Founded in 1800, Debauve & Gallais is the oldest chocolatier in Paris. Sulpice Debauve, a pharmacist by training, opened the boutique after the Revolution and gradually built a reputation across the continent for exquisite chocolates. By 1818, he was appointed King Louis XVIIIs chocolate supplier, and then Charles Xs and then Louis Philippes. And now me.Its a beautiful old shop, which had me worried that the chocolates, too, were going to taste outdated. Silly girl. The half moon counter is a genius way of displaying all the bonbons, bouches and tablettesyoure practically surrounded by chocolate, and its just a matter of closing your eyes, pointing your finger and discovering which rich treat youre going home with. I kept my eyes open, indecisively (as always) going back and forth, back and forth. I couldnt decide if I wanted milk or dark chocolate, something filled with Cointreau or Calvados, covered in nuts or dusted with cocoa Sensing my panic, the patient dame behind the counter steered me towards the almond pralin, for which Ill forever be grateful. This pralin heart is one of the best sweets Ive had in a long time. Creamy, nutty and rich, not to mention generously proportioned, it gave me 1, 2, 3, 4. I dragged it out to 12 bites of blissful pleasure. It was the kind of treat that made me really savor each mouthfulsomething I couldnt imagine King Louis doing after all his years of exile.30 rue des Saints-Pers7eme