The best confectioners Les volcans d'Auvergne

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!

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!

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.