Grisettes de Montpellier are some of the oldest sweets in France. They have their origin in preparations made by apothecaries in the town during the Middle Ages. According to legend, grisettes de Montpellier were very much enjoyed by pilgrims on the Way of St James, who used them to refresh their mouths.
They are small, completely black balls, the size of a pea, lightly powdered with granulated sugar. Traditionally, they are made in a cauldron with water, sugar, honey, liquorice and a little colouring. After a substantial increase in production during the 18th century, now there is only one producer of grisettesleft in Montpellier. This does not stop this sweet from being very popular in the region, with local people and tourists alike.