The 10 Best Cooking Schools in Paris


Ah, Paris! City of Lights, romance, and… ridiculously good food. As a seasoned travel blogger, I’ve wandered through countless Parisian boulangeries, lingered in bustling fromageries, and savoured more than my fair share of perfectly flaky croissants.

But to truly immerse yourself in the heart of French culinary culture, you need to get your hands dirty!

Forget fumbling with French culinary terms and accidentally adding a rogue teaspoon of sel instead of sucre. These schools and ateliers offer immersive, hands-on experiences led by passionate chefs who speak your language fluently.

Whether you’re a complete kitchen newbie or a seasoned home cook looking to master classic French techniques, there’s a class here to tantalise your taste buds and elevate your culinary skills.

So, grab your apron and get ready to say “oui” to a delectable Parisian adventure!

1. Le Cordon Bleu Paris: The Culinary Institution



  • Vibe: Prestigious, professional, and internationally renowned. Think culinary school experience with a focus on classic French gastronomy.
  • Specialities: Wide range of classes covering everything from basic French cuisine and pastry to specific techniques like sauce making, bread baking, and chocolate artistry. Their intensive workshops are particularly popular.
  • Costs: Prices vary greatly depending on the duration and intensity of the class, ranging from around €150 for a short demonstration to several hundred euros for hands-on workshops.
  • Address: 15 Quai André Citroën, 75015 Paris, France
  • Directions:
    • Metro: Javel-André Citroën (Line 10) is the closest station. From there, it’s a short walk along the quai.
    • Bus: Several bus lines stop near Le Cordon Bleu, including lines 70, 88. Check the RATP website or app for the most convenient route from your location.
  • English Speaking: Absolutely. As an international institution, all their recreational classes are offered in English.
  • Website: https://www.cordonbleu.edu/paris/home/en
  • How to Book: Visit their website and navigate to the “Short Courses” or “Gourmet & Discovery” section. You can browse available classes, check dates and times, and book directly online.


Why it’s a top pick: Experience the legacy of Le Cordon Bleu and learn foundational French techniques from expert chefs in a professional setting. Perfect for those serious about mastering the basics.


2. La Cuisine Paris: Charming and Hands-On

  • Vibe: Intimate, friendly, and highly interactive. Expect small class sizes and plenty of opportunity to get involved in every step of the cooking process.
  • Specialities: Market classes where you shop for fresh ingredients and then cook them, classic French dishes, pastries (macarons are a highlight!), and regional specialities. They also offer food tours.
  • Costs: Hands-on classes generally range from €120 to €180 per person, depending on the duration and complexity. Market classes might be slightly more.
  • Address: 80 Quai de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris, France
  • Directions:
    • Metro: Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 & 11) is directly across the street.
    • Bus: Numerous bus lines serve the Hôtel de Ville area.
  • English Speaking: Yes! La Cuisine Paris was specifically founded to cater to English-speaking visitors.
  • Website: https://lacuisineparis.com/
  • How to Book: Visit their website and browse their class calendar. You can filter by category (e.g., Cooking, Pastry, Market Classes) and book your chosen class online.

Why it’s a top pick: Their market classes offer a truly immersive experience, combining a local market visit with hands-on cooking. Great for learning about seasonal ingredients and authentic French flavours.


3. Cook’n With Class Paris: Fun and Informative

  • Vibe: Relaxed, engaging, and designed to make learning fun. The chefs are known for their enthusiasm and ability to explain techniques clearly.
  • Specialities: French bistro classics, sauces, bread making, pastries, and even French cheese and wine pairing workshops. They offer a variety of themed classes to suit different interests.
  • Costs: Most hands-on classes fall within the €130 to €170 range. Wine and cheese workshops might have different pricing.
  • Address: 6 Rue Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris, France
  • Directions:
    • Metro: Cardinal Lemoine (Line 10) is the closest station, just a short walk away in the charming Latin Quarter.
    • Bus: Several bus lines serve the area, including the 47.
  • English Speaking: Absolutely. Their classes are exclusively taught in English.
  • Website: https://www.cooknwithclass.com/paris/
  • How to Book: Visit their website and view their class schedule. You can select your desired class and date and book online through their secure booking system.

Why it’s a top pick: Known for their passionate instructors and well-structured classes, Cook’n With Class is perfect for those who want to learn in a supportive and enjoyable environment.


