Careful when you go here. Madame Acabo says she is a lover of chocolate... I would say a closer description would be a drug dealer or chocolate pusher... I came in wanting just a piece of fine bernachon chocolate... and I mysteriously walked out with 7. The thing is, Denise Acabo is not shady about pushing chocolate on you; she is not a corrupt saleswoman. What makes it so easy to spend money is the joy radiating from her as she describes every piece of chocolate, and as you listen to her describe the chocolate too fast to understand with your high school french... you realize that you, too, want that same joy... and maybe- just maybe- if you eat as much chocolate as her, you will get to experience it too. read more

A l'Etoile d'Or - Candy Stores Near Me - Paris, 75

Madame Acabo is such a sweetheart. To this day my son recalls her calling him chouchou and how she excitedly showed him all the chocolates he could ever dream off. I was mesmerized by the table full of Bernachon chocolate bars and did not noticed how my child had practically filled the platter Madame was holding for him with Bernachon chocolate bon bons. Oh mon dieu! Imagine that - my child speaks very limited French and Madame speaks limited English yet they sure shared the language of chocolates! Do not forget to grab a few of those Bernachon bars - your family/friends would be very lucky to receive those from you. However, if they don't want it, let me know and I'll take them off your hands. :) Try the Kalouga, Mendiant, Mocha...oh heck try them all!! They also carry fabulous Caramel Buerre Sale! Service is great and the place is jam packed with treasures. Worth the visit!! read more

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Like a lot of people, I read D. Lebovitz's blog and learned about Madame Acabo and her confiserie. Added it to my list of to-do. Glad I did. Let me preface that I hate prunes. Loathe them. But the ones cooked in armagnac that were so highly lauded, oh boy! They're worth their weight in gold! Converted a few friends via the 2 tins I brought home. Worked out my wallet by purchasing many packages of candy omiyage. Madame has a trilingual Japanese employee, in order to work with the high amount of Japanese tourist clientele she receives consistently. (She told me this, after she had asked me in English if I was Japanese. I replied in French that I was American w/Chinese origins. She smiled and rapid fire gave me a tour of her shop with all her faves and why they're her faves) The kid cousin found Madame creepy, I found her eccentrically cute and passionate about her wares. :) Le p't trouvé Madame 1 peu effrayant a cause de la tenue d'écolière (moi, je l'ai trouvée excentrique et passionné de ses marchandises). read more

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Denise is a character. She dresses in a schoolgirl outfit and pigtails but she's old enough to be my grandmother. She knows almost no English and my grasp of French is horrendous. But that doesn't matter, because she knows the way to my heart is really good candy, and therefore I am madly in love with her. A L'Etoile d'Or is small and packed to the gills with artisinal candy that you can't get anywhere else, all carefully chosen by Denise and all delicious. Caramels from Henri La Roux ( salted butter, of course, although there are different varieties) are perhaps the best anywhere, and she carries Bernachon chocolates and is the only one outside of Lyon to do so. Bernachon makes their chocolate from scratch - this means they roast and grind their own cocoa beans. There is also chocolate for "Anti Stress" which are labelled so, and other kinds of candy and confections. It's a little overwhelming and a lot wonderful. Denise will take you around the shop and show you what's what and help you pick out exactly what to bring back in careful, halting English or rapid French, but always with a smile. She will carefully wrap your purchases up in paper that has a "joke" (it's more like a cleverly drawn comic. You have to see it to know what I'm talking about). If you have any sort of sweet tooth, or you have friends back home who have one, you must go see her. read more

I love LOVE this place. Not only is it cute and quaint, but the owner is amazing and charismatic! Although she does not speak English, that will not stop her from chatting with you about her store and her history and even her fame! The prices are high, but coming from a cheap person. I would spend the extra money for the overall experience you will have with her and her shop. Not to mention, her chocolates are one of a kind! You can only buy them from her and one other shop in France! read more

