From her childhood in her father’s chocolate factory to the explosive flavors of her creations, Jade Genin has chocolate under her skin. It’s a material she works brilliantly in her boutique-atelier at 33 avenue de l’Opéra, where she took us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the immaculate white, shimmering gold and coppery reflections of the workshop, which opens onto the street.
But the best of all remain her chocolate creations. Starting with the Pyramidions, inspired by the tip of the Concorde obelisk, with their bewitching colors and fragrances: zaatar, Thai basil, chamomile flower… Notes from elsewhere, unearthed through his travels and inspirations. From rochers to spreadable cubes, each chocolate is like a jewel, like Mirages, a limited edition evoking the Louvre Pyramid. So many tributes to the capital, where she was born and now lives, that we asked her about in a 100% Parisian interview.
What’s your secret address in Paris?
… for a good viennoiserie or brioche?
Jade Genin: When I have time for a good breakfast, I love Christophe Louie. He makes brioches and panettones, which are really the thing that comforts me most in the world!
📍 Christophe Louie – 12 rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris
… for a good hot chocolate
Jade Genin: Hot chocolate is the story of my life: it’s my favorite drink! To take away, the one from the boutique (Jade Genin) is too good, but the place where I liked to drink it most sitting down was the tea room my father (Jacques Genin) had on rue de Turenne. Today, no place has the same atmosphere. There are palace-style propositions or Parisian cafés, which I love, but that’s not necessarily where I’d go for a good hot chocolate. My father had this very particular balance between the “I feel like the heroine of a novel” aspect and the “everyday” aspect, which palaces don’t have.
📍 Jacques Genin – 133 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
📍 Jade Genin – 33 avenue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris
… to enjoy a good pastry
Jade Genin: Of course, at my father’s (Jacques Genin)! My favorite pastry is his galette des rois, which is truly perfection. It’s rare to be able to say that: when you’re French, you always have something to complain about, but I think his galette is perfect. And, if I go beyond my father’s creations, which for me are THE absolute reference in terms of pastry-making, I really like Maxime Frédéric’s creations.
📍 Jacques Genin – 133 rue de Turenne, 75003 Paris
📍 Pleincoeur (by Maxime Frédéric) – 64 rue des Batignolles, 75017 Paris
… to eat well for sure
Jade Genin: RYÔ, a Japanese restaurant right next door. It’s a Japanese chef alone behind his counter, in a place that’s not particularly decorated, but the onigiris are sublime. I’m an absolute fan of onigiri, and his are excellent. Good value for money!
📍 RYÔ – 7 rue des Moulins, 75001 Paris
… to party or have a drink
Jade Genin: I don’t really go clubbing anymore (laughs)… But for a drink, I’ve got a great address: 228 Litres, a superb wine cellar with a brilliant selection to suit all tastes and prices. What’s more, you can eat great “tapas” there – well, they define it as tapas, but I think it’s much nobler than that! – and the place is very nice.
📍 228 Litres – 3 rue Victor Massé, 75009 Paris
… to unearth rare ingredients
Jade Genin: Épices Shira: the person who founded it is a rare spice finder! He seeks out spices that are not readily available from small producers, but always of impeccable quality. For example, you’ll find wild zaatar from Palestine, camomile from Iran, dried orange blossom… As well as selling to professionals, they also sell to private individuals: which isn’t always the case! Really, for those who love to cook, or even to spice up hot chocolate and the like, this is a must.
📍 Shira spices – Parisian outlets available here
… who’s your landmark
Jade Genin: Dilia, an Italian restaurant that I adore. It’s a very intimate place, a little hidden away, like a jewel box nestled in a little square in the 20th arrondissement. The food here is really delicious: it’s real Italian gastronomy (not just pasta) and the subdued decor evokes a spirit of Frenchified trattoria. The menu changes all the time, but I love their fried chickpeas, zucchini flowers and ravioli, which vary according to the season… It’s well worth the detour!
📍 Dilia – 1 rue d’Eupatoria, 75020 Paris
Do you have a secret ritual in Paris?
Jade Genin: It’s a very clichéd activity, but I love strolling along the quays. Every time I’m there, I think what a fabulous city Paris really is. From the bridges that cross the Seine, to the lights – morning, sunset or night – there’s always a special atmosphere that makes you feel free or in the right place.
Which Paris neighborhood is most like you?
Jade Genin: Le Marais, because that’s where I live, and it’s also where my father’s chocolate shop is. It’s a very lively neighborhood, and I love it when it’s busy. That’s what I like about cities in general, the constant effervescence. I also like it for its central location and because there are so many small designers.
What’s your favorite Paris landmark?
Jade Genin : There are so many! I love the Palais Galliera: it’s sublime, with its beautiful garden and its somewhat remote location… The Grand Palais is also incredible. Finally, it’s not really a classic “monument”, but I’d say the Moulin de la Galette, for its old-fashioned feel.
If you had to choose one time of day to admire Paris, which would it be?
Jade Genin : It’s not necessarily a “moment”, but I love it when it’s sunny and cold: there’s a beautiful light, an invigorating aspect… And I think people are much more beautiful in winter: you see beautiful coats, scarves, accessories highlighted.
Jade Genin’s secret: What’s the secret behind your hot chocolate?
Jade Genin: It’s made without milk, with homemade almond cream, whole chocolate pistoles (not cocoa powder) and water. The idea is to preserve as much of the chocolate’s aroma as possible, so that it’s not diminished by the milk, and to retain the creamy, unctuous texture that we love in really good hot chocolate. This is achieved by using real chocolate and almond cream: it’s very smooth, very chocolaty, very gourmand.
More info :
📍 Jade Genin – 33 avenue de l’Opéra, 75002 Paris
📍Pop-up Jade Genin at Galeries Lafayette until January 12, 2026 – La Coupole, 4th floor, 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris