A Scent of French Elegance! Vincent Guerlais
“Have you heard of Vincent Guerlais? Based in Nantes, France, Vincent Guerlais is a renowned chocolatier and pastry chef who runs a specialty biscuit shop with an unwavering commitment to quality.
His biscuits, crafted with meticulous attention to ingredients and traditional techniques, capture the essence of French pastry heritage while delighting us with innovative flavors and stunning designs.”
Who is Vincent Guerlais, the chocolatier?
The Passion of a Chocolatier
Vincent Guerlais is a renowned chocolatier and pastry chef based in Nantes, France. He began his journey into the world of pastry at the young age of 14, and in 1997, at just 22, he opened his own shop. Today, he has six stores across Nantes, earning global recognition for his innovative sweets.
Guerlais’ chocolate-making centers around the “Bean to Bar” philosophy. This involves meticulously overseeing every step of the process, from selecting the cacao beans to crafting the final product. He produces approximately 50 tons of chocolate annually in his own facilities. This commitment to quality and flavor ensures that his chocolates offer an unparalleled experience.
Furthermore, in 2007, he was honored with membership in the prestigious international association of pastry chefs, “Relais Desserts.” Through this role, he champions both tradition and innovation in French pastry. His creations not only tantalize the taste buds but also captivate with their beautiful designs and compelling stories.
Connection with the City of Nantes, France
Nantes, where Vincent Guerlais is based, is a historic city in northwestern France. It once flourished as the capital of the Duchy of Brittany, and today, it retains numerous historical buildings and cultural heritage sites. Situated at the mouth of the Loire River, Nantes is known as a charming city where rich nature and artistic culture intertwine.
Nantes is also a city steeped in the tradition of French pastry, with local ingredients playing a vital role in the creation of its sweets. For instance, “fleur de sel” (a type of sea salt) from the Brittany region, fresh butter, and flour are renowned as unique local ingredients. Vincent Guerlais utilizes these ingredients, reinterpreting traditional Nantes confections with a contemporary twist.
Moreover, the artistic atmosphere and historical backdrop of Nantes have influenced his creations. His innovative and sophisticated sweets can be seen as an embodiment of the city’s multifaceted culture. Through his work, Vincent Guerlais serves as an ambassador, sharing the charm of Nantes with the world.
Dedication to Cacao Beans
Vincent Guerlais’ chocolate is a masterpiece that combines carefully selected cacao beans with high-quality French ingredients, based on the “Bean to Bar” approach. A distinctive feature is the use of over 15 varieties of cacao beans, bringing out the unique characteristics of each to create original flavors. This results in a rich depth, delicate sweetness, and smooth texture, offering new discoveries with every bite.
Furthermore, his chocolates are visually stunning. Each piece is beautifully designed like a jewel, making them perfect for special gifts or anniversaries. The ever-evolving product lineup, including a limited edition set of award-winning chocolates and the new “Baton Chocolat,” is another appealing aspect.
With a strong commitment to ethical practices, Vincent Guerlais visits cacao-producing regions worldwide, engaging directly with farmers to source high-quality cacao beans under fair conditions. The chocolates born from this approach offer a special experience that goes beyond taste, allowing consumers to appreciate the stories and passion behind them.
The Allure of Vincent Guerlais’ Products
Emphasis on Ingredients
Ingredient selection is paramount in Vincent Guerlais’ biscuit-making. He holds firm to the philosophy that “the finest biscuits require the finest ingredients.”
He is particularly discerning about butter, using only cultured butter made from high-quality milk with a high fat content. This butter imparts a rich, fragrant flavor to his biscuits.
Flour is another crucial element that influences the taste of biscuits. Vincent Guerlais uses flour made from high-quality wheat cultivated using sustainable farming methods. This dedication results in a light and refined texture.
Another distinctive feature is the use of “fleur de sel” from Guérande in the Brittany region. The delicate, mellow saltiness provides a subtle accent that enhances the sweetness, adding depth to the biscuits.
Traditional Production Methods
Vincent Guerlais’ biscuits are meticulously crafted following traditional French methods. This process involves careful handling of carefully selected ingredients and patient baking.
