No trip to the “City of Lights” would be complete without discovering the best cooking classes in Paris.
This guide navigates you through the top culinary schools in Paris and covers a variety of experiences; from pastry classes to intimate home-style lessons and sessions in renowned institutions.
Take a look at my top picks below and try your hand at making traditional French dishes, a 3-course meal or finger licking pastries. Or, continue reading to see the entire list of best cooking classes in Paris, one of the best things to do in the French capital.
| # | Tour | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Market-to-Table Cooking | From €189 | 4.5-6h |
| 2 | Authentic Home Cooking | From €315.56 | 3h |
| 3 | French Pastry Cooking Class | From €120 | 2h |
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1 – Discover Market-to-Table Cooking with Le Foodist
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (653 reviews)
“Luc was the best! Took time to explain steps in preparing the meal. We were a small group, so Luc gave everyone assignments for hands-on participation. We actually learned how to make the dishes in a fun environment Highly recommend this class.” Alena, Viator
The most populair cooking class in Paris, offered by Le Foodist, is more than a mere introduction to French cuisine. It’s a comprehensive culinary journey. You will shop for the produce needed at a market and learn more about the ingredients used by locals in their beloved national dishes.
Master the techniques behind making a traditional three-course French meal or refine the delicate art of macaron making alongside a seasoned chef. You can also enhance your culinary repertoire with a sauce-making class or choose a vegetarian experience and take meat off the menu entirely.
Summary of the activity:
- 3 course meal: appetizer, main and dessert
- 4.5 to 6 hour experience, the later includes a 1.5 hour visit to a market with cheese samples + croissant and coffee/tea
- Wine tasting and pairing included: half a bottle per person
- Children aged 12 and older are welcome
Our review
Whether you’re eager to get started straight away, or you want to visit a food market, Le Foodist offers a variety of options for every traveler. The vegetarian class, a good choice for plant-based tourists, is a particular highlight not always offered by other culinary schools.
2 – Enjoy Authentic Home Cooking with Travelling Spoon
Rating: ⭐️5/5 (4 reviews)
“Thank you for the absolutely beautiful evening. the meal you prepared was delicious and lovely.” Linda, Travelling Spoon
For those intimidated by the idea of a traditional cooking class in a professional kitchen, Travelling Spoon offers a range of culinary lessons. These sessions are hosted by individuals in their private homes, providing a genuine and authentically Parisian experience.
The hosts at Travelling Spoon are unpaid and simply wish to share their love of French cuisine with interested travelers. As a result, the available classes are ever-changing and unique, featuring activities such as soufflé-making, market visits, and macaron-crafting.
Summary of the activity:
- Learn to make traditional dishes such as Steak with ‘Béarnaise’ sauce or shrimp ‘feuilleté’ pastries
- Private cooking class
- Parisian-style lunch with dessert and Champagne
- Children of all ages welcome
Our review
While your experience with the Traveling Spoon is completely dependent on the individual host, the company vets everyone who wishes to pass on their culinary knowledge, providing peace of mind to cautious travelers.
Booking a cooking class with an untrained home cook may seem like a gamble, yet the originality and genuine devotion of these hosts to their culinary art is both inspiring and deserving of recognition.
3 – French Pastry Cooking Class with Les Secrets Gourmands de Noemie
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)
“Amazing!! Highly recommend, brought my daughters and they said this was the best day.” Michelle, Getyourguide
From refreshing lemon to luscious chocolate, you can dive headfirst into the world of sweet fillings with a macaron-making cooking class in Paris. Or, master the challenging techniques of crafting a sweet masterpiece like a soufflé, lava cake, or Paris-Brest to impress your loved ones at the dinner table.
For those who like to personalize their experience, Les Secrets Gourmands de Noemie offers travelers the opportunity to include a market visit with any culinary lesson, providing insight into local produce from an authentic Parisian perspective.
French-speaking children have the option to join a cooking class exclusively for kids, where they can learn basic recipes and experience the joy of cooking their own meal.
Summary of the activity:
- Hands-on pastry class in a private loft
- Discover all the hidden techniques behind 2-3 famous French desserts such as Paris-Brest, molten chocolate cake and Grand Marnier Soufflés
- Tea and coffee included
- You will receive an English-language copy of the recipes
- Children of all ages welcome
Our review
One of the most personal cooking experiences in Paris, this culinary lesson takes place with Noémie herself who guides you expertly through French cuisine in a kind and patient manner. The macaron-making lesson is a definite highlight and you’ll be left with a collection of pastel sweet treats that are simply too pretty to eat.
