Photo : BNF
Madame de Sévigné's Hot Chocolate
Forget your standard hot cocoa and step back in time for an evening dedicated to the clandestine pleasures of the French court. Guided by a food historian, you will decode the letters of a famous marquise before sipping on a rare, authentic spice-infused recipe fit for a Sun King.
Bibliothèque historique de la Ville de Paris (BHVP)
About
Step into the 17th century at the Bibliothèque historique de la Ville de Paris on November 17, 2026. Food historian Katherine Khodorowsky explores the journey of chocolate from its Aztec roots to the royal tables of Versailles. Using excerpts from the Marquise de Sévigné’s letters, the session reveals how hot chocolate became a staple of French court culture. The evening concludes with a live demonstration of a traditional 17th-century spiced recipe, followed by a tasting. This cultural event is free of charge, wheelchair accessible, and open to adults aged 18 and over.
This event will be presented by Katherine Khodorowsky, food historian and sociologist, vice-president of the Bibliothèques Gourmandes association, and (outgoing) president of the French Academy of Chocolate and Confectionery.
During this evening, we will follow step by step the epic story of chocolate, an Aztec spice that delighted Europe all the way to the Palace of Versailles, where Louis XIV reigned.
A witness to this epic, the Marquise de Sévigné wrote about this novelty to her daughter with humor and conviction. Through readings of excerpts from her letters, we will discover the role of hot chocolate, which was much more than just a treat...
After the readings, the spiced recipe that delighted the Court of Versailles in the 17th century will be prepared live and you will be invited to taste it!
Our take on this event
Join us at the Bibliothèque historique de la Ville de Paris on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, from 18:00 to 19:30 for a fascinating look at the history of chocolate. Katherine Khodorowsky, an expert in food history and former president of the French Academy of Chocolate and Confectionery, will lead this exploration of how a rare spice became a luxury icon during the reign of Louis XIV.
Through the witty and insightful correspondence of the Marquise de Sévigné, you will discover the cultural significance of hot chocolate in the aristocratic circles of the time. The talk highlights the transition of the drink from a colonial curiosity to an essential element of the Versailles court lifestyle.
The presentation wraps up with a practical demonstration of the original 17th-century spiced recipe, allowing you to sample the final result on-site. Attendance is free for all visitors 18 years of age or older. The venue is fully equipped to accommodate guests in wheelchairs.
