets.
The benefits of attending extend beyond the tastings; it is an educational hub where you can attend panels on the science of chocolate making and the future of sustainable cocoa. For travelers, the festival serves as a perfect anchor for a fall trip to Paris, offering a warm and festive atmosphere as the city transitions into the cooler months. With a massive marketplace featuring hundreds of exhibitors, it is also the ultimate destination for early holiday shopping, offering exclusive gift sets and limited-edition creations found nowhere else.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: October 28 – November 1, 2026
- Event Duration: 5 days
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold online through the official Salon du Chocolat website and can also be purchased at the venue box office during the event.
- Admission Type: This is a ticketed event with single-day entries and specialized passes for the Opening Night gala.
- Ticket Pricing: Prices range from $9 for children to $33 for the exclusive Opening Night gala; standard adult entry is approximately $18.50.
- Special Seating Options: Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the Pastry Show demonstrations and the Chocolate Fashion Show.
- VIP Options: Professional passes are available for 1 or 3 days, providing access to the B2B Village and specialized industry networking events.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Paris, France
- Venue Name: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles (Pavilion 5)
- Google Maps Address: Pl. de la Prte de Versailles Entree A1, 75015 Paris, France
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: salonduchocolatparis@comexposium.com
- Phone Number: +33 1 45 03 21 26
- Official Website: https://www.salon-du-chocolat.com/en
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.instagram.com/salonduchocolat
- https://www.facebook.com/salonduchocolat/
- https://www.tiktok.com/@salonduchocolatofficiel
- https://www.youtube.com/user/mondialduchocolat
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/8581315/admin/feed/posts/
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Orly Airport is 9 miles away and Charles de Gaulle Airport is 22 miles away, both accessible via taxi or the RER train network.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Porte de Versailles station on Metro Line 12 or Balard station on Metro Line 8 are the closest access points.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Bus lines 39 and 80 stop directly at Porte de Versailles, and Tramway lines T2 and T3a serve the venue.
- Parking Availability: Limited paid parking is available at Parking R and Parking F within the exhibition center grounds.
- Directions by Car: Access is via the Boulevard Peripherique (Paris ring road) with exits at Porte de Versailles or Porte de Sevres.
What is this event?
The Salon du Chocolat is the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate and cocoa, bringing together producers, chocolatiers, and fans for a massive trade and consumer fair. It features a blend of culinary competitions, fashion shows, and a massive marketplace of sweet delights.
The event showcases the entire chocolate value chain, from raw cocoa beans to the final luxury pastry. It is an annual tradition in Paris that has expanded to dozens of cities worldwide, but the Parisian edition remains the flagship.
Why is it popular?
The event is popular because it successfully blends professional industry excellence with mainstream entertainment, making it accessible to both experts and the general public. It is a highly photogenic event, particularly known for the chocolate dress parade which attracts global media attention.
Its popularity also stems from the high concentration of world-renowned chefs who participate, giving attendees the chance to see their culinary idols up close. For many Parisians and tourists, it has become an unmissable autumn ritual that celebrates French gastronomic heritage.
Attendee Experiences
- The smell of chocolate hitting you as you walk into the pavilion is something I will never forget.
- Seeing the chocolate dresses on the runway was a total highlight and much more impressive in person than on TV.
- I spent the whole day moving between tastings and masterclasses and still felt like I needed another day to see it all.
Before you go, check these helpful travel products:
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What time does the Chocolate Fashion Show happen?
The famous Chocolate Fashion Show typically takes place every day at 4:00 pm and again at 5:00 pm on the main stage. Because this is the most popular attraction at the Salon, it is recommended to arrive at the stage area at least 30 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. The show features a rotating selection of dresses, so attending on different days may offer a slightly different visual experience.
Can I buy chocolate directly from the exhibitors?
Yes, almost every exhibitor at the Salon has a retail section where you can purchase their products, often at special festival prices or in exclusive gift packaging. Many chocolatiers also offer free samples to help you decide which bars or pralines to buy, though full-sized portions are available for purchase. It is a good idea to bring a reusable insulated bag if you plan on buying a lot of delicate chocolates to keep them cool.
Is the Opening Night ticket different from a standard day ticket?
The Opening Night ticket is a special pass for the gala evening on Tuesday, October 27, which features a preview of the exhibition and a VIP fashion show. This session is usually more social and festive, often including champagne and a higher concentration of celebrity chefs and media personalities. Standard day tickets are valid for any single full day from October 28 to November 1, but do not grant access to the Tuesday night gala.
Are there workshops for children at the event?
The festival features a dedicated area called "Salon du Chocolat Junior" which is specifically designed for younger visitors and their families. This area offers age-appropriate pastry workshops, educational exhibits about the origin of cocoa, and fun tasting games led by professional animators. These workshops are a great way for children to learn basic baking skills while being entertained in a safe and engaging environment.
What are the rules regarding bags and security at the venue?
For security reasons, large suitcases and oversized backpacks are strictly prohibited inside the exhibition halls of Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. There is a mandatory cloakroom service near the entrance where you can check coats and small helmets, but they generally cannot accept large luggage. It is best to leave your travel bags at your hotel and carry only a small personal bag to ensure a smooth and quick entry through the security checkpoints.
