Discover our commitments
Towards a more responsible tourism
In a world where environmental awareness is increasingly important, at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona we want to stand out by committing to sustainable entertainment. By obtaining the sustainable entertainment label, we aim to establish ourselves as a responsible and innovative player in the leisure sector.
This distinction, which recognizes the most committed tourist establishments in terms of sustainable development, acknowledges our ongoing efforts to reduce our environmental impact and promote responsible practices. With this certification, we become the first site in the Rhône-Alpes region to obtain this label, thus confirming our pioneering role in the sector.
What is sustainable tourism ?
Sustainable tourism, also known as responsible tourism, refers to a way of traveling that seeks to minimize negative impacts on the environment, local cultures, and the economies of the visited regions. It encourages the adoption of more respectful practices: preserving natural resources, reducing waste, managing energy responsibly, and supporting local businesses.
Beyond simply protecting nature, sustainable tourism also aims to promote cultural heritage, foster a more equitable local economy, and raise awareness among visitors. The challenges are numerous: preserving sometimes fragile ecosystems, limiting pollution, encouraging harmonious development, and involving everyone; residents, businesses, and travelers, in a positive and responsible approach.
An educational and awareness-raising space
The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is not just a place where chocolate lovers can indulge. We also wanted to offer an educational space that provides immersive tours on the history of chocolate, from its cultivation to its consumption.
With the "Divertissement Durable" label (sustainable entertainment), we aim to emphasize education for responsible consumption. Visitors learn not only about chocolate, but also about sustainable agricultural practices, fair trade, and the environmental impact of the chocolate industry.
Ecological Initiatives
To obtain this certification, we have implemented several ecological initiatives. This includes waste management with a rigorous sorting system, partnerships with local producers who prioritize sustainable farming methods. Furthermore, at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, we encourage our visitors to adopt eco-responsible behaviors during their visit by providing them with information on recycling and waste reduction.
A strong commitment to a responsible future
Thanks to our excellent results, we have positioned ourselves as a leading player in the sustainable entertainment sector, reaching the highest level, "experienced". The "Divertissement Durable" label, awarded by the French National Union of Leisure, Attraction and Cultural Venues (SNELAC), highlights the work done to reduce environmental impact, promote social inclusion, and foster a circular economy.
Following the commitments made by Maison Valrhona, which has just obtained its second B Corporation® certification, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is once again demonstrating its dedication to a sustainable approach. Based on more than 120 criteria, this label recognizes the numerous initiatives implemented by the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in terms of social and environmental responsibility.
Discover the CSR Policy of the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona
The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is proud to present its corporate social responsibility policy, a strong commitment to a sustainable and responsible future. This policy reflects our dedication to integrating ethical and sustainable practices into every aspect of our business. We invite you to download our CSR policy to fully understand our vision and concrete actions.
Together, we can create a future where chocolate is synonymous with pleasure and responsibility.
A comprehensive Eco-Design approach
At the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, we have implemented an ambitious strategy to reduce our environmental impact, notably by using recyclable and biodegradable materials, as well as minimizing the use of plastic. For example, Valrhona works closely with the Lyon-based company TRIBü to recycle glass, cans, plastic bottles, cardboard cups, and cigarette butts.
Following this same approach, since 2024, you can find our Valrhona Boutique in Tain l'Hermitage offering bulk chocolate for our iconic products, in order to reduce the use of plastic packaging.
A corporate culture rooted in sustainability
Employees are fully engaged in this approach through specific training and environmental education and awareness programs.
Valrhona has made a mandatory 2 hours e-learning course for all management staff on understanding climate change and how to take action. Called IMP'ACT, this training has been provided by Axa Climate School since June 2023. In January 2024, we welcomed climatologist and glaciologist Daphné Buiron to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona for an inspiring presentation during our team seminar.
During our annual seminars, the teams at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona can better understand and to understand the issues surrounding sustainable development. At the beginning of 2023, we organized a 3 hours Climate Fresk workshop to develop a systemic understanding of climate issues among our employees. The themes planned for 2025 are diversity and inclusion topics that contribute to better living together.
