My first ever trip to Europe was to Paris almost 30 years ago. I tagged along with my mother and brother on what would be an epic, and quite memorable, trip. We’re all three foodies so we managed to book a day at the School Ritz-Escoffier in the Ritz Paris. Despite the entire class being taught in French (which none of us spoke), we had a blast. So on a recent trip to France for my barge cruise, I decided to take another cooking class in Paris, this time at Le Foodist.
Tucked away in a charming neighborhood, this culinary haven promised more than just cooking lessons—it was a portal to French culture, history, and, of course, exquisite cuisine. There were 10 student chefs, eager to learn some French culinary skills from the owner, Chef Fred. Le Foodist is a popular culinary experience that offers cooking classes in Paris, wine tastings, and food-related cultural activities to immerse visitors in French gastronomy. It is popular for its hands-on approach to teaching traditional French cooking techniques and sharing the stories behind iconic dishes as a cooking class in Paris.
A Day At The Cooking Class in Paris
Our culinary day began with a visit to a local street market where Chef Fred gave us crash course on cheeses, vegetables, and seafood, and how to identify the freshest ingredients and most reliable farmers. We gathered our ingredients for the days cookery and set back to the kitchen to get to work. Chef Fred explained all of the cooking tasks for the day. We divided into groups, donned our aprons, rolled up our sleeves and got to work. There was cauliflower to be chopped, French sauces to be made, potatoes to be sliced and artfully arranged in a baking dish, and pears to be poached. The chef guided us through every step, from knife skills to the delicate art of emulsifying sauces. Each technique was explained with care, peppered with stories about how these dishes evolved alongside French history.
With the cooking complete, it was time to gather around a beautifully set communal table. With glasses of wine in hand, we enjoyed the fruits of our labor. The first bite was magical—a blend of flavors that seemed to capture the very essence of France. But the meal wasn’t just about the food. It was about the shared experience, the conversations, and the sense of accomplishment that came with creating something extraordinary together.
The Meal We Prepared At Our Cooking Class in Paris
So what did I make at my cooking class in Paris? Our 3-course meal began with Potage Dubarry (a cauliflower soup that is so rich and creamy but has no cream). For the mains, we feasted on Coq au Vin En Ballotine (chicken roulades in a dreamy wine sauce) and Gratin Dauphinois (the lightest, airiest potatoes. Dessert was Poire Belle-Helene, or pears poached in wine.
As we said our goodbyes, I realized that Le Foodist had given me more than a few new recipes. This experience deepened my connection to French culture. Most of all, it reminded me of the joy that comes from working with your hands and sharing a meal with others.
Le Foodist isn’t just a cooking school. It’s a love letter to French gastronomy, written with the passion of those who believe food is a language that transcends borders. My day there was a sensory journey I’ll never forget. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to experience Paris in a way that lingers long after the last bite.
The class was slated for 6 hours. Yet our group became fast friends, so we hung around much later and finished off the lovely French wines. I would like to take the Macarons Class in Paris but it was sold out. (Note: book early!)