4 – Master Classic French Baking with Meeting the French
Rating: ⭐️4.5/5 (346 reviews)
“Our chef Dominique was friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel completely comfortable in his home!! Our French meal was superb and he instructed in such a way, it seemed so easy to complete the recipe!!!” Deatrice, Viator
Cooking and baking may be similar activities, but each requires different and distinct skills. Meeting the French provides a selection of what are often considered the finest cooking classes in Paris to refine your techniques in either. Classic French cooking classes are a popular choice, featuring simple yet incredibly tasty home-style recipes.
Another option is to participate in a baking lesson and learn how to create the iconic baguette the country is famed for.
Those with a sweet tooth can choose between making a variety of desserts, macarons or chocolates, while those with dietary preferences may select a gluten-free and organic experience.
Our review
The enthusiasm of the chefs conducting these classes is infectious, and you’ll quickly become an avid fan of French cuisine. While traditional cooking classes are of course superb, why not master the French baguette or croissant during a baking class, which is bound to impress your loved ones when you return home.
5 – Chocolate Eclairs and Cream Puffs Cooking Class
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (50 reviews)
“This class was one of the highlights of our trip. Stephane was an amazing teacher and fun to be with. He has so much energy and passion for pastry. It was a class of 8 people so it was not large and we got individual attention when we needed it. The Le Foodist facility is lovely too! I wish I had know they did wine tasting also as we would have booked that also.” Tami, Viator
Learn how to create the perfect cream puffs and chocolate éclairs. Learn the tricks of the trade, like getting the pastries to rise evenly or the best consistency for Chantilly cream.
Your professional chef will guide you step-by-step and will let you in on some tips and tricks. The required equipment and attire and coffee, tea or fruit juice is included in the activity.
Taste your own creations at the end of the class and take a box of 5 or 6 chocolate éclairs or cream puffs home. You will also receive an electronic copy of the recipes (in English) so you can share your new baking skills with your family and friends at home.
You will meet at Le Foodist, 59 Rue Cardinal Lemoine. It is 100 meters from metro Stop Cardinal Lemoine on line 10.
Our review
Regardless of your baking skills, you are bound to have a great time during this fun and entertaining class. The chef will guide you step-by-step and will answer any questions you may have. You will leave the class having mastered new skills and you’ll go home with a box of little goodies and electronic versions of the recipes.
6 – Crêpe Cooking Class
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (130 reviews)
“We had a wonderful time learning how to mix, cook, and (especially) eat delicious crepes! Stephane was wonderful and an excellent teacher.” Margaret_U, Viator
Fans of crêpes cannot miss this cooking class which will teach you how to make the perfect crêpe.
You will learn how to make a pancake batter in the rules of the art, while the chef lets you in on some pro secrets. Taste your creations during a tea time party and recreate the delicious crêpes at home thanks to the recipe which will be sent to you via mail.
At the end of the activity you will receive pictures and a personalized gift.
Our review
This cooking class doesn’t only teach you how to make the perfect crêpe from scratch, you will also learn about the history of this tasty treat. Children older than 8 can also join and will enjoy an interactive and educational activity. Indulge in tasty crêpes and homemade toppings, such as salted caramel and chestnut crème, which are also available for purchase. Learn all the secrets from chef Stephane and learn how to make the most delicious crêpes.
7 – Dessert & Chocolate Cooking Class
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)
“Amazing experience! This was such a fun idea. Our guide, Chef Marthe, was absolutely phenomenal, and the desserts we made were delicious. Highly recommend to anyone in Paris!” GetYourGuide traveler
Travelers with a sweet tooth may want to sign up for this cooking class. You will learn how to prepare three delicious desserts with your chef.
The experiences lasts 2 hours 15 minutes and the chef will give you instructions on how to prepare a range of delectable desserts such as Lemon Madelines, Grape picker’s cake, Chocolate Fondant, Ice Orange Cake, Apple Pie and Chocolate Mousse.
Ingredients, utensils and an apron are provided and you will also be offered a selection of hot drinks. Afterwards you will receive a copy of the recipe via email.
Our review
Kitchen novices don’t need to worry, the desserts are easy to handle for beginners and afterwards you can enjoy your efforts with a tasting of your creations. Chef Marthe is very helpful and will teach you all the secrets and ins and outs of French dessert making.
