Latest news with #Chocolat
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 'beautiful walk' around a Wiltshire lake featured in Johnny Depp's hit rom-com
Wiltshire has plenty of stunning landscapes to explore throughout the seasons, and one beauty spot makes for the perfect escape. Fonthill Lake lies just to the south of the village of Fonthill Bishop and is known not only for its serene scenery but also its links to the silver screen. Those who enjoy the great outdoors have taken to TikTok and AllTrails to share their love of the area. Just a little over one hour away from Swindon, the lake has been described as the perfect place for a long dog walk and to enjoy nature. And there's another reason some visit Fonthill Lake too, as it was here that the river scenes in the 2000 film Chocolat, which starred Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, were filmed. Where was Chocolat set in Wiltshire? Fonthill Lake, based on the Fonthill Estate, set the scene for the early noughties film that starred Johnny Depp as a 'river rat'. In the film, chocolate shop owner Vianne (Juliette Binoche) uses her confectionery skills to bring life to a little town, while falling in love with river-traveller Roux (Johnny Depp). It was shot between France and the UK. The privately-owned Fonthill Estate includes farmland, woodland and formal gardens. The lake was created in the mid-18th century by building a weir below fish-ponds fed by the brook for Alderman William Beckford, the builder of the house. It is also recorded as Grade II* on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Fonthill Lake walk Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of around two hours to complete, according to AllTrails. The area is popular for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Recommended reading: Is Corsham worth a visit? Rivals TV set and rich history 'Beautifully historic' Wiltshire town once a 'vast royal forest' When 'poshest village' Biddestone played host to Hollywood AllTrails says: 'Drive down from Fonthill Bishop alongside the lake and there is an area here where free parking can be located. 'The route is easy to follow and well used. There is a café in Fonthill Bishop just down from the church where good tea and coffee is served with many local snacks available. 'It is a beautiful walk.'
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
The Map That Leads To You trailer: Madelyn Cline, KJ Apa chase magic in Europe
Prime Video's upcoming romantic drama 'The Map That Leads To You' is set to drop on August 20, bringing with it sweeping visuals, heartfelt emotion, and the promise of a love story that lingers. Directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lasse Hallstrm ('Dear John', 'Chocolat'), the film stars Madelyn Cline and KJ Apa in a journey of self-discovery, spontaneity, and unexpected connection - set against a postcard-perfect backdrop of Video revealed the trailer of the upcoming romantic drama recently. Adapted from JP Monninger's bestselling novel, the story follows Heather (Cline), a meticulous recent graduate armed with a colour-coded itinerary, and Jack (Apa), a charming drifter retracing his grandfather's footsteps through a weathered travel journal. Their paths cross by chance, but the ripple effect is anything but one moment, Heather tells her friends, 'I'm almost done with this itinerary,' but Jack's unfiltered philosophy—'I'm trying to go to every place he wrote about to just see what happens' - nudges her out of her comfort zone. From the thrill of Spain's bull runs to the calm of French lavender fields, Heather learns to lean into chaos, her transformation unfolding as Jack asks, 'What if you didn't take your flight home?' The story is tender, but not without tension. As Heather prepares to fly back to New York, she confesses, "The thought of being a continent away from you is unbearable. Or is that just me?', which hits the aching heart of the the trailer here: Produced by Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey ('The Fault in Our Stars', 'Love, Simon'), the film also features Sofia Wylie, Madison Thompson, and Josh Lucas. With Hallstrom's signature emotional touch and a love story set to the rhythm of European summer, The Map That Leads To You promises to be a deeply felt ride through love, loss, and the thrill of the unknown.- Ends
Deccan Herald
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
A call back to cosier, quieter times
Joanne Harris's 'Vianne' revisits the beloved Chocolat universe, exploring the heart of what came before in this nostalgic tale.
