Sometimes stereotypes have a bit of truth in them. One example is that the French cook exceptional food. If you happen to be visiting Paris, not only can you taste it for yourself, you can now learn how to make it.
Here at TravelMag.com we have taken note of the fact there are numerous cooking classes in Paris. After some heavy sieving of the reams of information on the interweb we have reduced things down to the best five tours based on reviews, price and quality of experience. Bon appetit.
EXPERIENCE PARIS BAGUETTE AND CROISSANT WORKSHOP
FROM: €113/per person
It seems to make sense that starting to learn something of the ways of French cuisine, one ought to begin with the start of the day. And nothing says France like fresh baguettes and steaming croissants. The two hour workshop takes place in a fully functional Parisian bakery. Expert instruction is given in French, but good translation is provided. Not only will you get to make fresh baked goods, you will be able to try them too. Groups limited to eight people.
FAMILY COOKING CLASS AT L’ATELIER DES CHEFS
From €28.50/ per person
If you are travelling with children between the ages of 6 and 12 then this class could be a great introduction to French cooking. Taking place at the renowned L’atelier des Chefs cooking school, chef-instructors will impart their wisdom on a number of basic French culinary methods. By the end you will have made a main, dessert and milkshake. You never know, the kids might love it so much that you might never have to cook for the family again.
SMALL GROUP FRENCH COOKING CLASS
From €120/ per person
Hugely popular with previous clients, this half day cooking class begins at the local butchers or farmers’ market and ends with a three-course Parisian gourmet meal. From start to finish a French food expert will guide you to acquire the cooking skills that will likely have folks back home in awe. Groups are never more than eight people to ensure personalized assistance, and the resulting food seems to be very well received.
PARIS 4 COURSE MEAL COOKING CLASS
From €140/ per person
Taking things to another culinary level entirely is this 4.5-6 hour class that can include an optional trip to the market in the Latin Quarter first. This is followed by a voyage through traditional French cuisine through four courses. You get to plan your own menu and cook the courses with the guidance of a professional instructor, whilst trying French cheese and wine. But the best part comes when you get to sit down and eat the result of your newly acquired kitchen skills. Groups limited to eleven people.
LEARN HOW TO MAKE MACAROONS
From €113/ per person
No culinary tour of Paris would be quite complete without the dainty little macarons that have become increasingly popular abroad as much as at home. The three hour class takes place in a private Parisian apartment under the expert guidance of a local French chef. For those in the know, the recipe used comes from revered pastry chef Pierre Hermé. Leave with a box of macaroons that are unlikely to last a day and a new skill that can be used for a lifetime.