History of the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona
A desire to open Valrhona's behind-the-scenes to the public
The origin of a unique place dedicated to chocolate
The idea of creating La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona arose from the various educational events initiated by Valrhona. In 1992, the "Destination Chocolat" exhibition was already a success. Faced with this enthusiasm and the numerous requests for tours of the chocolate factory, Valrhona saw the need to open its doors to the public as a matter of course. As early as 2006, Valrhona conceived a plan to introduce as many people as possible to the richness of the world of chocolate ! After several years of study and development, La Cité du Chocolat was inaugurated in 2013 in Tain l'Hermitage, in a building adjacent to its production site and its historic shop.
Chocolate, a meeting point for enthusiasts and curious
A place for sharing, encounters, and knowledge transfer
At the heart of the experience offered by the Cité du Chocolat, sensory discoveries are not merely a way to learn; they are also a wonderful invitation to connect with others. Whether during a tasting, a pastry demonstration, or a workshop, conversations naturally arise among visitors, be they professionals, food enthusiasts, families, school groups, or simply the curious.
The Cité du Chocolat welcomes a wide variety of visitors each year: chocolate lovers wishing to deepen their knowledge, aspiring pastry chefs keen to hone their techniques, families looking for a unique outing, tourists seeking an authentic experience, and professionals coming to draw inspiration and expertise.
This human diversity reflects one of Valrhona’s core convictions: chocolate is a powerful force for connection, capable of bringing together different generations, cultures, and sensibilities through shared emotions. Every visit thus becomes an opportunity to discover, exchange ideas, and share a convivial moment.
Passing on knowledge also plays a central role in the Cité du Chocolat’s mission. Through its activities, workshops, demonstrations, and educational programs, it helps introduce people to the history of cocoa, the various chocolate-making professions, and the challenges involved in creating a more responsible supply chain. Chocolate-making expertise, a culture of taste, and a passion for the product are thus shared with all audiences in an accessible and engaging way.
Far more than just a place to visit, the Cité du Chocolat is a meeting point where enthusiasts, food lovers, and the curious come together in a spirit of sharing, learning, and conviviality. It is a place where visitors can discover chocolate while also sharing a human experience centered on a universal passion.
A living Cité that constantly renews itself
Another strength of this "living" place is precisely its ability to renew itself through evolving scenography, regularly updated workshops, new experiences, temporary exhibitions - in short, everything designed to enchant the public year-round.
It is with this aim of sustainably enchanting visitors that the Cité du Chocolat decided in 2023 to go further, moving towards more sustainable tourism where the passion for cocoa is shared more effectively. In harmony with the company's values of environmental preservation and social responsibility, the Cité du Chocolat has embarked on a journey towards a future where sensory pleasure and environmental awareness converge.
A sustainable and committed approach
As the joy of discovery is now coupled with a heightened awareness of environmental and societal issues, the Cité du Chocolat is committed to a more responsible approach to tourism. In 2023, it stepped up its efforts to offer an experience that is increasingly respectful of the environment and meaningful for its visitors.
This initiative aligns perfectly with Valrhona’s values; for years, the company has placed resource preservation, sustainable development, and commitment to cocoa supply chains at the heart of its operations. At the Cité du Chocolat, this commitment translates into raising visitor awareness regarding cocoa origins, the challenges of production, and the importance of more responsible consumption.
By combining discovery, pleasure, and commitment, the Cité du Chocolat invites everyone to take a fresh look at chocolate and the bond connecting gastronomy, craftsmanship, and respect for the environment. It is a way to delight visitors while helping to build a more sustainable and conscious form of tourism.
The Cité du Chocolat is a place where genuine cocoa and chocolate experiences are created. The goal is to create a unique space where you can look, live, smell, taste, share, be amazed, and smile… an experiential place, teeming with encounters that is constantly reinventing itself.
A unique place in France, in the heart of the Drôme region
For 100 years, Valrhona has been the chocolate partner of chefs, offering a diverse range of chocolates, constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation, and providing consulting services to professionals through its École du Grand Chocolat, a range of services and advice dedicated to professionals. This unique expertise and constant pursuit of excellence have shaped a true benchmark in the world of chocolate.
It is with this goal of transmission and sharing that the Maison Valrhona created the Cité du Chocolat in 2013. Ideally located in Tain-l’Hermitage, between Lyon and Avignon, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is much more than a museum: it is a sensory and immersive journey into the world of chocolate, driven by the expertise of a century-old, exceptional chocolatier.
With over one million visitors since 2013, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is the largest chocolate discovery center in France.
120,000 visitors come each year to enjoy this interactive and sensory journey to discover responsible chocolate in all its forms.