Salon du Chocolat Paris 2026, October 28 - November 1, Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, a premier event for chocolate lovers.
Dates
28 Oct – 1 Nov 2026
City / country
Paris, France
Venue
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Time
Daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Event overview
The Salon du Chocolat Paris is the largest chocolate event in the world, celebrating cocoa in all its glory from October 28 to November 1, 2026.
Visitors can enjoy masterclasses, musical shows, tastings, and workshops, with over 500 participants from around the globe.
TL;DR
Visitors can explore the latest trends in chocolate and pastry, engage with top chocolatiers, and participate in interactive workshops. Edition Dates: The Salon du Chocolat Paris runs October 28 to November 1, 2026. Venue: The show is held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France. Visitor Mix: Family-friendly activities and tastings welcome both trade and public audiences.
Exhibitors gain visibility among a diverse audience, access to industry professionals, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. Exhibitor Scale: More than 500 exhibitors from around the world present chocolate and pastry. The Salon du Chocolat Paris is a key event for industry professionals and chocolate enthusiasts alike, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the chocolate and pastry sectors. It serves as a platform for networking and collaboration.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Halls & areas
11 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, France
Entrances & gates
Main Entrance
Attend
Event days & opening times
Adult
Weekday ticket
Adult
Weekend ticket
Child
Under 6 years old: free entry
Who runs the show
Comexposium
How the last edition performed
Current edition
2026
Visitors
12,026
Exhibitors
500
Photos
Impact
The Salon du Chocolat Paris is the largest chocolate event in the world, celebrating cocoa in all its glory from October 28 to November 1, 2026. Visitors can enjoy masterclasses, musical shows, tastings, and workshops, with over 500 participants from around the globe. The Salon du Chocolat Paris is a key event for industry professionals and chocolate enthusiasts alike, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the chocolate and pastry sectors. It.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Chocolate enthusiasts and connoisseurs, Pastry chefs and culinary professionals, Artisans and producers in the chocolate industry, Families looking for fun and educational experiences. Dates: October 28 - November 1, 2026. Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Over 500 exhibitors from around the world. Masterclasses and live demonstrations. The Salon du Chocolat Paris attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor positioning.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors gain visibility among a diverse audience, access to industry professionals, and opportunities for networking and collaboration. The Salon du Chocolat Paris is a key event for industry professionals and chocolate enthusiasts alike, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the chocolate and pastry sectors. It serves as a platform for networking and collaboration among artisans, producers, and distributors. Exhibitor categories include Chocolatiers and pastry chefs, Cocoa producers and suppliers,.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Salon du Chocolat Paris is the flagship consumer-and-trade chocolate event of the year: a five-day show at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles run by Comexposium that combines a sourcing and trade floor with chef demonstrations, competitions and large-scale public attendance. For suppliers it is the fastest route to French chocolatiers, pastry chefs, retail buyers and gifting distributors, and a launchpad for European visibility because Paris concentrates media, retail and culinary-influence audiences in one place. It also sits on a global circuit of Salon du Chocolat editions in other cities, so exhibitors can use the Paris brand as an anchor for multi-city rollout.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.
Sustainability in procurement
Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.
Automation and labour efficiency
Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.
Regional supply-chain resilience
Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.
Hybrid engagement models
Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
RER B + Metro often faster to Porte de Versailles or Villepinte.
to venue
40–60 min off-peak
by car
Orly is closer to southern Paris halls.
to venue
25–40 min
by car
Gateway airport for Paris.
to venue
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
USD 90–150 / night
Simple rooms with reliable metro/tram access to the venue; rates rise sharply during the late-October Toussaint school holidays — book 6–8 weeks ahead.
sourceUSD 170–280 / night
Closest cluster to the venue with breakfast service and easy metro 12 / tram T2–T3a access; ask for an upper floor away from the périphérique side.
sourceUSD 280–460 / night
Better for client dinners and evening meetings — Montparnasse has direct metro line 12 connections to Porte de Versailles and fast taxi access to central Paris.
sourceGet around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
RER B + Metro often faster to Porte de Versailles or Villepinte.
taxi
Orly is closer to southern Paris halls.
taxi
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and 60+ visa-waiver nationalities can enter France for business or tourism for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa; all others need a Schengen Type C visa.