Beyond the strip clubs and cobblestones, there is chocolate, damned good Bernachon chocolate, and Henri Le Roux salted butter caramels. I owe my new cavity to David Lebovitz and his list, "10 Insanely Delicious Things You Shouldn't Miss in Paris," because that's where he talks about the god forsaken caramels and this adorable little chocolate store. It's not exactly cheap. You can easily drop a hundred euro, maybe two, but it's worth it. The owner will probably be there, and she's so warm and charming. Such a pleasure! The only reason to go to Montmartre, in my book. read more

My suggestion is to read about A L'Etoile d'Or on David Lebovitz's blog. He gives a great and accurate review of the place, and especially of the woman who owns it! Caramels melt in your mouth. Chocolate is top-notch and pure. DEFINITELY a good place for souveniers, or just personal treats (I got both!) read more

"I guess that's one less person I'm bringing home chocolate to." Although I came to buy chocolate as gifts, I couldn't help to rip into a little baggy nicely wrapped chocolate after leaving the store. The little shop is a wonderful place packed with chocolate and candy from wall to wall, inch to inch. After much contemplation, I randomly picked chocolate pieces from the case at the middle of the shop. They have a great variety and I would really suggest trying the rose flavored one. The experience itself of being around so many treats is enough to warrant a visit. It seems the pigtailed Denise Acabo does not known English well, but her employee did and was incredibly kind and helpful. (No offense to other French store owners and their attitudes.) My only qualm is that the price is a bit steep, each little piece cost about 1 Euro and the bars of Bernachon chocolate go for 7-8 Euro. read more

How this shop doesn't have thousands of reviews lavish with praise, I'm not sure. This shop, hands down, has the best selection of chocolate and candy from all over France. The chocolate isn't inexpensive, but it's lavish, luxurious and while you might buy bars as gifts for friends, you'll find it very, very hard to part with them. Denise doesn't speak a ton of English (she had some staff that did when we were there) but her enthusiasm is outstanding. Those who have pointed out David Lebovitz's blog post about her are the lucky ones - in the know. There are plenty of places to buy chocolates and candy in Paris - but treat yourself with a stop at this wee shop. Don't expect cheap stuff, but do expect your tastebuds to thrill. And as an extra treat, if you're there near Easter... oo la la. The Easter candies are superb. read more

Denis is a personality. She isi the only retailer of BERNACHON chocolate - Bernachon de Lyon/France and the maison Bocuse/Lyon/France are very well connected by marriage,- on the whole planet , she does have GUIMAUVES de exellent quality and will show you the most forgotten and hard to find sweet tresures in france. You don't need to travel. Just go there. read more

Although I had my fill of chocolates during my stay in Brussels, I still had time to stop by A L'Etoile d'Or to indulge in some fine sweets. The store offers numerous chocs & yes, the owner speaks very little English but she was so warm & friendly. Just point to the chocolate u want & u will be in heaven. 4 Stars! read more

I'm not one to blindly follow some random internet blog. (Or even a famous person's blog) but my friend sent me a link of places to visit while in paris which led me to the little shop right near Moulin Rouge. This is the article that drew me to the place: http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/12/a-letoile-dor/ And given I was stay a mear 5 min walk from this place, I HAD to visit, and boy am I glad i did. (granted my wallet feels otherwise, stuff is pricey folks!) I walk in and am instantly greeted by the owner, Denise Acabo. Now, she doesn't speak much (read: VERY LITTLE) english, but boy is she super excited to have people in her shop. Her passion comes out when showing you around her tiny store. I ended up buying a box of the nougat. 5 bags of caramels, and 4 slabs of the Bernachon chocolates - 2 hazelnut and 2 half and half (dark/milk mixed). I might have to go back and see if she has any of the salted caramel filled ones before I leave. read more

I decided to check out the shop after searching for the best sweets and chocolates in France. If you wish to find the same, look no further! The lovely lady who owns the shop was so kind in letting me try several samples of the fine chocolates and licorice. I had no previous knowledge of the shop or french chocolate in particular, and although I don't speak French well, she showed me around the whole shop, explaining all the flavors and history. The Bernachon chocolate, nougat and caramels are the best of the best. The owner also kindly wrapped several gifts for my family. I ended up with over 200 euros worth of goodies and a huge smile on my face. I'm already dreaming of going back someday. read more

