There are chocolate shops that feel like part of the local culture—woven into the streets, traditions, and daily routines. Henriet in Biarritz is one of those places. Located in the heart of this elegant seaside town on France’s southwestern coast, this historic chocolatier has been crafting remarkable chocolate since 1946. For those who appreciate craftsmanship and bold yet refined flavor, Henriet stands out.
This shop is one of my personal favorites. After years of tasting chocolate from around the world, Henriet’s creations left a lasting impression. There’s something undeniably sincere about their approach—quietly confident, with recipes that speak through taste rather than flashy presentation.
A Family Legacy Since 1946
Chocolatier Henriet was founded just after World War II and has remained faithful to its heritage. Generations of chocolate lovers in the Basque region have grown up with these confections. Even as chocolate trends have shifted over the decades, Henriet has stayed loyal to the original idea: chocolate made with care, balance, and attention to detail.
They use some of the finest couverture available—most notably, Valrhona, a name respected throughout the industry for its depth of flavor and clean finish. Valrhona’s Grand Cru chocolates serve as the base for many of Henriet’s pieces, bringing an unmistakable character to each bite.
The Art of French Chocolate Craft
What sets Henriet apart is the restrained elegance in their work. The chocolates don’t try to shout or overpower. Instead, they reflect French culinary balance—sweetness never too high, bitterness used sparingly, and texture always carefully planned. Whether it’s a truffle, a praline, or a simple bar, the structure is consistent and intentional.
There’s also a thoughtful integration of regional influence. You’ll find notes of the Basque region in their ganaches, fillings, and seasonal offerings—flavors like Espelette pepper, toasted almond, or local fruit infusions.
The Basque Beret Bouchee
Among all the confections I tried in the Biarritz shop, one stood out: the Basque Beret Bouchee.
This piece is clever in both flavor and design. It starts with a layer of soft marzipan—a classic base with gentle sweetness and a nutty finish. On top of that sits a dark chocolate ganache flavored with black pepper in the Basque style. It’s not spicy in the traditional sense. Instead, there’s a warm undertone that lingers on the tongue, giving the ganache a unique edge.
The entire piece is enrobed in bittersweet Valrhona Manjari—a single-origin chocolate known for its notes of red fruit, citrus, and a clean finish. The combination is memorable: sweet, complex, just a little savory, and unmistakably French.
This chocolate alone is worth the visit—or a shipment.
More Than Just Sweets
While chocolate is clearly the focus, the shop also offers a well-edited selection of other regional specialties—candied nuts, dragées, fruit jellies, and confections you’d expect from a traditional French pâtisserie. Each one is packed and presented with care. Nothing feels mass-produced, and each piece feels connected to the original idea of handcrafted food.
Henriet’s presentation is simple but elegant—boxes with clean lines, chocolate arranged with care, and no over-the-top packaging. It gives the impression that the chocolate is what truly matters.
Why Henriet Stands Out
Walking into Henriet doesn’t feel like entering a trendy or overly stylized boutique. It feels timeless. There’s a quiet confidence in how the shop is run, the way the staff offers recommendations, and how the chocolates are made and displayed. This isn’t a place that chases trends or reinvents itself every few years. It knows what it is and stays consistent—something that's increasingly rare.
Everything I tried during my visit felt intentional. Whether it was a simple dark chocolate bar or a layered ganache-filled piece, the focus stayed on balance and depth. The pieces were rich but never too sweet, and always clean on the finish.
I may have gone slightly overboard during that visit—trying more chocolates than planned—but there’s little regret. Just extra gym hours.
Worth the Stop in Biarritz
Biarritz is known for many things: surf, architecture, ocean breezes—and for those who know where to look—exceptional chocolate. If you find yourself nearby, Henriet should be on your list. Even a quick stop is enough to bring home something meaningful.
And if travel isn’t on the schedule, it’s worth seeing if their chocolates are available for delivery. Just make sure to order enough—one box tends to disappear faster than expected.