Paris is a city that lives and breathes food—it’s practically in the streets, the markets, and definitely in its kitchens. For travelers eager to go beyond eating and actually learn how to make some of the city’s most iconic treats, Paris offers a fantastic variety of cooking classes. Whether you’re dreaming of perfect macarons or crusty baguettes, these classes promise a hands-on experience you’ll remember long after your trip ends. We particularly love the Paris Macarons Small-Group Baking Class for its intimate setting and expert guidance—making it easier to master those delicate shells than trying to do it alone at home.
While some classes focus on pastries, others dive into bread-making or classic French dishes, catering to all skill levels and tastes. With options like making chocolates and cream puffs or bi-colour croissants, Paris’s culinary scene is alive with opportunities to learn, create, and enjoy. These classes are a great way to bring a piece of Paris’s culinary magic back home.
1. Paris Macarons Small-Group Baking Class with a Chef
At number 1, this small-group macarons class stands out for its personalized attention and expert instruction. With just up to seven people, you’ll be in a cozy environment where your chef instructor will guide you step by step through the process of creating these delicate, colorful treats. Everything needed—ingredients and equipment—is provided, so you can focus solely on mastering the perfect macaron shell and filling.
What makes this class unique is the ability to choose your own flavor, making the experience customized to your taste. The instructor’s patience and clarity help demystify the process of making macarons, which many find notoriously tricky. The reviews highlight the fun and success, with one participant noting, “Mateo made this experience so pleasurable and approachable,” while others appreciated the intimate setting. This class is perfect for anyone who wants a hands-on, fun introduction to French pastry making without spending hours in the kitchen.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for beginners or anyone who wants a relaxed, friendly environment to learn this iconic French pastry.
2. Amazing Sweet Crêpe Cooking Class Paris
Number 2 on our list is the Sweet Crêpe Cooking Class, which offers a cozy, personalized experience. In a private crêperie, the host shares his passion and secrets, revealing how to make the perfect batter and fill it with delightful toppings. The class lasts about three hours, providing plenty of time for laughs, learning, and tasting.
Participants rave about Stephane’s energetic personality and the tasty results. One reviewer called it “a highlight of our trip,” noting that they learned not just how to make crepes but also the difference between sweet crêpes and savory gallette. The class is ideal for those who want a relaxed, immersive experience—plus, you get a personalized gift to take home.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a longer, more relaxed session focused on a beloved Parisian staple. The emphasis on fun makes it especially good for couples or families.
Bottom Line: Best suited for food lovers who want an interactive, memorable lesson on making one of Paris’s most iconic street foods.
3. Paris Cooking Class: Chocolate Éclairs and Cream Puffs
Number 3 offers an indulgent journey into French pastry with this chocolate éclairs and cream puffs class. Led by a knowledgeable chef, you’ll learn the secrets of making perfect choux pastry, filling it with Chantilly cream, and glazing it with rich chocolate. This three-hour class emphasizes technique and tips from a pastry professional, ensuring you gain skills you can replicate at home.
What sets this class apart is the focus on two classic pastries that are both visually impressive and delicious. You’ll get to take home some of your creations, and the instructor shares insider tricks for making these desserts look and taste professional. The reviews praise the chef’s humor and expertise, with one noting, “We made fabulous pastries and had a lot of fun doing it.” The small-group format ensures plenty of hands-on practice.
This class is perfect for those with a sweet tooth who want to learn how to craft elegant desserts. It’s also an excellent way to add a truly Parisian pastry skill to your repertoire.
Bottom Line: A top pick for pastry lovers eager to tackle éclairs and cream puffs with expert guidance.
4. Paris French Baking Class Baguettes and Croissants in a Bakery
Number 4 is a hands-on experience that takes you behind the scenes of a real Parisian bakery. The Baguettes and Croissants class is led by a passionate baker who shares centuries-old recipes and techniques. Over about two and a half hours, you will learn how to laminate dough, shape baguettes, and craft flaky croissants from scratch.
This workshop’s strength lies in its authentic setting, inside a working bakery, giving you a glimpse of daily life in Paris’s bread scene. The baker’s enthusiasm and storytelling add a personal touch, and you’ll leave with freshly baked bread and new skills. Reviewers mention the joy of shaping their own bread and the fascinating history behind French bread. The class caps at 10 people for a more intimate learning environment.
