Candy School - Le Bonbon au Palais

I always learn something new when I visit candy store, La Bonbon au Palais at 19, rue Monge 75005 Metro Cardinal Lemoine, bus 47.
 

There's a good reason the shop is full of desks and grade school paraphrenalia.
 

So sharpen your pencils PBers
 

And get out your ardoises/mini blackboards to take some notes.
 

1st leçon is how to put marshmallows/guimauve into a glass jar. Very important lesson
 

I love to browse this shop. Memories of childhood excursions to candy shops in my neighborhood come back. I'm sure they said "Oh here's the browser again."
 

 This customer already knows the merchandise well. He's just patiently waiting for his snack.
 

On to class work. When I noticed the geological samples they reminded me of shards of rock-like candies I saw at Salon de l'Agriculture last March.
 

I was fascinated by their transparency and strong scent. Some are from pine trees/sapin and there was licorice/reglisse.  I filled my pockets with samples. They sat on my desk for ages till temptation beckoned.
 

Georges was happy to explain. These special candies are from the Hautes-Vosges.
 

They are not flavored but made from essential oils..from resins of the region including eucalyptus, honey, poppies, pine and licorice.
 

They serve a medicinal purpose. Each flavor is useful for a different ailment of the nose, throat, lungs and circulation.
 

You can get them crushed into smaller pieces as a tisane. Georges proceeded to demonstrate the various coughs, and other throaty maladies these can cure. He explained with the tisane, you must let it brew for 10 minutes. Then do an inhalation over the cup for 15 minute. This was demonstrated as well. Hard not to giggle but the lesson was learned. Georges, as usual popped a few stony nuggets into my pocket for future use along with a tea bag or two. By the way these little candy rocks have a refreshing taste and the maker has a bonbon museum I wouldn't mind visiting if I get to the Haut- Vosges. Otherwise you can find these at Le Bonbon au Palais in Paris.
 

Another important lesson to learn when you move if you have a guardienne in your building you Must bring her a candy gift. It's an essential, preferably chocolates and caramels - the reason for my visit.
 

Georges is the master of gift wrapping. First comes the crepe paper in the color of your choice.
 

Then the candies are popped into the bag.
 

An added plus a fan-shape of another color!
 

Enfin/at last the ribbon and a lolly-pop/sucette. My new guardienne was thrilled and so was I. La Bonbon is loads of fun to visit. Georges won't let you leave without a lesson or two and many tastes. Only in Paris.