First visit

A gourmet immersion in the heart of chocolate

Are you planning your first visit to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona ? Whether you're passionate about gastronomy, curious to discover the secrets of chocolate making, or simply looking for a delicious activity to share with family or friends, you've come to the right place. The Cité du Chocolat is a place of discovery and learning, emotions and interactions, experiences and pleasures all centered around chocolate. Designed for everyone, the venue is conceived as a space for sharing, suitable for both passionate chocolate lovers and curious newcomers. 

5 good reasons to (re)discover the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona

01

An educational and fun tour about chocolate

From cocoa harvesting to chocolate making and its transformation by artisans of taste. It appeals to everyone from casual fans to true enthusiasts, children and adults alike provided they love chocolate. Enjoy a genuine, sensory experience whether solo, as a couple, with family, or among friends.

02

A gourmet experience that engages all 5 senses !

Taste exceptional chocolates throughout the tour an opportunity to learn the art of tasting and to appreciate the flavor, shape, colors, and various textures of the chocolate.

03

Hands-on workshops, activities, and classes are offered year round in various formats

Led by a team of passionate professionals, they allow everyone to deepen their expertise and refine their skills and techniques in working with chocolate.

04

A taste experience

A chocolate-themed dining experience to extend the pleasure at lunchtime and enjoy a unique culinary experience at the Comptoir Porcelana café-restaurant.

05

A peaceful haven in the heart of Tain-l’Hermitage

Enjoy an ideal activity in any season: indoors, in comfortable, air conditioned spaces, or outdoors, amidst peaceful gardens designated as an LPO bird sanctuary (League for the Protection of Birds). It is the perfect place to relax, learn, and explore at your own pace, far from the hustle and bustle.

An immersive and accessible experience for all

Designed for audiences of all ages, the Cité du Chocolat offers a self-guided, interactive, and delicious journey where every visitor plays an active role in the experience. Unlimited tastings, sensory experiences, immersive films, interactive games, and pastry-making demonstrations punctuate the visit, allowing guests to explore the world of chocolate in a fun and accessible way.

Far more than just a tour, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona offers a true immersion into the heart of the cocoa industry. From the plantations to the creations of top chefs, visitors discover the secrets of chocolate making, learn to identify its aromas, and gain insight into the craftsmanship behind this exceptional product. It is a journey rich in discovery, where pleasure, learning, and indulgence come together at every step of the way.

A place for everyone

The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is a place of discovery and sharing, emotions and interactions, experiences and pleasures all centered around chocolate, designed to appeal to all audiences: 

  • For families : interactive and fun spaces will delight young and old alike (quizzes, games, creative workshops, etc.) accompanied by our mascots, Lili & Zoco: Discover the secrets of fine chocolate. 
  • For food lovers : Immerse yourself in the world of chocolate making through demonstrations, immersive videos, and of course, tastings; you can also get hands-on during our workshops and pastry classes.
  • For the curious : Discover the secrets of the cocoa bean, the chocolatier's techniques, and Valrhona's commitment to sustainable cocoa. Chocolate will hold no more secrets for you ! 
  • And for everyone : Themed tours and temporary exhibitions throughout the year, an on-site restaurant to extend your chocolate experience, and a gourmet, immersive boutique to take home your favorite treats. 

 

A relaxing visit

At the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, everything is designed to let you fully enjoy your visit in comfort and at your own pace.

Self-Guided Tour
Explore the various areas of the Cité du Chocolat at your own pace. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit to fully enjoy the interactive features, tastings, sensory experiences, and demonstrations along the way.

Quick and Easy Booking
Plan your visit in just a few clicks using our secure online ticketing system. Easily choose the date and time slot that suit you best to organize your day with peace of mind.

Accessible to Everyone
The Cité du Chocolat is fully equipped to welcome all visitors comfortably. Elevators, adapted spaces, and accessibility features for people with reduced mobility ensure everyone can fully enjoy the experience.

Easy Access
Several free parking lots located right next to the Cité du Chocolat make it easy to reach the site and start your visit stress-free.

A Team at Your Service
Throughout your visit, our team is on hand to welcome you, guide you, and answer your questions. Passionate about the world of chocolate, our staff members love sharing their expertise and enthusiasm with every visitor.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona invites you to enjoy an experience that goes far beyond a standard visit. With discoveries, tastings, and interactive experiences, every moment is designed to awaken the senses, spark curiosity, and create lasting memories. Whether you are a chocolate lover, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique activity, you will find a delicious and inspiring experience here to share with family, friends, or on your own.

When to visit the Cité du Chocolat ?

The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is open 7 days a week, all year round (except December 25, January 1, and May 1). 

  • We recommend visiting in the morning as soon as it opens (from 9:00 AM) or in the early afternoon around 1:00 PM. 
  • The visit is self-guided; the time slots are limited to ensure visitor safety. 
  • For hygiene and safety reasons, the chocolate factory is not open to the public. A space entirely dedicated to chocolate making immerses you in the behind-the-scenes process of chocolate production. 
  • Animals, even small ones, are not allowed during the visit, with the exception of assistance dogs. 
  • We are committed to an eco-responsible approach, with careful management of energy, water, and waste. Please bring your own container for drinking; water fountains are available. 
  • Please allow time for parking, as we do not have a parking lot, but parking is free. 
  • The visit includes tastings (approximately fifteen throughout the tour). 

For a smooth and hassle-free experience, we recommend booking your tickets in advance through our secure online ticketing system. By booking through our website, you save time at the entrance. 

  • Choose your visit time slot 
  • Book a chocolate workshop or a meal at the Comptoir Porcelana restaurant to complement your visit 
  • Receive your ticket directly on your smartphone; simply present it on your phone at the entrance, without going to the cash registers. 

Discover our customized offers for group, schools and corporate seminars here :

A first visit… and certainly not the last ! 

At the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, every visit is an invitation to discover, experience, learn, and savor. We do everything we can to make your first visit a memorable experience. 

Come experience the full spectrum of chocolate

A delicious and informative visit dedicated to chocolate

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A first visit… and certainly not the last !

Réservez mon expérience