Amazing chocolatier in Provence! This small charming chocolate store is a must if you are visiting St. Rémy-de-Provence. The quality is superb. If we are ever in the area again, we would go out of our way to get another boîte de chocolats:) read more

Joël Durand - Our box sans 1 carmel chocolate that I savored - Chocolatiers & Shops Near Me - Saint-Remy-de-Provence, 13

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Wonderful chocolate. Sales woman was very patient with my selection process. Just so many great choices!

While on a week long visit of the Provence region of France, I tucked into JD's because it was recommended by Rick Steves' wife. If you are a chocolate fan or know someone who is, this is the place to visit because there are samples galore from A to Z (literally) and the chocolates have flavors that awaken your palette. Not only did I buy chocolates for myself and for gifts, but I procured a few bags of cocoa (plain, orange, and lavender) to make my own hot chocolate. With orange as my favorite, I still lament the day I used up the last of it. Initially, I regretted buying the lavender cocoa because of its strong scent UNTIL I learned how to use it sparingly as an addition in order to add depth to hot cocoa or chocolate dessert. Too bad I learned the lesson when it was nearly gone. Unfortunately, I don't live near JD's or know anyone who does, but the memories remain on my mind. From what I hear from friends, you can buy JD chocolates in Paris, but the cocoa, which I prize, is not sold anywhere but the St. Remy store. Sigh. read more

Ridiculously good chocolate. Joël is kind of ascetic about his chocolate--no frills. No pretty decorated chocolates. They are all the same squares and labeled in gold right on the chocolate in letters from A to Z with a few other symbols. You look at the code sheet to find out the flavor (e.g. P=Provence--dark chocolate, almonds praline, and black olives from Les Baux--sounds weird, I know, but it works). You mix and match your own boxes of chocolate while sampling like crazy. It's great chocolate and a great, unique gift to bring home. read more

Yeah! Another chapter in our chocolate research in France! And we found this research endeavor to be most satisfying. In St. Remy, doing some last minute Christmas shopping when we found this great little chocolate shop near the centre ville. As this gift was for someone in Paris, we didn't want something from a huge chain that you could find on every corner in Paris. Quelque chose unique, peut-etre! Joël Durand apparently has one outlet in the Grand Epicerie de Paris, but that's about it. This is their main outlet, here in St. Remy. AND... they ARE unique, with a wide array of unusual accents including lavender, anis, and réglisse (licorice!). Of course, many French chocolatieres do this, and we have enjoyed this in the past, but by the time you get home, you forget what you put in the box, so every taste is sort of Russian Roulette bon bons. But Joël Durand has a clever system of putting letters or other markings on each chocolate, with a handy guide that goes in the box to remind you of which is which. VERY clever! So clever, that we ended up buying two boxes. One for a gift, and one for "our research!" The chocolate is great. The staff was friendly and helpful. (Would have been willing to help us in English, but were even kinder in letting me practice my French!) And we only live a half hour away if the addiction become serious! read more

Terrific chocolates, huge range of flavors, excellent assistance. Big boxes and small, with plenty of sampling. We didn't come to Provence for chocolates I'm mid-summer, but why not get a few when such good ones are available. read more