In our series, "From Cities: Longing for Cities Around the World," we bring you the latest local information on cities around the world, including Paris, Milan, New York, etc., notable addresses, and real city snaps! For a while, we'll be sending you articles with the hope that in the near future, when we can travel abroad freely again, we'll be visiting those places.

©Thomas Raffoux
In our 24th installment, we report on the Salon du Chocolat, which was held in Paris from October 28th to November 1st. Salon du Chocolat, the world's largest chocolate festival, first held in Paris in 1995, was bustling from the eve of the event, marking its second anniversary since last year's cancellation. Let's take a look at the on-site report.

■ Fashion Show Featuring Models Clad in Chocolate

©Thomas Raffoux
The chocolate fashion show is one of the biggest events at Salon du Chocolat. The elaborate chocolate dresses are a sight to behold, drawing large crowds to the stage. The sight of models posing on stage and walking briskly down the runway is a true collection show.

©Thomas Raffoux
The dress inspired by Pablo Picasso's masterpiece "Guernica," created by the Basque Country Confectioners Association, is also made of chocolate!
©Thomas Raffoux

©Julien Millet
For the finale of the show, the chocolatier who created the dress appeared together with the designer and model. Their proud smiles were memorable. The dresses created by each chocolatier were exhibited as works of art within the venue.

■ Be amazed by art created with chocolate!?

©Thomas Raffoux

This year's highlight is a life-size (3.49 x 7.77m) chocolate painting of Pablo Picasso's "Guernica"! This masterpiece was created using approximately 500kg of chocolate, with the help of over 40 chocolatiers from the Basque Country. The opening night party attracted a large number of reporters and spectators.

©Thomas Raffoux
The overwhelming scale of Guernica has been reproduced in chocolate, while attention has been paid to every detail
©Thomas Raffoux
Don't miss the chocolate relief painting of Napoleon Bonaparte, which marks the 200th anniversary of his death this year! This painting, "Bonaparte Crossing the Saint-Bernard Pass" by French Neoclassical painter Jacques-Louis David, was created by artistic chocolatier Jean-Luc Ducrusau. The relief measures 1.65 x 1.10 meters and is crafted using over 100 kg of chocolate.

■ Christmas Chocolate Table Decorations

©Thomas Raffoux
This corner, inspired by a Christmas dinner table, will be exhibited for the first time at Salon du Chocolat. Products available at the venue, such as chocolates displayed on tables and advent calendars, were on display, providing plenty of ideas for enjoying chocolate this Christmas.

©Thomas Raffoux
©Thomas Raffoux
What did you think?
This festival, held for the first time in a long time, was a delightful event for the French, who love chocolate. As the saying goes, "Chocolate brings small happiness," and we were able to see many smiling faces.

"Salon du Chocolat" has been held at Isetan Mitsukoshi Shinjuku store since 2003. (It was later expanded to Mitsukoshi Isetan Group stores.) Be sure to check out the information about Salon du Chocolat in Japan in the new year and why not visit?