AsiaOne
08-06-2025
- AsiaOne
Warning: These World Chocolate Day destinations might melt your heart (and tastebuds), Lifestyle News
Of all that has been said about chocolate, perhaps Joanne Harris, author of Chocolat, summed it up perfectly when she wrote, "Happiness. Simple as a glass of chocolate or tortuous as the heart. Bitter. Sweet. Alive." For many, the words "chocolate" and "vacation" spark an immediate warmth, conjuring images of delightful indulgence and exciting new discoveries. Perhaps it's a coincidence-or maybe it's sweet destiny-that Wego data over the last 12 months reveals that among GCC travellers, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Switzerland are consistently among the top searched destinations in Europe, while Mexico holds a strong position as a leading choice in the Americas. This World Chocolate Day, these beloved locales also double as chocolate havens, where rich traditions and irresistible flavors await discovery. A simple treat, a global celebration On July 7, we celebrate World Chocolate Day, commemorating the historic introduction of chocolate to Europe in the 1500s. This annual tribute isn't just about indulgence-it's about joy, comfort, and the shared memories that chocolate so often stirs. The best way to celebrate World Chocolate Day is to honour traditions and indulge in the deliciousness of cocoa without overthinking it. Other ways World Chocolate Day is celebrated are: Try out a new chocolate recipe. Invite your loved ones to bake or cook with you and make new memories over chocolate. Visit your favourite restaurant or cafe and order your favourite chocolate dessert. Try out a new chocolate that you have never tried before, perhaps from another country. Revisit your favourite classics, or read a new book that involves chocolate. We are particularly partial to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Chocolate Sundae Mystery and Chocolat. Once you've indulged locally, it's time to explore the world's most beloved chocolate destinations. Explore the sweet trails Beyond tasting chocolate at home, why not explore the places where it's deeply woven into local life? From historic cafes to immersive museums, these destinations turn cocoa into an unforgettable cultural experience. Oaxaca City, Mexico Make your way to Oaxaca City, Mexico's chocolate heart and a Unesco World Heritage Site, where the legacy of cacao runs deep. Ancient sites like Monte Albán offer a rich backdrop to this flavourful journey. At markets like 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez, vendors grind cacao beans with sugar, almonds, and cinnamon to create soul-warming cups of traditional hot chocolate. Wander into Chocolates La Soledad or stroll Calle Trujano, where shops like Chocolate Mayordomo and Chocolat Bonnat share the street with indie chocolatiers. For a modern twist, sip a cup at the minimalist cafe Mamá Pacha Chocolate, Instagram-worthy and indulgent. Barcelona, Spain While we don't know exactly who first brought cocoa beans to Europe, historians agree they arrived in Spain in the late 1500s - a precious "food of the Gods" from Central America. Today, vibrant Spain, renowned for its beaches, flamenco, and cuisine, is also a haven for chocolate lovers, with Barcelona shining as a key destination. Indulge your senses on a dedicated chocolate tasting tour, where you'll sample diverse flavors like a seasoned connoisseur. Or, chart your own sweet day starting at Barcelona's Museu de la Xocolata. This "sweet sanctuary" tells the tale of chocolate, from its sacred origins in Mesoamerican ceremonies to its decadent rise in European salons. Wander among whimsical chocolate sculptures or roll up your sleeves in a hands-on workshop, molding cocoa dreams into reality. It's a delicious blend of history, art, and just the right amount of mischief. Turin, Italy Italy embraced chocolate with unmatched passion after its introduction from Spain in the late 1500s, and today, Turin remains at the heart of this sweet legacy. This Piedmontese city invites chocolate lovers to savour centuries-old delicacies like luxurious truffles, velvety pralines, and indulgent gelato. Iconic cafes such as Pfatisch, Stratta, and the historic Caffé Al Bicerin enchant visitors with their timeless charm, serving unique creations like chocolate-infused coffee and the decadent 18th-century treat Merenda Reale. For an experience "one for the books," step onto Turin's Choco Tram on June 15, 2025. Glide through old cobblestone streets, tasting delightful giandujotti while storytellers share enchanting tales. At Choco-Story Torino, the Museum of Chocolate and Gianduja, every delicious bite transports you deeper into Turin's captivating chocolate past. Paris, France Paris proudly stands as one of the world's chocolate capitals, a far cry from its 17th-century origins when chocolate was a rare aristocratic indulgence. Today, its allure has solidified its place in Parisian gastronomy. Experience this regal history at iconic houses like Debauve & Gallais, suppliers to Queen Marie Antoinette, or step back in time at À la Mère de Famille. The city is also sprinkled with