We have knows Jacques Genin for many years, and have religiously visited his shops every time we are in Paris, to get his beautiful caramels and pate de fruits. That said, there is not enough quality in the product to make up for the absolute disdain that the employees show for their clients. Today we visited his Rue de Varenne location. It started bad when, in a completely empty shop, the two attendants couldn’t be bothered to even reply to our salutations, let alone come to help us at either their caramel or pate de fruit stands. The older attendant finally decided to come and help; her face of displeasure was unmistakable. We asked to sample three flavors we had never had before, to which she felt compelled to inform us that we needed to pay for the samples. We ignored her rude comment, but her bad attitude continued thorougout our visit. At the pate de fruits desk, she seemed more concerned about the pattern of the pates in the box, than about what we wanted to get as clients. And her bad attitude and frankly rudeness continued throughout our visit. We spent over 100 euros today, but sadly this will likely be our last visit. There are many places in Paris with wonderful products, where we have felt always welcome, even with our broken French. Mr. Genin, I hope you get to see this review; you are truly a magician with sugar; please do something about your employees, as they are ruining the experience to even the most devout...
Read moreIt would be completely wrong not to indulge in some of the best chocolates in Paris. We took full advantage of getting plenty to take home. They are a perfect size. I never found one I didn't really like. However, that wasn't the primary reason for picking this particular shop. I'd heard about the Passion fruit caramels. We did not purchase enough. We thought we did, but we didn't. They had the most intense and pure flavor I've ever had in a sweet of any kind. A full caramel was almost...
Read moreI learned about this place over 10 years ago, when I was traveling and shooting pool still. I hoped to make it to this establishment and experience what I had been told of. Well, it exceeded the hype and expectations I had of it. The caramels...flavored and natural were heavenly...and the milk chocolates, as well as the Jelly squares were all out of this world. I had them.. and enjoyed them so much I went back a few days later and walked along the river sucking on a mouth watering...
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