4. Ateliers des Chefs: Modern and Accessible

  • Vibe: Modern, sleek, and offers a wide variety of formats, from quick lunch workshops to more in-depth courses. Caters to different skill levels and time constraints.
  • Specialities: Diverse range, including classic French cuisine, world flavours, pastry, and even molecular gastronomy. Their express lunch classes are a great option for a quick culinary fix.
  • Costs: Prices vary significantly based on the type and duration of the class, ranging from around €40 for a short workshop to over €150 for longer, more intensive sessions.
  • Address: Multiple locations in Paris, including:
    • 16 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris (Marais)
    • 109 Rue du Faubourg Poissonnière, 75009 Paris
  • Directions: Check the specific address for the most accurate directions. Generally, both locations are well-served by metro and bus lines. For the Marais location, Hôtel de Ville (Lines 1 & 11) is convenient. For the Faubourg Poissonnière location, Poissonnière (Line 7) is nearby.
  • English Speaking: Many of their classes are offered in English, but it’s essential to check the language specification when booking.
  • Website: https://www.atelierdeschefs.com/en/
  • How to Book: Visit their website and select the Paris location. You can browse their extensive list of classes, filter by theme or duration, and book online. Ensure the class description specifies English instruction.

Why it’s a top pick: With multiple locations and a wide range of class formats, Ateliers des Chefs offers flexibility and caters to various interests and schedules.


5. L’Atelier des Sens: Sensory and Creative

  • Vibe: Focused on engaging all your senses, promoting creativity in the kitchen, and using high-quality ingredients.
  • Specialities: French cuisine, pastry, chocolate making, wine pairing, and even cocktail workshops. They often incorporate seasonal themes and encourage experimentation.
  • Costs: Prices generally range from €80 to €150, depending on the type and length of the workshop.
  • Address: Multiple locations in Paris, including:
    • 4 Rue de Turenne, 75004 Paris (Marais)
    • 37 Rue du Sentier, 75002 Paris
  • Directions: Again, check the specific address when booking. The Marais location is easily accessible via Saint-Paul (Line 1) or Chemin Vert (Line 8) metro stations. The Sentier location is near Sentier (Line 3) metro.
  • English Speaking: While some instructors are bilingual, it’s crucial to confirm that the specific class you’re booking is offered in English. Check the class description or contact them directly.
  • Website: https://www.atelier-des-sens.com/en/
  • How to Book: Visit their website and navigate to their workshop calendar. You can select the desired location and browse available classes. Check the language details before booking online.

Why it’s a top pick: If you’re looking for a more sensory and creative approach to cooking, L’Atelier des Sens offers a unique and engaging experience.


6. AirBnB Experiences – Culinary Workshops: Local and Diverse

  • Vibe: Highly varied, depending on the host. Can range from intimate home kitchen settings to more professional at-home studios. Often offers a glimpse into local Parisian life.
  • Specialities: Incredibly diverse! You can find classes focusing on specific regional dishes, pastries, bread making, vegan French cuisine, and even international flavours taught with a French twist.
  • Costs: Prices are set by individual hosts and can vary widely, but you can often find more budget-friendly options compared to established cooking schools, ranging from €50 upwards.
  • Address: Varies depending on the host. You’ll receive the exact address upon booking.
  • Directions: Provided by the host upon booking.
  • English Speaking: Many hosts offer their workshops in English, but it’s essential to check the listing details and confirm with the host before booking.
  • Website: https://www.airbnb.com/s/Paris–France/experiences (Search for “cooking class” or related terms)
  • How to Book: Visit the AirBnB Experiences website or app and search for culinary workshops in Paris. Carefully read the descriptions, check the language offered, view host profiles and reviews, and book directly through the platform. You can often communicate with the host before booking if you have any questions.

Why it’s a top pick: Offers a unique opportunity to learn from local Parisians in their own kitchens, often providing a more personal and authentic culinary experience.


7. École Ritz Escoffier: Luxury and Elegance



  • Vibe: Sophisticated, luxurious, and reflects the legendary Ritz Paris hotel. Expect impeccable instruction and top-quality ingredients.
  • Specialities: Haute cuisine, classic French techniques refined to perfection, pastry masterpieces, and themed workshops often focusing on seasonal ingredients.
  • Costs: This is a premium experience, with prices generally starting from €200 and going significantly higher for longer or more specialized courses.
  • Address: 15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France (located within the Ritz Paris hotel)
  • Directions:
    • Metro: Tuileries (Line 1) or Opéra (Lines 3, 7, 8) are both within walking distance of Place Vendôme.
    • Bus: Numerous bus lines serve the Place Vendôme area.
  • English Speaking: Yes, the École Ritz Escoffier offers many of its recreational classes in English to cater to its international clientele.
  • Website: https://www.ritzparisesc.com/en-GB/ecole-ritz-escoffier
  • How to Book: Visit their website and navigate to the “Short Courses” or “Workshops” section. You can browse their offerings, check availability, and book online. Ensure the class description indicates English instruction.

