L’Esperantine is a beautiful little chocolate shop located in the Panier neighbourhood of Marseille, one of France’s biggest and most interesting cities. Within a few blocks they have both a shop front and a cafe where you can sit and enjoy their chocolates, ice creams and, of course, hot chocolate. The company, founded in 1999 by Francesco Martorana, is famous for their chocolates made with added olive oil and shaped like olive leaves. They also put the flavours of local almonds and orange front and centre in many of their products. They don’t make the chocolate itself and are chocolatiers, making products with chocolate they buy. No information was shared in store about where that chocolate is from or how it is made.
There are three hot chocolates on the menu, one made with dark chocolate and almond milk, another with milk chocolate and hazelnut milk and the last a moka made with coffee. I admit I was disappointed that the chocolate they use isn’t their olive oil chocolate, or paired with a milk that would highlight this fascinating pairing. But the hot chocolate was lovely, made with chocolate melted down to order. The cafe space itself is stunning with high ceilings and exposed wooden beams reminiscent of a cathedral. The staff are warm and friendly and all the products we tried were delicious, especially the ice creams.
L’Esperantine de Marseille-Provence, 17 Bd Jacques Saade, Marseille, France. Hours: 10am – 7pm. www.esperantine.co.uk