This was probably my favorite place is Paris. The woman who runs the shop is incredibly attentive, sweet, and kind. Absolutely the best place to go and she's very friendly with non-French speaking customers. I adored this place and the chocolate is amazing. read more

A one of a kind store that is a must see while in Paris. We spent hours there on our last visit, and were lucky enough to be guided through the store by Denise Acabo. Wonderful lady with so much joy. If you like high end confections you won't be disappointed. read more

The ability to purchase Bernachon chocolate here is worth the trip alone. If you haven't heard of Bernachon chocolate, Google it. It is as delicious as it sounds. Creamy, flavorful, and comes in a bajillion (okay just A LOT) of creative delicious flavors. Owner Denise Acabo is charming, but doesn't speak a lot of English. No one in the store really does, so just poke around and buy your candy. They give you a little tray. Lots to choose from. Not just chocolate based-- they have fruit pates, caramels, hard candy, and more! But again, Bernachon chocolate is worth the trip alone. Now go! read more

The price of most Parisian things mirror the cost of doing business in such an expensive city. This place is no exception. I do not mind paying more when the output is a truly outstanding product, more if I cannot get it in the states. I do however, mind when the quality is lacking. Sorry to be the lone dissenter here but I feel like I've been ripped off. Just because something is handmade, it doesn't necessarily mean it's better. I bought 55 Euros worth of candy home for me. I bought 2 Bernachons, one that's still in my fridge. The Amande was okay with caramel and almonds but it's a bit too sweet for my blood. It's very dense but I could not tell the difference between other inexpensive brands and this one. I'm not looking forward to the Kalouga anymore. Also bought some salt caramels and while they were buttery, some of the offbeat flavors like the raspberry was just tart and awful. I did like the seasonal apple one. But again, not 5 Euros good or however much it cost. I didn't ask for the price and I wouldn't care if the quality matched the price. I also got a hard tin of caramels w/ coffee filling. Yes, they're good but they're not THAT good. Some coffee nips would have sufficed and I still would have my BFs money in my pocket. While I did not meet Denise, I did meet her worker who was a pleasant Japanese girl. Except she spoke 5 more languages than I do. So I will give my rating an additional star for quality help. You don't get much for 55 Euros. I'm beginning to think that French things are expensive because they employ inefficient methods or they are secret capitalists. The only people who pay for that type of inefficiency are stupid tourists who read blogs of some random stranger on the internet and then go and buy whatever this person said was good. Like me. I don't even follow him, nor am I planning to. Next time I will buy 1 thing a stranger recommends not 5 and see for myself. I did buy & enjoy the Paris bakery app from David though. Of course, his preferences do not mirror mine and shouldn't since I have my tastes and he has his. That's not to say I don't like anything he likes, just not everything but I don't have time, nor do I care to wade through what is and isn't. I'm saying that you don't have to sacrifice a limb for quality things sometimes. The streets of Paris are filled with eateries that are traps and places where you don't want to Yelp about until you've left Paris so you can keep it all to yourself and not have to deal with the groupies of the Davids of the world. I'm beginning to think David's blog is an advertisement for this place. I've made caramel at home with pure butter and sugar and I know it didn't cost me a lot in terms of time and supplies. I wonder how much gold is going into these that I can't see. Never again. read more

Oh NO! I cannot believe Denise will not be returning! This was one of my favorite shops in Paris. Such a shame. She will be missed!