France accepts ATA carnets for the temporary admission of exhibition goods, samples and professional equipment; the issuing/guaranteeing body in the Paris region is the CCI Paris Île-de-France. Arrange the carnet before shipping stand materials or sample stock to the venue.
Official visa pageWeather
Late October to early November in Paris is cool, grey and damp: daytime highs typically 12–15 °C with night-time lows of 6–9 °C, around 8–10 rain days per month and roughly 50–60 mm of monthly rainfall, mostly light showers. The clocks fall back on 25 October 2026, so it is dark by around 17:30–18:00 CET — pack a warm layer, a compact umbrella and comfortable waterproof shoes for the walk between halls and transit stops.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
EU roaming may apply for EU SIMs; local prepaid SIM and eSIM options are widely available — confirm venue Wi‑Fi with the organiser.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Greetings and language
Open every interaction with 'Bonjour' before asking a question — skipping it is read as rude in shops, hotels and stands. Business conversations in France are typically more formal than in the UK or US: a firm handshake, first names only after they are offered, and French used where possible will be appreciated even if the reply comes in English.
Tipping and service
Service is legally included in French restaurant bills. For good service, round up or leave 5–10%; leave small change for bar and café staff and round up the fare for taxis. Hotel housekeeping usually receives EUR 1–2 per night.
Tasting and dress etiquette
Smart-casual is right for trade days at the Salon du Chocolat, with comfortable shoes for the halls. At tasting stands, wait to be offered rather than helping yourself, avoid strong perfume or aftershave (it interferes with tasting), and use the spittoon or water provided between samples. Shops and some restaurants in Paris close on Sundays, though venue-area services operate normally during show days.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: CDG
Book flights to CDG when possible for the shortest transfer to the venue; compare ORY only if fares are materially lower.
France is in the Schengen area. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens travel with an ID card or passport and need no visa; UK, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, South Korean and other visa-waiver passport holders can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period visa-free for business or tourism. Nationals of non-waiver countries need a short-stay Schengen (Type C) visa: apply via France-Visas and a VFS Global/TLScontact centre, EUR 90 for adults (EUR 45 for children 6–12, free under 6), normally decided in about 15 calendar days — apply at least 6–8 weeks before the show and carry an invitation letter from the organiser or a French host. ETIAS registration for visa-exempt travellers is planned from late 2026; check its status before booking.
Estimated cost: Varies by visa type and nationality (check official site).
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Apply through France-Visas and the competent VFS Global/TLScontact centre; budget an additional service fee (roughly EUR 30–40) and mandatory travel medical insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 cover. Carry an organiser or host invitation letter and hotel booking for the appointment. Children under 6 are exempt from the visa fee but still require the visa; a reduced fee applies for 6–12 year olds.
OfficialFind a stay near the venue with options for every budget.
Areas to stay
15th arrondissement around the Porte de Versailles / Porte de la Plaine entrance, walking distance to the halls · Montparnasse and the western 15th arrondissement, 10–20 minutes from the venue by metro line 12 or taxi · Porte de Vanves / southern 15th arrondissement, 10–15 minutes' walk or 1–2 tram stops (T2/T3a) from Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: CDG/ORY to fairgrounds: RER B + Metro, or taxi; allow 45–75 min depending on hall location.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: Porte de Vanves / southern 15th arrondissement, 10–15 minutes' walk or 1–2 tram stops (T2/T3a) from Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: Ibis Budget Paris Porte de Vanves, B&B Hôtel Paris Porte de Vanves; 15th arrondissement around the Porte de Versailles / Porte de la Plaine entrance, walking distance to the halls: Novotel Paris Porte de Versailles, Mercure Paris Porte de Versailles Expo, Ibis Paris Porte de Versailles Expo; Montparnasse and the w
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Paris; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Metro line 12 to Porte de Versailles; RER for north/south Paris halls.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: 12–15 °C (54–59 °F) daytime highs and 6–9 °C (43–48 °F) night-time lows in late October and early November in Paris; wind and rain can make it feel colder at the venue entrances.
Seasonality: Autumn in Paris: roughly 50–60 mm of rain over about 8–10 wet days per month, mostly short showers, with frequent overcast skies and occasional morning mist. Daylight shortens sharply after the clocks change on 25 October 2026, with sunset around 17:30 CET — plan evening activities indoors.
