French Cooking Class near Fontainebleau Castle: Includes wine and local cheese

Cook French classics in Aurore's kitchen, then sit down to eat them

A hands-on French cooking class in Fontainebleau teaches you to prepare 2–3 seasonal dishes from scratch over roughly 2.5 hours in a private home near the town center. You work alongside Aurore, a Parisian host who shares family recipes and cooking techniques, then sit at her table to eat the meal you've cooked, paired with regional wine, local cheese and a traditional French dessert. Aurore accommodates dietary restrictions including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free needs when you book.

The experience

Fontainebleau sits an hour outside Paris, and this class happens in a sun-filled home just a short walk from the town center. Aurore welcomes you with a drink and stories from her Parisian upbringing and multicultural background, then moves into the kitchen for the hands-on part. You'll prepare 2–3 authentic dishes (typically something like chicken blanquette with seasonal vegetables, a cheese course, and a dessert such as molten chocolate fondant or apple rose tarts) learning her favorite techniques and family traditions as you work through roughly 1.5 hours of cooking.

The meal comes together at Aurore's dining table, or outdoors in the garden if the weather holds. You eat the dishes you've made, paired with regional French wine and cheese from a local fromagerie, plus freshly baked bread. The experience ends with a traditional dessert and the kind of unhurried pace that lets you ask questions and linger over the food. Aurore is happy to adjust for dietary needs (vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free) when you mention them at booking.

The château de Fontainebleau is nearby and worth a visit after you finish. Infants and small children can come along. Service animals are welcome, and Aurore will keep her family dog in another room if that works better for you.

What’s included

• Private hands-on cooking class with Aurore.
• 2–3 seasonal French dishes prepared from scratch.
• regional French wine.
• cheese from a local fromagerie with freshly baked bread.
• traditional French dessert.
• the meal you've cooked, eaten together at her table or in the garden.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 20 Apr 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Stroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Traveling Spoon

Is this one for you?Book this class if you want to learn actual cooking techniques and leave with recipes you can make at home, rather than watch a demonstration. The small group size and Aurore's focus on family traditions and techniques means real instruction, not a quick overview.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What dishes do I actually cook in this class?

The menu changes with the season, but typically includes a main dish like chicken blanquette with seasonal vegetables served over rice, a regional cheese board with freshly baked bread, and a dessert such as molten chocolate fondant or delicate apple rose tarts.

How much cooking experience do I need?

None. Aurore teaches you the techniques from the start and works through each dish with you step by step, sharing family tips and methods as you go.

Can Aurore accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes. She's happy to adjust for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets, as well as allergies. Let her know your needs when you make the booking.

How far is this from Paris?

Fontainebleau is about an hour from Paris by train or car, making it an easy half-day or full-day trip from the city.