Why it’s a top pick: For a truly indulgent and unforgettable culinary experience in an iconic Parisian setting, the École Ritz Escoffier is a splurge worth considering.


8. Le Foodist: Passionate and Story-Driven

  • Vibe: Enthusiastic, informative, and goes beyond just cooking by sharing the stories and cultural context behind French cuisine.
  • Specialities: Bread making (their baguette class is highly acclaimed), pastries, market tours with cooking sessions, and regional French specialities. They focus on using high-quality, local ingredients.
  • Costs: Hands-on classes typically range from €140 to €180, with longer or more specialized workshops potentially costing more.
  • Address: 13 Rue de l’École Polytechnique, 75005 Paris, France
  • Directions:
    • Metro: Maubert-Mutualité (Line 10) is the closest station.
    • Bus: Several bus lines stop near the Panthéon, which is a short walk from their location.
  • English Speaking: Yes, Le Foodist’s classes are conducted in English.
  • Website: https://www.lefoodist.com/cooking-classes-paris/
  • How to Book: Visit their website and browse their range of cooking classes and food tours. You can select your preferred experience and book online through their calendar.

Why it’s a top pick: If you’re interested in not just the “how” but also the “why” behind French cooking, Le Foodist offers a deeper and more enriching culinary journey.


9. Kitchen Trotter Workshops: Global Flavours with a Twist

  • Vibe: Fun, adventurous, and explores cuisines from around the world, often with a focus on street food and authentic recipes.
  • Specialities: While not strictly French, Kitchen Trotter offers a diverse range of workshops covering cuisines like Thai, Vietnamese, Lebanese, and more. It’s a great option if you want to broaden your culinary horizons while in Paris.
  • Costs: Prices vary depending on the cuisine and duration, but generally fall within the €60 to €100 range.
  • Address: Various locations depending on the workshop. Check their website for the specific address when booking.
  • Directions: Provided upon booking for the specific workshop location.
  • English Speaking: Many of their workshops are conducted in English, but it’s advisable to check the language specification when booking.
  • Website: https://kitchentrotter.com/ateliers-de-cuisine (Look for workshops marked “EN” or confirm language upon booking)
  • How to Book: Visit their website and browse their workshop calendar. Click on the desired workshop for details, including location and language, and book online.

Why it’s a top pick: For foodies who love to explore international flavours, Kitchen Trotter provides a fun and accessible way to learn about global cuisines in Paris.


10. Baking & Cake Design Studios (Various): Sweet Treats and Creative Decorating

  • Vibe: Focused, creative, and often catering to those with a sweet tooth. Ranges from basic baking skills to intricate cake decorating techniques.
  • Specialities: Macarons, croissants, choux pastry, entremets, and various cake decorating styles. Look for specialized studios or workshops within larger cooking schools.
  • Costs: Prices vary widely depending on the complexity and duration, ranging from around €80 for a basic pastry class to over €150 for advanced cake decorating.
  • Addresses & Directions: Numerous independent baking studios and larger cooking schools (like some mentioned above) offer pastry-focused classes. Search online using terms like “English macaron class Paris,” “English croissant workshop Paris,” or “English cake decorating class Paris” to find specific options and their addresses and directions.
  • Example Options & Booking:
  • English Speaking: Many baking-focused workshops are offered in English, particularly those catering to tourists. Always confirm the language before booking directly through the studio’s website or a booking platform like GetYourGuide or Viator.

Why it’s a top pick: If your passion lies in the sweeter side of French cuisine, seeking out dedicated baking and cake design studios will allow you to master the art of Parisian pastries and desserts.


Tips for Booking Your Parisian Cooking Class:

  • Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, popular classes can fill up quickly.
  • Check the Language: While all the options listed here offer English instruction, always double-check the specific class details before booking.
  • Consider Your Skill Level and Interests: Choose a class that aligns with your experience and what you’d like to learn.
  • Read Reviews: See what other participants have said about the class and the instructor on the school’s website or platforms like TripAdvisor.
  • Confirm What’s Included: Does the price include ingredients, equipment, and tasting/eating your creations?
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll likely be standing for a significant portion of the class.


Embarking on a Parisian cooking class is more than just learning a few recipes; it’s an immersive cultural experience that will leave you with newfound skills, delicious memories, and a deeper appreciation for the art of French gastronomy.

Bon appétit!