The best Bûche de Noël? Maison LAC in Nice!
No French table is complete on Christmas without a Bûche, or Yule log. Get yours from one of the best chocolatiers in Nice!
On your marks, get set, go! 23 December is the day to start getting your Bûches de Noël, or Yule logs, the must-have dessert on the Christmas table in France. A tradition dating back to pagan times, this log-shaped dessert comes in numerous shapes and complexities, with French pastry chefs constantly trying to outdo themselves each year. Every bakery and 5-star hotel will be creating their signature logs, with prices ranging from affordable to extravagant.
In Nice, the specialty chocolatier Maison LAC creates a wide selection of amazing Yule Logs and decadent chocolate structures for sharing. Pascal Lac and his team give a modern touch to the great classics while always adding a few innovative desserts each year.
A visit to any of the local locations will showcase the traditional logs that have shone in the windows of LAC pastry shops for several years, including the Perle (L), the Marron (C), the Andoa (R), or the ‘Vacherins’ offered in chestnut, mandarin, raspberry (above) and chocolate flavours. But this Christmas, you'll find three new creations:
The GOA log (L): a puffed biscuit with a Madagascar vanilla mousse and creamy, pan-fried mangoes with passion fruit.
The CARACHOC log (C): flourless chocolate biscuit on a crunchy cocoa bean slice, dark chocolate mousse, melting caramel and cocoa crumble finish.
La COURONNE (R): reconstituted gianduja shortbread, roasted caramel apples and dark chocolate mousse.
Passionate about chocolate, Pascal Lac has also imagined sweets to crunch and devour with your loved ones. The traditional Sapin Mendiant (below L) is available in a 66% dark Caribbean chocolate or a 40% milk chocolate version.
New in 2022: The ROND POINT DES PISTES (R), a forest of trees in 66% dark Caribbean chocolate on a base of crispy milk chocolate puffed rice and gianduja logs with directions to our top local ski resorts!
A Master of Chocolate
For 27 years, the chocolate maker Pascal Lac has been developing exceptional know-how and showcasing his unique creativity on the Côte d'Azur. A true chocolate specialist for Côte d'Azur residents, he never stops reinventing himself year after year. His passion for the best cocoa varieties and his artistic flair have earned him numerous awards, including the "Best of the Best" award (four times) and he was crowned "Unmissable" among the 20 best chocolate makers in France by the famous Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat. He has also been a member of the prestigious "Relais Desserts International" Association since 2006.
Maison LAC has 5 boutiques in Nice: Barla, Vieux Nice, Gioffredo, Cap 3000 shopping centre and in La Trinité. The latter is adjacent to the production laboratory and has a classroom for decadent chocolate workshops.
The Christmas Collection is available from 23 December 2022:
Yule logs: 42€.
Crowns: 45€
Vacherins: 48€ - one size, serves 8 people.
Sapin Mendiant (2 different sizes): 40€ / 70€.
Rond Point des Pistes: 39€.
Visit the Maison LAC website for ordering information and how to take chocolate making masterclasses!