prestigious chocolatiers such as Jean-Paul Hevin, Patrick Roger, Jacques Genin, and La Maison du Chocolat, each offering indulgent creations from daring ganaches to timeless pralines. For an unparalleled celebration, plan your autumn visit around Le Salon du Chocolat (Oct 29 to Nov 2, 2025). As the world's largest chocolate event, it's a five-day festival of magic-complete with workshops, tastings, live demos, and a unique chocolate haute couture runway. It's a delicious reminder that in Paris, chocolate is truly a cultural celebration. Brussels, Belgium From the people who modernized the chocolate, we take our journey to the present chocolate capital of the world and the heart of Belgium-Brussels. Every corner of Brussels has its own tale to tell, with chocolatiers and their chocolates. We recommend taking a gastronomic walking tour to experience Brussels's best choco magic. However, you can also skip to the Belgian Chocolate Village in Koekelberg and learn about the history of chocolates before indulging in a demonstration of how chocolates are made in Choco-Story Brussels. Another unique experience you ought to indulge in is taking a chocolate-making class from master chocolatiers. Several places in Brussels offer chocolate-making classes to tourists, like Choco-Story Brussels, Belgian Chocolate Village, Planète Chocolat, and Belgian Chocolate Workshop. We recommend registering for the workshops on the official website of the chocolate places before visiting for a smooth experience. Fribourg, Switzerland As the renowned homeland of Lindor and the historic home of Toblerone, Switzerland stands as perhaps the most famous country for chocolate and a must-visit for any food enthusiast. Broc in the Gruyère district of Fribourg canton is one of the most notable stops in Switzerland for chocoholics. It is home to the Chocolate Museum of Maison Cailler, where you can learn about the history of the famous Chocolat Cailler, witness the chocolate-making process, and taste it. Finally, you get an "all-you-can-eat selection of Cailler chocolates" and join a chocolate-making class before leaving Atelier du Chocolat. If time constraints cause a hindrance between you and the Turin Choco Tram, then you have an entire train waiting for you in Gruyère. Le Train du Chocolat, or the Chocolate Train, runs between Montreux and the Cailler-Nestle chocolate factory at Broc, offering a seven to eight hour scenic train ride through the Swiss countryside, accompanied by coffee and chocolate croissants, a free show at La Maison du Gruyère, and a free admission to the chocolate factory of Nestle Cailler. Birmingham, UK While Birmingham or the UK might not immediately spring to mind for iconic chocolate destinations, this is the beloved homeland of Cadbury! Our chocolate exploration wouldn't be complete without a delightful detour to the enchanting Cadbury World in Bournville. Home to the UK's largest Cadbury store, this immersive attraction offers a journey through chocolate heaven. If you're a fan of the classic Bournville chocolate bar, you'll be thrilled to discover that the charming town of Bournville is home to Cadbury World - an immersive attraction offering a journey through chocolate heaven, complete with the UK's largest Cadbury store. We can imagine Cadbury World as this vibrant, chocolate-themed entertainment zone set up for us to uncover the fascinating Cadbury story through engaging presentations and even a 4D cinema experience. Journey through a captivating Aztec Jungle to learn the ancient origins of the cocoa bean, and snap some fun pictures in front of the Cadbury green screen. If little adventurers are accompanying you, they are bound to be thrilled with the African Adventure Play Area, a dedicated space for them to explore and play. To ensure your chocolatey escapade begins smoothly, remember to pre-book your tickets online through the official Cadbury World website. Ready for your sweet escape? Our exploration of the world's chocolate havens ends here, but your adventure is just beginning. This World Chocolate Day, discover how each destination offers a unique taste of global culture and unforgettable memories. Bon voyage, and sweet travels! [[nid:718222]] This article was first published in Wego .
BBC News
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Bookclub Joanne Harris: Chocolat
Led by presenter James Naughtie, the writer Joanne Harris takes questions from a BBC Bookclub audience on her best-selling novel, Chocolat. Published in 1999, the book follows the character of Vianne Rocher, a chocolate-maker and sometime witch, who arrives in the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her six-year-old daughter Anouk at the beginning of Lent and opens a chocolaterie opposite the church. Francis Reynaud, the local priest, disapproves of her instantly and Vianne's arrival polarizes the villagers. The book sold over a million copies in the UK and won the Creative Freedom and Whitaker Gold awards. It was later turned into an Oscar-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp. Producer: Dom Howell Editor: Gillian Wheelan This was a BBC Audio Scotland production.
