Auer, Geneva Travel Guide

Founded in 1939 by Henri Auer, a chocolatier trained in Basel, Auer Chocolatier began as a family enterprise on Geneva's Rue de Rive. Henri and his wife Julia invented the iconic Pavés de Genève, while his father Gaspard had earlier run a similar establishment near Cornavin station. Now in its fifth generation, the Auer family upholds a tradition of artisanal chocolate-making, blending heritage craftsmanship with modern laboratory precision for unmatched freshness.

Auer's fame rests on its handmade confections, including the legendary Amandes Princesses—plump French almonds enrobed in caramel, fine chocolate, and bitter cocoa—created by Claude Auer in 1964. Their truffes, shaped by hand with a piping bag and dipped individually, come in dark, milk, kirsch, and white varieties. Over 50 chocolate types feature ganaches, pralines, and assortiments, all made from premium ingredients without prefabricated molds, ensuring superior texture and flavor that discerning palates notice immediately.

Nestled in Geneva's heart near the lake and old town, the boutique exudes timeless passion. Visitors select from classic assortiments or custom boxes, with options for hot chocolate and refined sweets at the on-site cafétéria, introduced in the 1960s. The orange packaging of Amandes Princesses is instantly recognizable, and the shop draws locals and travelers alike for its role as a gourmet landmark.

Auer's chocolates have tempted international figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger during film shoots, John Kerry post-negotiations, and Nicolas Sarkozy. This cross-border allure underscores the shop's quality, with products shipped worldwide via services like Chronofresh to preserve delicacy in warm weather.

Open weekdays from 9am (10am Mondays), Saturdays until 5:30pm, and closed Sundays, Auer welcomes chocolate lovers to its central location accessible by public transport. The artisanal focus guarantees a sensory delight in every bite, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Geneva's sweet traditions.