Visiting this shop and being greeted by Denise was a highlight of a Spring vacation. She's is truly a character! The pistachio Bernachon bar, which is filled with pistacho paste and studded with pistachios is my fave, along that dark chocolate praline filled with a candied manadrin orange. A shop not to be missed when one is in Paris. read more

So sad to report L'Etoile d'Or has permanently closed due to a fire in February 2014. My daughter went to the shop today, to buy our favorite Bernachon bars, only to find the shop boarded up with a small note posted, directing customers to a near by shop where Denise was selling a few remaining pieces of inventory. Denise said she has no plans to reopen. read more

It's imperative to seek this place out when visiting Paris. Sure, Laduree is famous, and very popular, for their macaroons but they don't have Denise Acabo (owner). This woman is completely passionate about what she sells and her customers. You just can't help but leave with a huge smile and a bag full of candy. The chocolate and candy is great, but meeting this woman makes it all the sweeter of an experience. read more

Madame Acabo and A L'Etoile d'Or will be returning!! The grand re-opening is scheduled for November 3rd! Very excited about such wonderful news! read more

We were charmed by Denise Acabo when we walked in. I had been encouraged to buy caramels from her by a friend in New York and had seen the video on line. She was running around the shop, encouraging us to taste different caramels and told us how famous she was and how fast the caramels would sell if we we were foolish enough not to buy them. I bought 5 small/medium bags of caramels, signed the sales slip, and after we left, I realized I had spent 125 euros. I felt nauseous and sick to my stomach. I gave a few bags to a friend for her son in Los Angeles, and decided to return the rest the next morning before going back to New York. (i had trouble sleeping that night. I was really upset!!). Upon entering the shop at 10am when it opened, I put the caramels on the counter and began explaining why I wanted to return the caramels. To my astonishment, Denise told me I had not brought any caramels into the shop. Those on the counter were hers and not mine. I was flabbergasted, almost lost control, but couldn't do anything about it. She said she felt sorry for me and gave me a small bag of caramels (less expensive than those I had brought back) and sent me on my way. I was speechless. This woman is a crook. The caramels are good. read more

Oh my GOODNESS this place is fantastic! If you can only visit one chocolate shop in Paris, go here and see Denise. She is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, and loves to share her knowledge. I don't speak much French, but I so enjoyed listening to her gush about her favorite things. There are a variety of fine chocolates, candies, and trinkets for sale, as well as many pieces of vintage chocolate paraphernalia on display, like beautiful old drinking chocolate pots with molinillos, turn of the century advertisements, etc. She even opened up a little drawer and showed me beautiful old photos of her mother! This place is like a chocolatier, museum, and classroom all in one. Everything Denise carries is of the highest quality. She clearly takes a lot of pride in assembling such a selection, as well as helping you pick out a personalized selection. For what you are getting, the prices are not at all unreasonable, and they are also posted on everything. I am a professional chocolatier, so I think I know what I'm talking about Do youself a favor and come for a visit, even if just to meet Denise and get a little two piece box! read more

We were in Paris in Dec 2010 and went to her shop. Madame Acabo was extremely friendly and passionate about her goods. Granted, the prices were high, but you pay for high quality. You can get Henri LaRoux carmels and Bernachon over the internet. However, the shipping charge offsets any savings in VAT and lower prices direct from the producer. Also, this is truly a one stop shopping mecca for high end, difficult to find chocolate. You will save hours of running around by getting all your stuff here. I walked out with about 150 euros worth of stuff. It was worth every euro. read more

Everything about the store is highly charming, the layout, atmosphere and certainly Denise. The variety of chocolate is out of the world, and Denise exhibits a TON of passion for chocolate. I highly recommend the Bernachon chocolate. The only reason I gave four out of five stars is because of the somewhat high prices. As of this writing, Bernachon chocolate bars are 10€90, and the other pieces of chocolate are a little high. Take that as a heads-up, but not a deterrent from experiencing this truly remarkable chocolate shop. read more

l'etoile d'or was worth every wrong turn i made on my arduos bicycle journey from the 11th e. Denise was fabulous and her japanese sales assistant was able to translate well when i had to ask what this and that was. and they were gracious and kind, not snobby or rude. the shop is small and filled to the ceiling with chocolates, candies, pastilles, caramels, and antique tins and boxex. heaven. thank you david lebovitz for the good guidance. an hour went by as if time stood still while i ate piece after piece in pure decadence. 59 euros later.mmmmmerci. read more