Visit the laboratory of chocolatier Julien Dechenaud

First-year Bachelor in Luxury Management students had the exceptional opportunity to explore the delights of the world of chocolate right from the start of their course, during an exclusive visit to the Julien Dechenaud chocolate laboratory. This immersive experience took them to the very heart of artisanal creation, revealing the secrets and subtleties of making this emblematic luxury ingredient.

Under the guidance of Romain Vallerand, the chocolate factory's production manager, our future luxury professionals were introduced to every stage of the creative process, from the meticulous selection of beans to the most elaborate processing techniques. This plunge into the world of chocolate was much more than a simple visit; it was a true immersion in the art and passion that drive artisan chocolatiers.

As soon as they arrived at the laboratory, our students were greeted by the enchanting aromas of cocoa and the sweet scent of molten chocolate. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and curiosity as everyone prepared to discover the mysteries of this exquisite delicacy.

The visit began with a captivating introduction to the history and origins of chocolate, highlighting the various varieties of cocoa bean used in the manufacturing process. Students were transported across continents, exploring cocoa plantations in South America, Africa and Asia, gaining a better understanding of the issues involved in growing and harvesting this precious raw material.

Then, guided by the production manager, our students were invited behind the scenes of the chocolate factory. They watched in fascination as the cocoa beans were meticulously roasted, crushed and ground, revealing the rich, complex aromas that characterize each variety.

The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the demonstration of chocolate-making techniques. Our students marveled at the virtuosity with which the craftsmen mastered the delicate art of temperature, mixing and pouring chocolate. Each gesture was marked by precision and passion, testifying to the ancestral know-how handed down from generation to generation.

Finally, the visit concluded with a sensory tasting, where our students had the privilege of savoring an exquisite selection of fine chocolates, revealing a palette of unforgettable flavors and textures. At the end of this immersive experience, our students came away enriched and inspired, keenly aware of the importance of the craftsmanship and commitment to excellence that characterize the luxury industry. Their visit to the Julien Dechenaud chocolate factory will remain engraved in their memories as a privileged moment when the pleasure of the senses was harmoniously combined with the discovery of an exciting and demanding profession.

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