In France, Patrick Roger offers a bespoke service, and even Jacques Genin, the self-taught genius of French chocolate, is open to customizing his creations.

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The gloomy conditions were at least illuminated by the respective strips with Harlequins' light blue, magenta, chocolate and French grey quartered shirt for once outshone by Stade's pink and blue tie-dye effort.

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The glass-enclosed steam shower is big enough for two and is made of rare stone and tiles imported from around the world golden onyx, French marble with deep chocolate veining and Italian pearlized mosaic tiles.

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Companies such as French Bubbles operate Champagne pairing events, matching bubbly with sushi, chocolate and cheese.

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