If you’re a bread lover, this class offers excellent value for money considering the quality of instruction and the practical, take-home baked goods. Be prepared for a bit of kneading and shaping!
Bottom Line: Ideal for bread enthusiasts wanting a real Paris bakery experience and to learn traditional French baking techniques.
5. Paris Desserts and Pastries Small Group Cooking Class with a Chef
Number 5 features a small-group dessert and pastry class hosted in a local chef’s home. Spread over three hours, you’ll learn how to make two or three classic French and international desserts. The instructor focuses on professional tips and techniques, walking you through everything from dough to finishing touches. The class limits to eight people, which allows personalized guidance, and you’ll get a recipe booklet to recreate your favorites later.
Participants love the informal, friendly atmosphere and the chance to ask questions freely. One reviewer says, “Chef Frederick was terrific—hands-on, educational, and delicious.” The class is perfect for those who want to learn a variety of desserts and enjoy some social cooking. You’ll leave with new skills, confidence, and a sweet platter to enjoy or share.
This class is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded dessert experience and enjoy making multiple treats in one sitting.
Bottom Line: Great for dessert fans seeking a comprehensive, interactive baking class with a cozy, home-like atmosphere.
6. Macaron Baking Class in Le Marais
Number 6 is a quick but highly focused macaron class, lasting about an hour and a half. It promises an in-depth look at making macarons—from mixing the batter to filling and decorating. The class starts with a short introduction, then moves into hands-on practice with ganache fillings and shell shaping.
While only two reviews are available, both are glowing, praising the instructor’s clarity and the delicious final products. This class is perfect if you’re short on time but want to get a solid understanding of macaron techniques. It’s especially suitable for those who want a quick, concentrated lesson rather than a long baking marathon. The small group size enhances the personalized experience.
If macarons are your dream pastry, this class offers a concentrated, practical approach to making them at home.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a focused, efficient class on one of France’s most beloved confections.
7. Bi Colour Croissant Baking Class in Paris by a Pastry Chef
Number 7 introduces you to the art of baking stunning bi-colour croissants with a Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef. In about three hours, you will learn to laminate dough, incorporate multiple colors, and shape the perfect croissants. The class takes place in a charming Parisian baking studio, offering an authentic and intimate setting.
What makes this class special is the creative element: experimenting with colors and flavors to produce visually striking croissants. The instructor’s professional background ensures you learn techniques used by top pastry chefs. The class is suited for those who want to go beyond basic baking and add a creative twist. While reviews are not available, the focus on hands-on participation and the opportunity to craft beautiful, edible art make this class stand out.
This experience is perfect for those who love pastry and want to push their baking skills further, ending with a stunning final product.
Bottom Line: Ideal for creative bakers eager to make eye-catching, delicious croissants with professional guidance.
How to Choose Your Perfect Paris Cooking Class
When selecting a class, consider your budget, time, and whether you prefer pastry, bread, or dessert-focused sessions. For a deep dive into classic French pastries, the Chocolate Éclairs and Cream Puffs offers detailed technique. If bread-making sparks your interest, the Baguettes and Croissants provides a real bakery experience, perfect for bread lovers.
For those on a tight schedule, the Macaron class in Le Marais condenses the essence of macaron-making into a shorter session. Meanwhile, families or groups wanting variety will enjoy the Desserts and Pastries, with multiple sweets covered in one class.
Book early, especially during peak travel season, as these classes tend to fill quickly. Choose based on your skill level, interest, and whether you want a relaxed, intensive, or creatively challenging experience.
Final Thoughts
Paris offers a wide range of cooking classes, from mastering macarons to baking authentic baguettes. For a personal, friendly experience, the small-group classes like the Macarons Baking Class and Chocolate Éclairs stand out. If your goal is to learn bread in an authentic bakery setting, the Baguettes and Croissants is hard to beat.
For those who want variety or a more relaxed, fun approach, the Desserts and Pastries provides a delicious overview. Whatever your interest, booking early is the key to securing your spot in these popular experiences. Adding a hands-on cooking class to your Paris trip turns a simple visit into a memorable culinary adventure—so pick one that suits your taste and skill level and get ready to cook like a Parisian!