Strong local roots
The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona prioritizes partnerships with local stakeholders and is committed to preserving biodiversity. Classified as an "Refuge LPO" (League for the Protection of Birds) since spring 2023, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona gardens benefit from landscape management that respects biodiversity (LPO charter, "zero pesticides"), managed by ID VERDE.
Recently renovated, the Valrhona shop in Tain l'Hermitage was redesigned with the help of local partners such as Calyclay, located in Chatuzange-le-Goubet (Drôme region), which was selected to apply the clay plaster to the walls and ceilings.
At the Comptoir Porcelana restaurant, our visitors can sample fresh, local products from the region; 96% of our food suppliers are based in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. And discover a menu that changes with the seasons, and also contribute to the fight against food waste by picking up "Too Good to Go" baskets.
A low-carbon preferential rate to encourage sustainable mobility
At the Cité du Chocolat, we believe that indulgence can go hand in hand with responsibility. Starting in January 2026, we are introducing a low-carbon preferential rate of €9.50 per person, reserved for visitors who choose environmentally friendly modes of transport.
By choosing the train - bus - bike, you significantly reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying a more peaceful and pleasant journey. It's a simple and concrete way to contribute to the ecological transition, while benefiting from a discounted rate.
This initiative is part of our sustainability commitments:
- Promoting sustainable mobility and limiting the use of private cars.
- Encouraging transportation Collectives that reduce pollution and ease traffic congestion.
- Promote cycling visitors who combine the pleasure of travel with respect for the environment.
- Combine pleasure and responsibility, so that discovering chocolate is also a gesture for the planet.
By choosing to come by means other than a car, you actively participate in a collective effort: making indulgence more sustainable and preserving our region. Together, let's make every visit a step towards a gentler future… for you, for us, and for the planet.
A space accessible to all
An ecological and equity commitment
Shortly after its inauguration (in 2014), the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona was awarded the "Tourisme et Handicap" label (Tourism and Disability label) for all four categories of disability : hearing, intellectual, motor, and visual. This label guarantees, in particular, easy access to the buildings and services of the establishment, as well as a personalized welcome offering attentive and caring service to allow everyone to choose their holidays and leisure activities freely.
Certified "Accueil Vélo" (Bike Welcome) since 2021, we offer cyclists a dedicated space with a secure garage and charging lockers. In the same spirit, a mobility plan for employees is being developed. A bicycle storage area is also available to employees working at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, in an effort to encourage travel by sustainable modes of transport.
At Valrhona, we pride ourselves on welcoming all visitors in the best possible conditions, in accordance with current environmental concerns.
We are committed to making the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona a place of awareness and inspiration. Chocolate is about sharing, pleasure, and commitment. We hope that our example will inspire other tourism stakeholders to adopt more responsible practices.
A journey of initiation and responsibility
Much more than a simple visit, at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona we offer an immersive experience at the heart of the cocoa-chocolate industry.Through an interactive journey, visitors discover the key stages of cocoa processing, learn how to taste chocolate, and explore the manufacturing secrets that have made Valrhona famous.
Designed as a dynamic learning experience, the Cité combines tastings, sensory discoveries, and fun workshops suitable for all ages. A place for sharing, accessible to chocolate enthusiasts, families, and the simply curious, where everyone can enjoy an authentic, educational, and responsible experience.
Our commitment confirmed at the highest level
In May 2026, the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona reached a major milestone by achieving the " Site Expérimenté" (Experienced Site) level, the highest level of the label. This recognition acknowledges the strength and maturity of our approach to environmental and social responsibility.
Building on this distinction, we are continuing our continuous improvement process, drawing on the lessons learned from the audit. Our ambition is to consolidate and further our commitments, particularly by strengthening:
- Dialogue and awareness-raising around our CSR policy
- The continuation and deepening of our responsible purchasing practices
- The continuous improvement of site accessibility
- The reduction of our carbon footprint