For instance, the dough is mixed by hand, not by machine. This allows for direct assessment of the dough’s condition and ensures optimal balance. Furthermore, the resting time for the dough is adjusted according to the season and temperature to achieve the best results.
Even during baking, the oven temperature and baking time are meticulously controlled to maximize flavor and texture. This meticulous attention to detail makes each biscuit truly special.
Vincent Guerlais’ Sweets Lineup
Vincent Guerlais’ Biscuit Specialty Store
While renowned as a chocolatier, Vincent Guerlais also operates a biscuit specialty store called “Vincent Guerlais Biscuits Français.” This store offers unique products, featuring traditional biscuits from his hometown of Nantes, reimagined with his distinctive touch.
Biscuits are a type of traditional French baked good, characterized by a texture that is lighter than sablés and slightly harder than cake. Vincent Guerlais’ biscuits are made with carefully selected ingredients, utilizing his skills and sensibilities as a chocolatier. This results in a unique flavor that has captivated pastry enthusiasts worldwide.
“Vincent Guerlais Biscuits Français” made its Japanese debut in 2020 at JR Nagoya Takashimaya. The shop boasts a sophisticated space where French tradition blends seamlessly with modern design, offering a special experience even just by visiting.
Biscuit Sand
Vincent Guerlais’ Biscuit Sand is a luxurious confectionery that reimagines traditional Nantes biscuits with his unique sensibility. For each flavor, the dough is carefully crafted to maximize the harmony between the biscuit’s crispness and the rich ganache cream filling.
For example, the chocolate-flavored Biscuit Sand incorporates cocoa powder into the dough to enhance the rich cacao flavor. In the pistachio flavor, almond powder is added to the dough to further accentuate the nutty aroma of pistachios.
The combination of carefully tailored biscuits and cream for each flavor provides a delightful surprise and satisfaction with every bite.
Petit Beurre
Vincent Guerlais’ Petit Beurre is a charming baked good inspired by traditional Nantes biscuits. “Petit beurre” translates to “small butter” in French, and as the name suggests, it is characterized by a rich buttery aroma and flavor.
One bite reveals a light and crispy texture, followed by a lingering, pleasant buttery fragrance in the mouth. The simple yet profound flavor pairs perfectly with a strong espresso or a refreshing Earl Grey tea.
Moreover, its beautiful biscuit shape and adorable decorations make it ideal as a souvenir or gift. It is a delightful treat that is sure to please anyone.
Gâteau Nantais
Gâteau Nantais is a traditional cake representing Nantes, and Vincent Guerlais offers a special version with a modern twist. It is characterized by a fragrant blend of butter and almonds, a moist texture, and a delicate icing, all culminating in an elegant sweetness.
“Gâteau Nantais” translates to “Nantes cake” in French, and its history dates back to the 18th century. Vincent Guerlais elevates this traditional confectionery by maximizing the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a more refined taste.
Traditional French Pastries
Vincent Guerlais also offers a lineup of reinterpreted traditional French pastries. Some popular examples include Galette Bretonne, Financier, and Madeleine. Each pastry adheres to tradition while incorporating Vincent Guerlais’ unique touch.
For instance, Galette Bretonne is a traditional thick Breton sablé. Vincent Guerlais’ version uses plenty of cultured butter, resulting in a crispy texture and rich flavor. The Financier is made with a generous amount of almond powder, achieving a moist texture with a perfect harmony of almond aroma and buttery flavor.
Store and Event Information
Stores in France and Japan
| Country | City | Store Name | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Nantes | Vincent Guerlais – Nantes Centre | 11 Rue Franklin, 44000 Nantes, France |
| France | Nantes | Vincent Guerlais – Saint-Herblain | 7 Rue Olympe de Gouges, 44800 Saint-Herblain, France |
| France | Nantes | Vincent Guerlais – Orvault | 2 Rue Robert le Ricolais, 44700 Orvault, France |
| France | Nantes | Vincent Guerlais – Rezé | 4 Rue Ordronneau, 44400 Rezé, France |
| France | Nantes | Vincent Guerlais – Vertou | 1 Rue Sèvre et Maine, 44120 Vertou, France |
| France | Nantes | Vincent Guerlais – Carquefou | 5 Rue de l’Hôtellerie, 44470 Carquefou, France |
| Japan | Nagoya | Vincent Guerlais Biscuits Français | Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Nakamura Ward, Meieki 1-1-4 JR Nagoya Takashimaya B1F |
Currently, JR Nagoya Takashimaya is the only permanent store in Japan.
