Paris: Macaron Baking Class in Marais with Chef & Tasting

Summary

Macaron baking in Paris hands-on class with chef guidance

You’ll step into a real Parisian pastry studio near Place des Vosges and learn to make macarons from scratch with a local chef guiding you every step. Pick your own flavors, bake alongside fellow travelers, then enjoy coffee or tea while tasting your creations — plus you’ll take home your own box of homemade macarons at the end.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the smell — sweet almond and something buttery, drifting through the old building just off Place des Vosges. Our chef (her name was Camille, she wore these bright red glasses) greeted us in that half-English, half-French way Parisians do when they’re sizing up your accent. She handed me an apron and I tried not to look too clueless as we circled around the big marble table. The other folks in the group were from all over — one guy from Toronto had never baked before, which made me feel less nervous about messing up my macarons.

I’d read about this Paris macaron class online but didn’t expect how tricky it would be to get the batter just right. Camille showed us how to fold it (“not too much or you lose the air — like this!”), then let us pick our flavors. I went for pistachio because it felt classic somehow, though my piping skills were...well, let’s say Camille had to rescue a few lopsided circles. She laughed and told me even Parisians mess up sometimes. There was this moment when everyone went quiet, watching the shells rise in the oven — you could hear someone’s spoon tapping against a mug, and outside, muffled street sounds from Le Marais floated in.

When we finally sandwiched the macarons together (mine looked homemade but tasted right), Camille poured coffee and set out our creations on a little tray. We talked about her favorite bakeries in Paris and she scribbled down a couple of addresses for us — I still have that scrap of paper somewhere. The sun came through those tall windows just as we bit into our first ones; honestly, I didn’t expect them to taste so light. Maybe it was the effort or just being there with strangers who all looked equally proud of their slightly uneven cookies.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Macaron baking class in Paris

• Arrive at pastry studio
• Receive apron and utensils
• Learn macaron recipe and techniques
• Choose macaron flavor
• Prepare macaron batter
• Pipe and bake macarons
• Taste your macarons
• Discuss trip and culinary advice

Top questions

Where is the macaron baking class held?

The class takes place near Place des Vosges in the Marais district of Paris.

How many people are in each group?

The experience is designed for small groups of 6 to 8 attendees.

Do I get to choose my macaron flavor?

Yes, you can pick your preferred flavor during the class.

Is this Paris macaron class suitable for beginners?

Yes, all skill levels are welcome and the chef guides you step by step.

Are children or people with mobility needs able to join?

The workshop is wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can attend in strollers.

What do I take home after the class?

You’ll leave with a box of 15–20 homemade macarons you baked yourself.

Is food or drink included during the experience?

Coffee or tea is served along with snacks during tasting at the end.

What’s included

Your day includes use of aprons and all baking utensils in a fully equipped pastry studio, hands-on instruction from a local chef, your own box of 15–20 homemade macarons to take away, plus coffee or tea and snacks while you taste what you’ve made together at the end.