La Fabrique de Chocolat

Activity Details

La Fabrique de Chocolat – A gourmet and heritage renaissance in La Bastide-Clairence

In La Bastide-Clairence, a village listed among the most beautiful in France, Gabriel and Anaïs are reviving a family factory founded in 1903: La Fabrique de Chocolat. Housed in an old water mill dating back to 1313, lovingly restored over more than ten years, this revival pays homage to Jules Auzi, Gabriel's great-great-grandfather and founder of the chocolate factory.

The place, both authentic and unusual, is structured around three complementary spaces:

• The Factory, where you can discover a complete artisanal production process "from bean to bar," using traditional methods.

• The Museum, which brings the old factory back to life through a faithful reconstruction with period machines in motion.

• The Mill, which presents the history of the building and its hydraulic operation, offering a real dive into the past.

Guided by childhood memories and family stories, Gabriel managed to find his ancestor's old machines, carefully preserved at Claire Noblia's. With the help of his brother, he restored or recreated the missing parts to get everything back in working order.

The original recipe, dated 1903, was also found and preserved, with a slight reduction in sugar. It was alongside master chocolatier Stéphane Bonnat that Gabriel and Anaïs trained in their new profession. Even the original label was found by the Benedictine monks of the Notre-Dame de Belloc Abbey, completing the legacy passed down through the generations.

A visit to La Fabrique de Chocolat is an immersive experience, ideal for the curious and foodies of all ages. Explanatory panels and videos allow you to follow each stage of cocoa processing, from roasting to chocolate making. At the end of the tour, visitors can taste the homemade creations in the boutique area, including a new bar recently created: a milk chocolate sprinkled with Basque hazelnuts provided by a friend of the couple.

A place of memory, passion, and pleasure, La Fabrique de Chocolat celebrates heritage, artisanal know-how, and gourmet delights. To experience this unique adventure, visit Rue du Moulin in La Bastide-Clairence or visit La Fabrique de Chocolat's Facebook page.

Opening Hours

Open Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.