Those macarons and their sweet almondy taste and those decadent chocolates. Every year, I look…read moreforward to the time when I get a visit from those in France who bring gifts from this little shop. I'm typically skeptical about fancy looking chocolates, but Jean Trogneux knows exactly what they're doing. It's so stinkin' goooooooood! :D

From the owner: Des Picantins à picorer Les Picantins sont les 3 personnages représentés sur le beffroi de l'hôtel…read morede ville, symbolisant l'Anglais, le Flamand et le Bourguignon, les ennemis héréditaires pendant la guerre de cent ans. En 1920, un maître chocolatier s'inspira de ces personnages pour en faire une confiserie composée de noisettes grillées, nougatine et chocolat pailleté. Depuis la tradition s'est perpétuée et l'on peut toujours déguster ces Picantins dans cette pâtisserie salon de thé du centre-ville.

Everybody says how great the chocolates are, and they are, but the sorbets and ice creams are out…read moreof this world. They have really interesting flavors (figue, mirabelle, cassis) using in local fruits in season but also exotic fruits (lemons from the philippines) from around the world. The young lady who's there most of the time is very friendly , always willing to explain away and her English is very good. It definitely warrants a 25 mn detour on the way to/from Giverny and the drive is really nice.

I was in Paris and actually saw my favorite chef YouTuber Josh Weissman post about this place so I…read morehad to go. They have so many specialty chocolates to choose from. I purchased 3 bars: one for myself and two as gifts. I am eating the Ecuador 70%. I wish I could've sampled the chocolates in the store to know which ones I should buy. This one is a 7/10. I've had better chocolates. This one is a little waxy almost. Doesn't melt super well. Is sweeter than expected and I'm not picking up the notes very well. The staff were friendly and explained about the chocolates when I asked. We were offered a sample and I asked if they had hazelnuts so my friend with an allergy couldn't have it. The store was cool inside with chocolate sculptures. I enjoyed Chapon Chocolate a bit better!

This was the best praline I had in Paris! It is literally perfect, with optimal texture and…read moresaltiness. You don't need to try any others, just go here.

I came across Chocolat Ilene boutique on a Montmartre Walking tour. The fact that the walking guide…read more(a longtime French chef) recommended her shop speaks highly of the chocolates. A Korean woman is the chocolatier and she is obviously skilled at chocolate artistic sculpture for festive events. But it is her fine chocolates that dominate the candy case - which catch my eyes. I find an Asian sensibility pleasing in the variety of filling/flavor choices. After having several samples of chocolates and a house made macaron, I bought an assorted chocolate box. Yum! The boutique itself is like a small candy box filled with treats - nice ambiance. With the lab in the back, the chocolates are as fresh as can be. Next time I'm in the Montmartre neighborhood, I'll be stopping by again!

On a walking food tour of the Montmarte area, we had the opportunity to stop in and try the…read moredelicious macarons and chocolates that are so thoughtfully crafted here. I loved getting to support a small local business and hearing the history of the sisters who opened the shop. The macarons that we tried here were hands-down the best that we ate during our trip to Paris and the chocolate was top-notch. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique combination of flavors, especially the black sesame macaron. Skip the larger chain shops and come try Chocolat Illèné.