Packing: Late October to early November in Paris is cool, grey and damp: daytime highs typically 12–15 °C with night-time lows of 6–9 °C, around 8–10 rain days per month and roughly 50–60 mm of monthly rainfall, mostly light showers. The clocks fall back on 25 October 2026, so it is dark by around 17:30–18:0
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Wednesday 28 October 2026 (opening day)
The five-day show runs Wed 28 Oct – Sun 1 Nov 2026; the opening day carries the strongest professional and media presence, launch announcements and the highest ratio of buyers, chefs and distributors to general-public visitors, so supplier conversations are easiest. Weekend days (Sat 31 Oct – Sun 1 Nov) are the busiest and most consumer-oriented. Note that the clocks fall back on 25 October 2026, so late-afternoon daylight after the show is limited — plan meetings indoors after ~17:00.
Confirm passport validity and check France Schengen visa requirements — Confirm entry rules for your nationality well before booking travel to Paris for the October 28 to November 1, 2026 show.
Book flights to a Paris gateway airport — Compare fares into Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly (ORY) and Paris Beauvais (BVA), then plan onward transfers to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Reserve a hotel near the venue or on a direct metro line — Porte de Versailles and central Paris districts along the Metro give the easiest access to the halls.
Complete online registration and secure your badge — Register through the official Salon du Chocolat site and keep your confirmation QR code ready for badge collection.
Download the hall plan and programme — Map the exhibitor halls and masterclass schedules across the five show days.
Pre-schedule meetings with exhibitors and suppliers — Contact chocolate, pastry and ingredient suppliers in advance to lock in meeting slots.
Shortlist masterclasses and live demonstrations — Prioritise sessions that align with your sourcing or professional interests.
Plan local transport and airport transfers — Arrange metro, taxi or rideshare routes to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and confirm show-day travel times.
Prepare packing list and meeting materials — Pack business cards, notebooks and a light layer for late-October Paris weather.
Finalise travel documents and confirm bookings — Re-check flight, hotel and registration confirmations 24 to 48 hours before departure.
Arrive in Paris and collect your badge — Arrive early on the first show day to clear access screening at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · Adult
EUR 16 / per person
visitor_ticket
visitor · Child
EUR 8 / per person
visa_fee
visitor · Entry visa
USD 100 / per application
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Adult | EUR 16 / per person | official | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | Child | EUR 8 / per person | official | |
| visa_fee | visitor | Entry visa | USD 100 / per application | official |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You buy, specify or sell chocolate, pastry ingredients, packaging or gifting products for the French or EU market, or you need one trip that combines sourcing with on-the-spot trend and competitor research.
Best for
Chocolatiers, pastry chefs, bakers, food buyers, distributors, packaging and equipment suppliers scouting the French market, plus food media and serious consumers.
Min. budget
$650.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks: tickets are available online, but late October is the French Toussaint school holiday and Paris hotel rates and availability tighten — book accommodation early.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Assumes 2 nights at a mid-range hotel plus a EUR 90 Schengen visa; visa-exempt visitors can plan on roughly USD 550.
Visiting without a pre-booked supplier shortlist turns the trip into a consumer visit with little commercial return.
exhibit
You have a French/EU route to market or a distributor and marketing budget to fund a stand, and you can send staff who speak French or have local representation on the floor.
Best for
Cocoa and couverture producers, bean-to-bar makers, ingredients, packaging, machinery and gifting brands targeting French and EU retail, foodservice and private-label buyers.
Min. budget
$3,300.00
Timeline
4–6 months: stand space booking, stand design/build, sample shipping and — for temporary imports of goods and equipment — an ATA carnet arranged with CCI Paris Île-de-France.
Risks
Budget estimate from listing cost signals — confirm live rates.
Stand space, construction, shipping, staffing and travel are additional to the visit budget above; a realistic small-stand programme is materially higher.
Cocoa price volatility and EU deforestation-regulation documentation requirements can slow buyer commitments — prepare origin and traceability paperwork in advance.
skip
Your priority markets sit outside the EU and you can reach equivalent buyers through regional events (ISM Cologne, SIGEP Rimini, Chocoa Amsterdam) or digital channels — reinvest the travel budget there instead.
Best for
Suppliers with no Western European route to market, or teams that only want market data rather than buyer relationships.
Min. budget
Not yet confirmed
Timeline
Not applicable.
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
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References
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