Gin distillation workshop in French

If you’re looking for a truly unique activity in Paris that combines learning, creativity, and a little bit of booze, this gin distillation workshop might just be what you need. While it’s not a typical sightseeing tour, it offers a chance to step behind the scenes of an artisanal distillery and leave with your own bottle of homemade gin.

We’ve seen positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the personalized nature of the experience. However, it’s worth noting that the workshop is quite focused and may not appeal to everyone, especially if you’re not a fan of gin or have specific dietary restrictions. Still, for those interested in spirits, craftsmanship, or simply trying something different, this could be a real highlight in your Paris trip.

One thing to keep in mind is that the activity is conducted in French, so some language skills or a willingness to follow instructions carefully are handy. It’s also a fairly intimate experience, limited to just 8 participants, which means you’ll get a lot of personal attention, but it might not be suitable for larger groups or those with mobility restrictions. This workshop offers a well-rounded, engaging introduction to gin making, perfect for curious travelers who want to add a crafty edge to their Paris visit.

Key Points

• Hands-on experience: You’ll create your own gin recipe and distill it yourself.
• Expert guidance: A professional distiller will support and teach you throughout the process.
• Personalized keepsake: You leave with a 70cl bottle of your own gin, complete with a custom label.
• Authentic setting: Located in a real artisanal micro-distillery in the heart of Paris.
• Taste & learn: Enjoy tasting gin and cocktails during the workshop.
• Limited group size: Small groups ensure personalized attention and better interaction.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Workshop

The Setting: An Authentic Parisian Micro-Distillery

Located at 52, rue de l’arbre sec, take a walk through a quiet courtyard and discover this hidden gem. The distillery itself is small but well-equipped, giving you a real sense of craftsmanship. The ambiance is cozy, with copper stills and shelves lined with botanicals, making it a perfect backdrop for a hands-on activity.

The Introduction: Discovering Gin’s World

Your experience begins with a brief history of gin and its cultural significance. The guide, a professional distiller, shares insights about different styles and how botanicals influence flavor. If you’re a gin enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the depth of knowledge they bring to the table. The guide also explains the principles of distillation, helping you understand what makes good gin and how different herbs contribute to aroma and taste.

The Creative Process: Designing Your Unique Recipe

This is where the fun really starts. You’ll select from a wide array of botanicals—think juniper, citrus peels, spices, herbs—to craft a recipe that reflects your taste. The guide will assist in balancing flavors and choosing ingredients that work well together. It’s a playful, experimental process, and you can get quite creative.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Distillation: Making Your Own Gin

Once your recipe is ready, it’s time to distill. Using a mini copper still, you’ll watch as the alcohol vaporizes and condenses, capturing your chosen botanicals’ essence. The guide ensures safety and proper technique, but you’ll be actively involved in the process. The smell of bubbling botanicals and aromatic fumes adds to the experience.

The Tasting & Personalization

While your gin is being distilled, you can enjoy tastings of other gins, cocktails, and small plates. This part of the workshop gives you a chance to compare flavors and learn how various botanicals influence the final product. At the end, you’ll personalize your label, giving your gin a name and a story to go with it.

The Final Takeaway

After two hours, you’ll leave with a 70cl bottle of your own creation, ready to enjoy or gift. The price of $129 includes everything—ingredients, distillation, tastings, and your personalized bottle. It’s a neat souvenir that’s both fun to make and useful afterward.

The Value of the Experience

At $129, this workshop offers a lot of value for those keen on spirits or craft-making. You’re not just tasting but actively creating, which makes it more memorable than simply sampling at a bar. The inclusion of a personalized bottle plus a label means you walk away with a tangible, crafted souvenir.

Compared to other activities in Paris, this isn’t the cheapest, but it’s fairly priced given the hands-on nature and the expertise involved. Plus, being in a real artisanal distillery adds authenticity that you can’t get from a spirits museum or a tasting session alone.

The Guide’s Role and Authenticity

The workshop’s success hinges on the knowledge and friendliness of the guide. According to one review, the guide “Charlotte” made the activity enjoyable and informative, helping even beginners feel comfortable. The small group size ensures you get personal attention, which is rare in many group tours.

What Could Be Better?

Some might find that the workshop’s focus on gin limits it if you’re not into spirits or if you’re seeking a broader experience. Also, since the activity’s in French, non-French speakers might find it slightly challenging unless they’re comfortable following instructions visually or in a group setting.

Who Will Love This

This experience suits curious travelers, spirit enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a creative break from the usual Paris attractions. It’s especially good for those who enjoy learning new skills, tasting different flavors, or simply making a memorable souvenir. It’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues or those who prefer large group activities, given the small size and direct interaction.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Around 2 hours, so plan accordingly.
• Price: $129 per person, including your own 70cl bottle, tastings, and personalized label.
• Language: Conducted in French; some language skills or patience are helpful.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• Location: Hidden in a courtyard at 52, rue de l’arbre sec—look for the blue gate.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, this workshop is not recommended for children under 18, and alcohol-related activities generally aren’t suitable for minors.

Can I book the workshop and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and choose to pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not permitted during the workshop.

Is food or drinks other than gin tasting allowed?
No, food and drinks are not permitted besides the tastings and cocktails provided during the workshop.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is fine, but be prepared for some aromatic smells and possibly getting a little splashed during distillation.

Do I need prior knowledge of gin or distillation?
Not at all. The workshop is designed for beginners and novices alike. The guide will walk you through every step.

Can I customize my gin recipe?
Yes, you choose your botanicals and help craft a recipe suited to your taste.

Is the workshop available in English?
Currently, it’s conducted in French, so some understanding or a translator app might help if you’re not fluent.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this gin distillation workshop in Paris offers a rare chance to get hands-on with spirit-making in a genuine artisanal setting. It’s a creative, educational, and fun activity that produces a tangible souvenir to take home. The knowledgeable guides make the process accessible and engaging, even for those with no prior experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys discovering local crafts, experimenting with flavors, or just trying something different in Paris, this workshop is well worth considering. It’s an activity that stays with you—literally—long after your trip ends. Just remember, it’s best suited for those open to learning, tasting, and creating.

Whether you’re a gin lover or simply a curious traveler, this experience brings a slice of Parisian craftsmanship directly into your hands. It’s a chance to make some spirit-filled memories in a city full of art, history, and now, craft distilling.

You can check availability for your dates here: