Confiserie Braquier: installing the new generation of A-Guide audio guides

An emblematic institution of Verdun, the Braquier confectionery has been supported by Sycomore Vox since 2014 to enrich the tour of its workshop. In 2024, this collaboration takes on a new dimension with a complete modernisation of the audiovisual installation and the provision of the new A-Guide audio guides.

The Confiserie Braquier: a gourmet and historical heritage

Founded in the 19th century, Maison Braquier has built an international reputation for its high-quality dragées, made with carefully selected ingredients and often given at weddings, christenings and communions.

But what truly sets Braquier apart are its famous Verdun shells ("obus de Verdun"): shell-shaped confections, in chocolate or sugar, filled with small dragées or pralines. They recall the city's turbulent past, the scene of one of the greatest battles of the First World War, while celebrating the peace that followed. These unusual creations attract many visitors every year, intrigued by this blend of history and indulgence.

An enriched audio-guided visit experience

To share this expertise with an ever-wider audience, Braquier called on Sycomore Vox back in 2014 to install an Audiopass audio guide system. Synchronised by infrared, it guides visitors through 12 distinct zones of the production workshop, from almond selection to the delicate coating of the dragées, by way of the methods used to make the shells.

Thanks to a soundtrack available in three languages and captivating videos, the audio guide becomes a true narrator: it plunges visitors into the history of Maison Braquier and the anecdotes that have shaped its reputation.

2024: a technological leap to modernise the experience

Faced with a demanding production environment — sugar dust, temperature variations, humidity — Sycomore Vox undertook a major upgrade in 2024: replacing the old Audiopass units with the latest-generation A-Guide audio guides. The improvements are numerous:

• More compact equipment: lighter and smaller, the new audio guides are easier for visitors to handle.
• Increased robustness: designed to withstand challenging environments, they guarantee durability and reliability over the long term.
• An improved infrared triggering system: synchronisation between the audio guides and the visit points has been refined, with commentaries triggered automatically at just the right moment.

A lasting, rewarding collaboration

This modernisation reflects Sycomore Vox's commitment to continuous innovation and customer satisfaction. A fruitful collaboration that has lasted a decade and demonstrates how technology can elevate traditional craftsmanship.

The new A-Guide system offers an interactive, enriching experience to all visitors, whether gastronomy enthusiasts or simply curious: each stage of dragée making is explained with precision, turning the confectionery into a true place of educational and sensory discovery.