About Douce France
Douce France was created in 2012 to celebrate the incredible Artisans and craftsmanship making the French terroire.
We share the richness of French tradition, carefully sourced from artisans who take pride in doing things the right way, and have been doing it for generations.
Every product on our shelves reflects a commitment to quality, authenticity, and tradition. We work with our artisans directly to bring the best products.
Our Mission
Our mission is to champion and preserve French traditional craftsmanship by importing authentic, prestigious gourmet products and artisanal masterpieces to Canada.
Our Values
Quality:Â Prioritizing the highest standards and excellence in our products.
Transparency:Â Ensuring full traceability from source to consumer.
Heritage and Storytelling:Â Sharing the rich history and origins behind each selection of delicacies and masterpieces, enriching customer experience.
Awards
Art de Vivre Award winner at the France Canada Chamber of Commerce's 2024 Annual Gala & Business Awards.
Finalist of the 7th pan-Canadian edition of the 2016 Lauriers des PME organized by the Réseau de Développement Economique et d'Employabilité of Canada.
Our Artisans are recognized for their craftmanship
Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant
Many of our suppliers have won the label EPV: Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company), awarded by the French Department of Crafts, Trade and Tourism for their excellence or have been recognised by Le Collège Culinaire de France.
Maisons & Savoir-faire d'Excellence
Some of of our suppliers are also members of the association Maisons & Savoir-faire d'Excellence created in 2020 to perpetuate the history, the tradition, the exigence, the excellence and also sustain the creativity and the innovation that all make the specific identity of French unique savoir-faire.
Le Collège Culinaire de France
Some of our suppliers are also recognized by the Collège Culinaire de France
for their commitment to authentic, high-quality artisanal products, crafted using traditional methods and genuine ingredients. This distinction highlights producers who prioritize taste, transparency, and respect for culinary heritage over industrial-scale production.
Origine France
We only work with French Artisans. Everything in Douce France proudly comes from France and is made with the best ingredients available and the timeliness traditions of the French terroire.
Christel C. Saba
Meet our Founder
Having freshly graduated as a Seller specialising in the sales of baked goods, pastries, and confectionary, Christel C.Saba was distinguished Crafts Person in Normandy, René Garrec promotion, in 1986.
She left her native Normandy at the young age of 16 for Paris where she gradually scaled the ladder of her craft.
While working, she returned to her studies, obtaining a university degree in Foreign & Applied Languages (English-German) in 1993 and a Teacher’s Certificate in 2003. A new profession was now open to her as an English teacher. Over the years, she has shown a spirit of innovation in developing cultural projects and has taken hundreds of students on trips in Great Britain and Ireland.
Christel immigrated to Toronto in 2009 with her family. She started off practising her profession as a teacher, first at the Alliance Française of Toronto where she left her mark as Director of Summer Camp and co-author of an innovative method for the teaching of French to young learners.
She also shined in the mentorship of public servants of various Governments of Canada departments whom she helped meet the bilingual requirements of their position. In addition, she served as a Continuing Education instructor at the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University.
However, this was but an interlude before the realization of her ultimate dream, the opening of the boutique Douce France in the heart of Toronto.
Douce France is an ambitious cultural and commercial project that represents the realisation of Christel's two-streamed professional experiences. Today she works directly with a network of more than 40 artisans & craftspersons with whom she entertains a privileged and personal relationship.
La pâtisserie Douce France fête ses 10 ans
La fondatrice et propriétaire de Douce France, Christel Saba, explique en entrevue, comment l’entreprise a fait un virage vert et ce que ça signifie pour son offre de produits à savourer.
Une invitation au voyage chez Douce France
À l’occasion de son 10e d’anniversaire, l’épicerie torontoise Douce France en a rénové son magasin de l’avenue Danforth et apporté des nouveautés.
Douce France
Douce France brings Parisian flare to the Danforth. With fresh baguettes, pain au chocolat and colourful macarons, Christel Saba, who's originally from Normandy, stocks her bakery, cafe and grocery store with a slew of products that are all from France.
Toronto businesses selling chocolate
This February, hearts will be all aflutter—not because of romance but from all the sugary treats on offer for Valentine’s Day. Toronto chefs and bakers are cooking up ways to woo (or just overindulge) with an array decadent confections.
50 Best Coffee Shops in Toronto
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or looking for a great hangout, Toronto’s local coffee shops have you covered. With creative drinks, delicious treats and artsy vibes, here are the top spots for your perfect cup of joe.
