For Easter 2010, world-renowned Master Chocolatier Giles Marchal has created an exquisite chocolate safari for La Maison du Chocolat. Giles, who is the Creative Director of the Paris-based chocolatier, created a collection that was inspired by the mythic fables in Rudyard Kipling's Jungle Book and Eric Darnell's animated film Madagascar.

The collection, which evokes images of the African Savannah in all it's splendor, is a limited edition and is created entirely by hand in many different steps requiring three days of work.

The Safari collection is a chocolate collage that is a true example of the artistry and savoir faire of La Maison du Chocolat. It features an original and colorful (and edible) African landscape that is a beautiful background for Alex the lion; Gloria, the happy hippo and, Melman, the beautiful giraffe. The Easter collection includes a variety of masterfully created chocolate eggs, as well.


Milk, dark and white chocolate animals are filled with praline eggs and traditional French chocolate fish. Smaller individual pieces are also available.

Individual Animals are priced at $70 each and weigh .44 lb. The Medium-sized Safari scene is priced at $150 and weighs 1.54 lb, while the large Safari chocolate scene costs $700 and weighs 11 pounds.

A selection of La Maison's Easter Eggs are available online, while the animals and safari chocolates can only be purchased in La Maison du Chocolat boutiques around the world. In New York, La Maison du Chocolat has boutiques on Madison Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Wall Street and Fifth Avenue. La Maison du Chocolate also has boutiques in Paris, Cannes, London, Tokyo and Hong Kong. For more information, visit www.lamaisonduchocolat.com or call (800) 988-5632.

In February, La Maison du Chocolat was a nominee for a Luxist Award for Best Chocolate and in the Best Truffle categories.