8 – Learn Professional Chef Techniques at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)
“It was an amazing experience with chef Elise, learned a lot about chef mastery skills. The plate we prepared was very delicious. Would definitely recommend.” Toka, Viator
Learn how to prepare food the professional way with a chef trained at a critically acclaimed institute during a cooking class brought to you by Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.
All skill levels are welcomed and you’re guaranteed to leave this lesson with more expertise than when you arrived. Whether your preference is sweet or savory, you’ll easily find an experience to satisfy your palate, from classes that guide you in creating a full meal to specialty macaron workshops.
Or get a taste of French pâtisserie in a baking class where you’ll learn to make tarte tatin or a cream-filled St. Honoré cake.
Our review
If you’re looking for a comprehensive culinary experience beyond a conventional cooking class, this is an excellent choice for you. These lessons take the pressure off inexperienced cooks, with some parts of the dishes, such as macaron shells, pre-prepared for you to introduce you to a culinary assembly at a manageable pace.
9 – Full-Day Cooking Class with 3-Course Lunch
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (70 reviews)
“This was absolutely fantastic. Our chef Paulo was great. I learned so much. I enjoy meeting people from all over and sharing the experience of cooking and eating new food. If you are on the fence about this experience -do it- you won’t regret it.” Amy, GetYourGuide
This cooking class, held in small groups in the Latin Quarter, is a great introduction to traditional French cuisine. Not only will you learn how to plan a meal, you will also learn about 6 to 8 different cooking techniques and will hear culinary stories spanning 2,500 years.
Learn how to make an appetizer, main and dessert such as ice cream and wine sauce. After about 2 hours of cooking (while sipping from a glass or 2 of wine), you can sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Your delicious meal will be paired with red and white wines and generous servings of cheese.
Use of all cooking equipment, an apron and a hard copy and electronic copy of all recipes in English will be provided.
Our review
During this class you will receive expert instructions from your chef and you will learn how to master various techniques. Participants will be guaranteed to enhance their cooking skills and can sit down and enjoy their hard work during a delicious meal accompanied by wine.
10 – Private Cooking Class with Catherine
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (30 reviews)
“Our cooking class with Catherine was excellent!! We have taken many cooking classes in different countries and we think this is right at the top. The market tour was very interesting. Catherine lunch menu was delicious and we plan to make the dishes at home.” Donald_S, Viator
Chef Catherine will teach you how to make authentic French dishes in the comfort of her own home, close to the Arc de Triomphe.
During this private class you will learn how to prepare a 3-course meal based on seasonal ingredients and you have the option to include an additional market visit, where you will select the ingredients and learn about their origins.
At the end of the class you will sample the results and you will receive a copy of the recipes to take home.
Our review
Chef Catherine provides you with easy-to-follow instructions and explanations. Catherine is very patient and explains how to organize your time and how to multi-task during preparation and cooking, making this class accessible for novices. She not only shares her skills and expertise, but also tips and recommendations for things to see and do in Paris.
11 – Learn how to make Macarons
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (413 reviews)
“Book this class, you will not be disappointed!!! This was the highlight of our trip to Paris. Stephane, the instructor, was so amazing. He is a highly trained pastry chef and more importantly a great teacher. He answered all questions, was extremely engaging, and was very funny! I recommend this and any class at Le Foodist.” Freda_G, Viator
Discover how to make macarons during a 3-hour class, led by an expert instructor. He or she will walk you through the steps to creating a perfect macaron with detailed instructions and a helping hand.
Choose the colors for your shells, fill them with buttercream and learn more about the history and the role of the macaron in French culture.
After you’re done cooking, you get to taste your own creations with a cup of tea or coffee and you get to take a box of 20 to 30 macarons home.
Our review
This is one of the most popular cooking classes in Paris, and for good reason. The chef will provide you with detailed instructions and lots of feedback. You can expect to walk away from this class not only with a box of tasty macarons, but also with improved baking skills. The chef is patient, helpful, friendly with children and engages well with the participants.
How to book cooking classes in Paris?
There are a multitude of companies providing cooking classes in Paris. These culinary lessons are frequently listed on various websites, some of which offer discounts to travelers, so it’s advisable to compare prices for the best deal.
By using Tourscanner’s search engine you can easily find the best cooking class in Paris and guarantee yourself a great price, as well as check out the reviews of each class to ensure you pick the crème de la crème.