In a world where ecological awareness is becoming increasingly important, at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona we want to set ourselves apart by committing to sustainable entertainment. By obtaining the sustainable entertainment label, we want to establish ourselves as a responsible and innovative player in the leisure sector. This distinction, which rewards the tourist establishments most committed to sustainable development, recognises our constant efforts to reduce our environmental impact and promote responsible practices. With this certification, we become the first site in the Rhône-Alpes region to obtain this label, confirming our role as a pioneer in the sector.

What is sustainable tourism?

Sustainable tourism, also known as responsible tourism, aims to minimise the negative impact on the environment, culture and local economy. It encourages environmentally-friendly practices, the preservation of natural resources and the promotion of cultural awareness. The challenges of sustainable tourism include preserving fragile ecosystems, reducing pollution, promoting social and economic equity, and raising visitors' awareness of environmental and cultural issues.

An educational and awareness-raising space

The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is not just a place where chocolate lovers can enjoy themselves. We also wanted to offer an educational space with immersive tours on the history of chocolate, from its cultivation to its consumption. With the ‘Sustainable Entertainment’ label, we want to emphasise education in responsible consumption. Visitors learn not only about chocolate, but also about sustainable farming practices, fair trade and the environmental impact of the chocolate industry.

Green initiatives

To obtain this label, we have put in place a number of ecological initiatives. These include waste management with a rigorous sorting system, partnerships with local producers who favour sustainable growing methods, etc. In addition, at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona we encourage our visitors to adopt eco-responsible behaviour during their visit, by providing them with information on recycling and waste reduction.

A strong commitment to a responsible future

Thanks to the good results we have achieved, we have positioned ourselves as a benchmark player in the sustainable entertainment sector, reaching the ‘committed’ level. The ‘Sustainable Entertainment’ label, awarded by the Syndicat National des Espaces de Loisirs, d'Attractions et Culturels (SNELAC), highlights the work we have done to reduce our environmental impact, encourage social inclusion and promote a circular economy. In line with the commitments made by Valrhona, which has just obtained its second B Corporation® certification, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is once again demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable approach. Based on more than 120 criteria, this label rewards the many initiatives implemented by the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in terms of social and environmental responsibility.

An in-depth eco-design approach

At La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, we have put in place an ambitious strategy to reduce our environmental impact, in particular by using recyclable and biodegradable materials and minimising the use of plastic.

For example, Valrhona works hand in hand with the Lyon-based company TRIBü to recover glass, cans, plastic bottles, cardboard cups and cigarette butts. In the same vein, since 2024, our Valrhona Boutique in Tain l'Hermitage has been offering bulk chocolate on our flagship products, in order to reduce the use of plastic packaging.

A corporate culture rooted in sustainability

Employees are fully committed to this approach through specific training and environmental education and awareness programmes.

In particular, Valrhona has made it compulsory for all managerial staff to take a 2-hour e-learning course on understanding climate change and how to take action. Called ‘IMP'ACT’, this training has been provided by Axa Climate School since June 2023.
In line with this objective, monthly IMP'ACT lunches are open to all employees to discuss CSR issues in the presence of an expert. In January 2024, we welcomed climate and glaciologist Daphné Buiron to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona for an inspiring talk at our team seminar.
During our annual seminars, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona teams can better understand and assimilate the issues surrounding sustainable development. At the beginning of 2023, we organised a 3-hour ‘Fresque du Climat’ workshop, with the aim of developing a systemic vision of climate issues among our employees. The themes planned for 2025 are ‘diversity & inclusion’, subjects that contribute to better living together.

Strong local roots

The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona favours partnerships with local players and is committed to preserving biodiversity. Classified as an ‘LPO Refuge’ (League for the Protection of Birds) since spring 2023, the Gardens of the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona benefit from biodiversity-friendly landscape management (LPO charter, ‘0 phytosanitary’) provided by ID VERDE.

The recently renovated Valrhona Boutique in Tain l'Hermitage was redesigned with the help of local partners such as Calyclay, a company based in Chatuzange-le-Goubet (26), which was chosen to plaster the walls and ceilings with clay.
 At the Comptoir Porcelana, visitors can sample fresh, local produce from the region - 96% of food suppliers are based in Auvergne Rhône Alpes - and discover a menu that changes with the seasons. They can also contribute to the fight against waste by collecting ‘Too Good to Go’ baskets.

A commitment to the environment and fairness

A space accessible to all

Shortly after its inauguration (in 2014), La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona was awarded the ‘Tourism and Disability’ label for the 4 families of disability: hearing, mental, motor and visual. The label guarantees easy access to the buildings and services offered by the establishment, as well as a personalised welcome offering attention and kindness to enable everyone to choose their holidays and leisure activities in complete freedom.

We have been awarded the ‘Accueil Vélo’ label since 2021, and offer cyclists a dedicated area with a secure garage and recharging lockers. In the same spirit, a mobility plan for employees is currently being drawn up.  A bicycle room is also available to employees working at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, in an effort to encourage travel by soft mobility.

Beyond the pleasure of tasting, at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona we make it a point of honour to welcome all visitors in the best possible conditions, in line with current environmental issues.

‘We are committed to making the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona a place of awareness and inspiration. Chocolate is a story of sharing, pleasure and commitment. This certification is an important step in our approach, but it is only the beginning. We will continue to innovate and find new solutions to reduce our environmental impact and strengthen our commitment to society. We hope that our example will inspire other players in the tourism industry to adopt more responsible practices,’ says Aurélie Roure, Director of the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona since 2021.

An initiatory and responsible journey

Much more than a simple visit, at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona we offer an immersive experience at the heart of the cocoa-chocolate industry. Visitors are invited to discover the secrets of chocolate making, learn how to taste it and take part in fun and educational workshops. Designed for all ages, we aim to be a place where chocolate lovers of all ages can share their passion for chocolate.

Our aim: to become an experienced site  

By reaching the ‘committed’ level, we've already taken an important step. Our aim now is to make further progress towards becoming an ‘experienced’ site, the highest level of certification. Based on the results of the audit, we want to define new objectives to improve our environmental and social performance. The areas for improvement we have identified include :

  •     Strengthening dialogue on CSR policy
  •     Pursuing the responsible purchasing approach
  •     Improving site accessibility
  •     Reducing our carbon footprint

Valrhona's aim is to offer exceptional chocolate with a positive impact, and also to be recognised for its exceptional cocoa beans as much as for its responsible choices.

Today, at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, we are proud to have laid the foundations of a solid and ambitious CSR approach. Obtaining this certification is an important step for us, opening up new perspectives. The numerous actions carried out by our teams over many years and the results obtained bear witness to a structured and mature approach. Although there are still areas for improvement, particularly in terms of CSR management, we are determined to be part of a dynamic of continuous progress. We want to position ourselves as a model of sustainable entertainment, combining a passion for chocolate with respect for the environment. Thanks to our label, we hope to show the way for other attractions and companies, to prove that pleasure and responsibility can go hand in hand.