In addition to offering you sun, sea, and cicadas, a vacation in Bandol can also take on the allure of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And it's at Créacao, the town's artisanal and gourmet boutique, that the magic happens. As loyal Oompa Loompas, we had to test out their discovery workshops for you, introducing you to the most beautiful profession in the world: chocolatier. Warning: highly sensitive article for all cocoa addicts!
A warm welcome and a sweet shop
Our adventure began on the side of the 6 School Street, behind a display case containing many wonders. It is here that Xavier and Vanessa took over the reins of the Amandon, a Bandol institution, a few years ago now. And I can tell you that since then, the reputation of the establishment has not declined, quite the contrary...
The Bandol Tourisme team therefore went to their shop to take part in a workshop like no other: that of making chocolate barsFrom the moment we arrived, we knew we were going to have a great time, full of conviviality and delicious food. Smiles, good humor, and tons of sweets around us, there was no doubt, we were in the right place.
On the shelves, dozens of the house's creations. Chocolates of all kinds, majestic pieces, sweets with local flavors as well as very fine references of teas and infusions… In short, everything you need to organize the tea party of your dreams. All these beauties, created by Vanessa, the head chocolatier, are offered for sale throughout the year. In addition, some nuggets are also presented depending on the seasonsThis is particularly the case with spring's "seagull eggs" (chocolate caramel sweets to die for) and traditional candied chestnuts and other end-of-year delights.
From that perspective, the store itself would have been more than enough to satisfy all our sweet tooth. But our goal for the day was behind the counter, near the production room...
The chocolate bar workshop at Créacao Bandol
The purpose of this activity: discover the profession of chocolatier. How? By making our own chocolate bars with our own hands. And because, just like breaded fish, it doesn't come in rectangular shapes in nature, we went back to the origins of our favorite desserts. So, we started by watching a film retracing the original production of chocolate, from the pod harvested from the pistol tree that we had in front of us.
Then, when the theory was shown and explained, we were able, still accompanied by Vanessa, to put on our aprons and get our hands dirty (with cocoa). Around the work surface, a few centimeters from the chocolate fountain and its sweet, sugary smell, we got busy filling the molds that we had in front of us. To do this, a melted chocolate, tastefully selected by the chef, was made available to us. And this, in the company of toppings of all kinds (dried fruits, sweets, nuts, etc.). Everything finally ended up in the fridge to set. In the meantime, there was no downtime; we moved on to other creations.
Throughout the workshop, Vanessa was extremely educational and caring. We were even able to receive some valuable tips and secrets. How to make your chocolate shine? How to apply your topping so that the bar is beautiful and harmonious? Why did you choose this raw cocoa rather than another? We didn't just look, we dived into the universe as rich as it is delicious from a master chocolatier.
In the end, after more than an hour and a half of activity, we left with our wonders, which still represented around 300g of chocolate per person. Spoiler alert : the tablets didn't last long...
Créacao's gourmet activities
If this great discovery and great activity idea tempts you, know that Creacao organizes 3 types of workshops open to all:
- The tablet workshop (ours): making mendiant tablets, lasting an hour and a half, at €50 per person.
- The candy workshop : making chocolate, ganache and praline candies (clearly next on our list!!), lasting two hours for €65 per person.
- The assembly workshop : creation of a chocolate piece, also lasting two hours, still at €65 per person.
Each of them is accessible from 5 to 99 years old and the sessions are held in small groups of 4 people maximum. The only condition of access is a strong love for chocolate, which is normally just a formality!
✅ To book, you can simply reach them by phone at +04 94 29 55 39 XNUMX or by email to the address creacao83@gmail.com. And for those of you who are more connected, you can also go to their website:
After this wonderful activity, the only words that come to mind, besides the taste of chocolate, would be: go for it with your eyes closed ! If you are a cocoa lover, looking for an activity to do with family or friends and love experiments as close as possible to local talent, head towards the craft shop Creacao. Friendliness, good humor and delicacies open their arms to you for a moment of sharing and epicureanism.
🎁 One last tip for the road Don't wait until your vacation begins to book your workshop. Tickets are selling like hot cakes. Contact Vanessa and Xavier right now ! You'll thank us later 😉
