Paris: Family Macaron Baking Class with Kid-Friendly Chef

Summary

Make macarons in Paris with your kids and a real pastry chef

You’ll step into a real Parisian kitchen and bake macarons side by side with your kids, guided by a patient local chef. Expect hands-on mixing, piping, tasting ganache right off the spoon, plus coffee or tea while your creations cool. You’ll leave with your own box of homemade macarons—and probably some sweet memories stuck to your sleeves.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — sweet, warm sugar hanging in the air as we squeezed into the little kitchen off Rue de Rivoli. Our guide, Camille, grinned at my daughter’s apron (covered in cartoon cats) and handed her a spatula without any fuss. There were other families too, some jetlagged kids clinging to their parents, but everyone seemed to relax once the bowls came out. Camille switched easily between French and English, sometimes both at once — she had this way of making even the most nervous kid laugh. I tried to pipe a perfect circle with the pastry bag and ended up with something more like an egg. My son thought that was hilarious.

I’d read that making macarons is supposed to be tricky — honestly, it is. The batter felt stickier than I expected, almost like glue between my fingers. Camille showed us how to fold it “just so,” tapping my wrist gently when I got impatient. She let the kids pick flavors for the ganache (we went with chocolate), and there was this moment when my daughter tasted hers straight from the spoon and just closed her eyes in pure happiness. It was loud sometimes — lots of giggles and a few dropped spoons — but nobody seemed bothered. The kitchen windows were open and you could hear faint traffic outside, but inside it was all about sugar and laughter.

By the end we had a box of wobbly but proud-looking macarons to take away (if you don’t eat them all first). Camille poured coffee for the grownups and tea for anyone who wanted it — nothing fancy, but after two hours of sticky fingers it tasted perfect. We left with chocolate smudges on our sleeves and honestly, I still think about that afternoon whenever I see macarons in a bakery window now. If you’re looking for a family thing in Paris that doesn’t feel rushed or touristy, this macaron class is worth every crumb.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Family macaron baking class in Paris

• Arrive at assigned kitchen location
• Meet English-speaking pastry chef
• Prepare ingredient measurements
• Mix ingredients as a group
• Shape macarons with pastry bag
• Garnish macarons with flavors
• Pack macarons to take home

Top questions

Is this macaron class suitable for young children?

Yes, it's designed for families with kids, though children under 5 may find it hard to follow all steps.

Where does the Paris family macaron class take place?

The class is held at several central locations in family-friendly Paris neighborhoods; exact address is sent before your session.

Are allergy-friendly options available?

No, this class is not suitable for vegan diets or people with nut or egg allergies.

How long does the macaron baking class last?

The session lasts about 2 hours.

Do we get to take home what we bake?

Yes, you'll leave with your own box of freshly baked macarons—if you don't eat them all during class!

Is lunch included in this Paris macaron class?

No lunch is included; you'll enjoy coffee or tea along with your macarons.

Is there air conditioning in the kitchens?

No, none of the locations have air conditioning.

What if we're late to our scheduled class?

If you're more than 15 minutes late, your class will be cancelled without refund due to strict scheduling.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on guidance from an English-speaking pastry chef in a central Paris kitchen, all ingredients measured out ahead so you can focus on mixing and piping together as a family. You'll get fresh coffee or tea during your break and leave with your own box of homemade macarons—unless they're gone before you make it out the door.