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

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.

Step-by-step itinerary

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

The experience

“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.

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Traditional baking in Le MaraisGuide in English · 08:30, 10:30, 13:30 and 16:30Pastries, croissants and breads

Macaron Baking ClassGuide in English · 14:00 and 17:00Personalised macarons are included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Lasts 2h, runs every day, 6 start times, from € 90 per person, with a live guide in English, in groups of up to 8 and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday: 10:30, 13:30, 14:00, 16:30 and 17:00Tuesday to Sunday: 08:30, 10:30, 13:30, 14:00, 16:30 and 17:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Infant (under 5): free

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

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 today

Good to know

Infant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by ExperienceFirst

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years); Infant (under 5): free.

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.