Salon du Chocolat 2025
Salon du Chocolat is the world’s largest chocolate festival, and in 2025, it will be held at various Mitsukoshi Isetan Group stores.
Tokyo Venue (Isetan Shinjuku Main Building 6F Event Space):
Part 1: CACAO – The Moment of Cacao in Motion
MI Card Member Special Invitation Day: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
General Admission: Thursday, January 16, 2025 – Monday, January 20, 2025
Part 2: ARTISANS – The Skills of Top Chocolatiers and Pastry Chefs
MI Card Member Special Invitation Day: Friday, January 24, 2025 & Saturday, January 25, 2025
General Admission: Sunday, January 26, 2025 – Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Part 3: NEXT – The Ever-Expanding Appeal of Chocolate
MI Card Member Special Invitation Day: Saturday, February 1, 2025
General Admission: Sunday, February 2, 2025 – Thursday, February 6, 2025, Saturday, February 8, 2025 – Friday, February 14, 2025
Each part features different themes and brands, with Vincent Guerlais scheduled to participate.
Please check the official website for details.
Mitsukoshi Isetan Online Store
Amour du Chocolat 2025
Amour du Chocolat is a special Valentine’s Day event held annually by Takashimaya. In 2025, it will be held at stores nationwide and online.
Store Locations and Dates:
Held at 12 stores nationwide, including Nihonbashi, Shinjuku, Yokohama, Osaka (including JU Yonago Takashimaya).
Kanto area starts sequentially from Wednesday, January 22, 2025.
Kansai area starts sequentially from Friday, January 17, 2025.
Online Store Dates:
Online pre-sale ongoing – Sunday, February 9, 2025, 10:00 AM
Vincent Guerlais’ products are expected to be available.
Please check the official website for details.
JR Nagoya Takashimaya
At these events, you can purchase a variety of Vincent Guerlais sweets in person.
Please note that product availability and event schedules may vary by venue and online store, so please check the respective official websites for the latest information.
Online Purchase Guide
Vincent Guerlais’ sweets can be purchased through the official online shop and department store online sites. However, only biscuits are sold on the official online shop; chocolates are not available. Detailed information is provided below.
Official Online Shop
Vincent Guerlais Biscuits Français’ official online shop offers a selection of biscuits and related products. The lineup includes Biscuit Sand, Galette Bretonne, and other items that have captivated many fans since the brand’s Japanese debut.
Main Products:
- Biscuit Sand
- Galette Bretonne
- Traditional French Pastries
Payment Method: Credit cards accepted.
Shipping Fee: Varies depending on the delivery area and product type.
Delivery Time: Shipped as soon as preparations are complete after order confirmation.
Gift Options: Wrapping and “noshi” (gift card) options are available for some products.
For details, please visit the official online shop.
[Link to the official online shop]
About Vincent Guerlais and Purchase Guide
- Vincent Guerlais is a renowned chocolatier and pastry chef based in Nantes, France.
- He opened his first shop in 1997 at the age of 22 and currently has 6 stores in Nantes.
- He produces chocolate from cacao beans using the “Bean to Bar” method.
- Only biscuits are sold on the official online shop.
- Biscuit Sand and Galette Bretonne are some of the signature products.
- Chocolates can be purchased at Salon du Chocolat and department store events.
- Salon du Chocolat is held as an Isetan Group event.
- Amour du Chocolat is a Valentine’s Day event organized by Takashimaya.
- There is a wide selection of gift items, perfect for special occasions.
- Gift wrapping and “noshi” options are available on the official online shop.
- He visits cacao-producing regions worldwide and emphasizes fair trade.
- He produces approximately 50 tons of chocolate annually in his own facilities.
- Chocolates and limited-edition items can be purchased on department store online sites.
- There is a permanent store at JR Nagoya Takashimaya.
- It is recommended to check the latest information on events and the official website.