Pastry classes & tastings in Paris

Pastry classes in Paris

Learn to shape croissants, fill macarons, and bake choux pastry in hands-on workshops.

About pastry classes in Paris

According to legend, Paris came onto the pastry scene as early as the 16th century, when Italian-born pastry chefs arrived with Catherine de’ Medici and refined their technique at the royal court. Since then, French pâtissiers have continued to make significant contributions to the craft. After Marie-Antoine Carême revived the art of the croquembouche in the early 1800s, Auguste Escoffier followed in his footsteps and codified the concept of a dedicated pastry chef. Today, a growing number of hands-on pastry classes welcome travelers with no prior experience. Most sessions run 2 to 4 hours, are taught in English, and cover one specialty: macarons, croissants, choux pastry, or entremets. You’ll find workshops in intimate kitchens overlooking the Seine and in professional academies with decades of history.

Top highlights for your visit

Macaron assembly

Macaron making

You’ll whip meringue, fold almond flour into a smooth batter, pipe uniform shells, and fill them with ganache or buttercream. Most classes cover both Italian and French meringue methods so you can compare results side by side.
Bread, croissants, and viennoiseries

Bread, croissants, and viennoiseries

Knead, and score artisan baguettes; learn the croissant lamination technique; or mix and shape enriched doughs like brioche. You’ll leave with a bag of warm baked goods and the know-how to recreate the process at home.
Choux piping and filling

Choux piping and filling

Learn to cook choux pastry on the stovetop, pipe éclairs, profiteroles, and gougères, bake until golden, and fill them with pastry cream or savory mixtures. Sessions typically run 2 to 3 hours.
Entremets construction

Entremets construction

Build a multi-layer mousse cake from the base up: biscuit, insert, mousse, and mirror glaze. These longer workshops (4 to 6 hours) suit anyone ready for a more technical challenge.

Pastry classes in Paris FAQs

Things to know about pastry classes in Paris

Entry

  • Most classes run 2 to 4 hours and cover one specialty.
  • Book online 2 to 4 weeks ahead for peak-season dates.
  • Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you don’t miss key steps.

What to bring

  • Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes for tile kitchen floors.
  • Layers help in cooler months; wear lightweight clothes in summer.
  • Note any allergies or dietary needs at booking time.

Important information

  • Nearly all visitor-oriented classes are taught in English.
  • You’ll take home what you bake: macarons, croissants, or pastries.
  • Prices for single sessions range from around $75 to $220 per person.