Dumon Chocolatier in Bruges, Belgium

   After hitting up The Chocolate Line in Bruges (Click HERE for a review of The Chocolate Line), we wandered around the town center and somehow stumbled across one of the Dumon Chocolate shops, which had been second on my list of chocolatiers to visit.
 Seeing as one can never eat too much chocolate in a day (or so I thought before this trip), we went in to buy a few boxes for souvenirs and gifts. Even though the place was rather crowded (before of the steps down into the shop at the entrance), we were warmly greeted by Grandmother (Madam) Dumon, who took an instant liking to Keila. So much so that she gave her a piece of white chocolate as soon as she saw her. I was already liking this place way more than The Chocolate Line (as was Keila!). Dumon is a family-run business, although I'm haven't had time to do much research on it so don't  know how long it's been in operation. I do know that there's also another chocolate shop in Bruges (quite near to The Chocolate Line) called Stefan Dumon, who is obviously the son. Madam Dumon told us that Stefan still helps make chocolates for the original Dumon line, too.
  We were proudly shown the Dumon Chocolatier gift bag, featuring Madam Dumon's granddaughter on the side. One of Madam Dumon's other grandsons was also working behind the counter when we were in. Very lovely and friendly family!
 As for the chocolates themselves? Handmade daily, just like The Chocolate Line, only more traditional (no sake, lemon grass, etc here). They are a bit creamier than those of The Chocolate Line, but no complaints here! We originally picked out one box of dark chocolates (we simply asked Madam Dumon to give us a selection of mostly dark and a few milks), and they were so good we stopped back by the next day and got another assorted box. Plus Keila got another piece of white chocolate, lucky girl! Prices were much more reasonable than The Chocolate Line too---5.25 Euros for 250 grams, 11.50 Euros for 500 grams, 17.25 for 750 grams, and 23 Euros for 1 kilo. Yes, a kilo. And yes, I wish we would've bought a kilo-sized box to take home!
 Overall assessment: Dumon is my pick! Much better service, and cheaper prices for great chocolates. Although I will admit that if you want a great dark hazelnut or marzipan variety, force yourself to deal with the snobbery of The Chocolate Line and buy just a few pieces to enjoy. Then head back over to Dumon for the rest of your shopping.