Paris: French Baking Class near Notre-Dame & Pastry Tasting

Summary

Shape baguettes taste croissants learn from a Paris baker

You’ll get flour on your hands and laughter in your belly as you learn classic French baking steps near Notre-Dame. Shape your own baguette, try your hand at croissant dough, taste fresh pastries along the way—and hear stories from a real Paris baker who makes it all feel possible.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll never look at a baguette the same way,” our guide grinned, brushing flour off her apron. I’d already smudged my shirt (occupational hazard, apparently), but honestly didn’t care—I was too busy kneading dough and trying to remember the difference between all those flours she’d lined up on the counter. The kitchen was tucked just behind Notre-Dame, sunlight slanting through the window, and you could hear the faint hum of scooters outside. There were only six of us, so it felt more like hanging out in someone’s home than a class.

I thought I knew what a croissant should feel like, but when we started laminating dough—layer after layer—I realized I’d never really paid attention before. Our baker (Marie? Or maybe it was Marion—I’m terrible with names) showed us how to fold and roll, making this tiny “shh” sound whenever someone pressed too hard. At one point she handed me a lump of dough that was still warm from rising; it smelled faintly sweet, almost like honey. We laughed about my hopeless attempt at shaping—mine looked more like a lopsided snail than anything you’d see in a Paris bakery.

The best part? Tasting as we went along. Warm bread, flaky pastry edges—there’s something about eating what you’ve just made that makes everything taste brighter. Marie (let’s go with Marie) told us stories about how every bakery in Paris has its own secrets for getting that perfect crust. She even let us try different sourdough starters—one smelled almost fruity, which surprised me. By the end my hands were sticky and my stomach was full, but mostly I just felt this quiet happiness. I still think about that first bite of fresh-baked bread sometimes, especially on rainy mornings back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — French baking hands-on class

• Meet expert baker
• Learn bread flour differences
• Prepare bread and croissant dough
• Practice laminating dough
• Shape baguettes
• Taste sweet and savory pastries

Top questions

Is this Paris baking class suitable for kids?

Children are allowed if accompanied by an adult; kids under 5 can join free but won’t participate hands-on for safety reasons.

Where is the baking class located in Paris?

The class takes place near Notre-Dame Cathedral in central Paris.

How many people are in each group?

The maximum group size is 8 guests for this small-group experience.

Are snacks or tastings included during the class?

Yes, sweet and savory tastings are included throughout the hands-on lesson.

Will we learn to make both bread and croissants?

You’ll prepare both bread (including baguettes) and croissant dough during the session.

Is there an elevator to access the bakery classroom?

No elevator is available; there are 15 steps up to the second-floor bakery space.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation is available close to the location.

Can service animals join this activity?

Service animals are allowed during the class.

What’s included

Your day includes a hands-on French baking lesson with an expert baker near Notre-Dame, plenty of sweet and savory snacks to sample as you go, plus all ingredients and equipment provided right there in the cozy kitchen space.