The best confectioners Puy-De-Dôme

Cruzilles perpetuates the tradition of Auvergne's master confectioners in the production of its fruit jellies and candied fruits. Since 1880, the confectionery has cultivated a unique savoir-faire, with a strong emphasis on natural, preservative-free products, with a few organic references. Innovation is as present as tradition, notably with Dés Lisses®, born of the desire to offer a less sweet product to leave more room for fruit. With this novelty, the company is evolving with the times and bringing confectionery up to date.

It is to wonder if the nougat would not be born in Auvergne. Paul Lopez, grandson of a pastry chef, has used his creativity and talent to offer an exceptional nougat, made with good products: lavender honey, almonds from Provence, pistachios from Sicily... The nougats are tender and tasty. Some of them won an Epicure d'or in 2016 and 2018. The latest, L'Harmonie, mixes matcha, goji berries and puffed buckwheat. This young Clermont-Ferrand native is developing other gourmet recipes like old-fashioned macaroons (Epicure d'argent 2017).

Facing Monoprix, not far from Jaude, this small store full of colors seduces children and their parents. Here, candies of all colors and shapes are offered, to satisfy all desires. With more than 400 varieties of candies, the choice is vast! They are also surprising compositions for all the great occasions or simply for the pleasure of offering or tasting. The display cabinets showcase numerous creations, in the shape of a bouquet, a heart, a cake or even a pizza, which are a great incentive to push the door!

More melting than the creamy caramels of Normandy, the texture and flavours of Benoît Lorlut's caramels make them unique. If the plain version is a treat, our palates are convinced by the original flavours (blackcurrant leaf, verbena, rose-litchi). The artisan has worked in several restaurants and was one of the youngest starred chefs in France. His creations are also recognized, such as his hazelnut praline spread, which received the Epicure d'or award in 2021. His products are on sale in several shops in Clermont-Ferrand and online.

The Art Nouveau inspired façade, created by Louis Jarrier at the beginning of the ^20th century for the Rochefort pharmacy, is listed as a historical monument. Today it is the setting for the Moinet confectionery, founded in 1852 and whose colors are worn by Elisabeth Moinet-Michaille. Originally from Vichy, the house is known for its beneficial pastilles, in bulk or in pretty vintage boxes. On the shelves, fruit jellies, candy canes, iced candies, chocolates and more unusual, a chocolate bar with Vichy pastilles chips!

In an old farmhouse, a pretty and well-stocked store, an exhibition space and a production laboratory are united. Philippe Juilhard, chocolate maker and confectioner with three stores in Champeix, Saint-Amant-Tallende and Mont-Dore, has taken over this Orcival institution. On the spot, thanks to a film, explanatory panels, old machines, molds and tools exposed... Discover the secrets of confectionery and chocolate making before tasting them!

In the middle of summer, the queue stretches out on the sidewalk. We quickly understand this craze once we have tasted the products and the friendliness of the team. The breads are delicious and varied, ranging from the Murolaise to the Authentique and the organic cereal bread. Choosing quality raw materials is a priority for Renaud and Irina. The pastries, for example, are all made with AOP butter and Valrhona chocolate. The pastries color the inside window and call for greed. Everything can be enjoyed on the terrace.

Halfway between a store and a museum, Aux délices des Puys is nestled in the historic heart of Montferrand. Hélène Martin, founding president of the Puy Confit Association, welcomes you and tells you about the history of sweet products from Auvergne and explains their traditional preparation techniques. Gourmets will appreciate the choice: fruit jellies and candied fruits from Cruzilles, Nougats des Arts, pralines from Aigueperse from the Maison Vernet... The more specialized will appreciate (re) discovering the Limagnes angelica and the gourmet products derived from this somewhat forgotten local plant. The store is one of the rare points of sale of these products in Auvergne.

A veritable institution run by a little 96-year-old woman, Renée Vitte's sucres d'orge have been delighting young and old alike for almost 80 seasons. Renée makes natural sweets and nougats, much to the delight of spa-goers and locals alike. Behind her white apron, she's at the service of all those who are lucky enough to push open the doors of her confectionery, recognizable by its blue and white striped blind.