Paris: Cheesemaking Workshop

Introduction

If you’re passionate about food and looking for an authentic, behind-the-scenes experience in Paris, this Cheesemaking Workshop offers a fantastic way to get your hands dirty and learn something new. Taught by passionate experts at Paroles de Fromagers, it’s one of the few specialized cheese schools in the city, making it a memorable activity for anyone eager to explore French culinary traditions.

What we especially love about this tour is how approachable and engaging the instructors are—you’re not just watching a demonstration; you’re actively participating, shaping your own cheese and butter. Plus, the visit to a cheese-aging cellar adds a real touch of authenticity and sensory delight, with all those smells and textures that define French cheese culture.

That said, a consideration to keep in mind is that the workshop lasts just two hours, so if you’re after a more leisurely, in-depth culinary experience, this might feel a little brief. But if you’re in Paris for a short stay and want a quick, fun, and educational activity, this fits the bill perfectly.

This experience is ideal for foodies, curious travelers, or anyone who appreciates the craft of cheese-making and wants to bring a taste of France home—literally—by tasting and taking home their own creations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Interactive and hands-on: You get to make your own cheese and butter, not just observe.
• Expert guidance: The instructors are passionate and knowledgeable, making the process accessible.
• Authentic setting: Visiting a cheese-aging cellar enriches the experience with sensory insights.
• Tastings included: Your homemade cheese is enjoyed with excellent local wine, elevating the activity.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Value for money: For $82, you receive a memorable, multi-sensory experience with all materials provided.

What to Expect at the Cheesemaking Workshop

Meeting at Paroles de Fromagers

You’ll start your adventure at the cozy Paroles de Fromagers cheese shop, where you’ll be greeted by your cheese master. The atmosphere is welcoming, perfect for anyone who loves good food and a bit of French charm. From there, you’ll head into the heart of the experience.

Visiting the Cheese-Aging Cellar

The first stop is the cheese-aging cellar, a space full of aromas and textures that instantly tell you you’re in the middle of France’s cheese culture. Seeing the variety of cheeses, each maturing at different rates, gives you a real appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each wheel. As one reviewer noted, the smell alone is worth the visit.

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Making “Tomme Fraiche” and Butter

Next, you’ll move into the cheese-making room. Here, the instructor will guide you through the process of creating “tomme fraiche”, a typical French cheese known for its milky, slightly acidic flavor—perfect for melting or serving simply with bread. You’ll also learn how to craft artisanal butter, which is surprisingly straightforward but incredibly rewarding.

Tasting Your Creations

Once your cheese and butter are ready, the fun part begins—tasting. Your homemade cheese, paired with some excellent local wine, makes for a delightful conclusion. Many reviews highlight how delicious and satisfying the tasting experience is, especially knowing you made it yourself.

The Experience in Detail

The Guided Tour

Your English-speaking instructor (most reviews rave about how passionate and knowledgeable they are) will walk you through every step. This personalized approach makes complex techniques simple to grasp, and you’ll leave with new skills you can try at home. The workshop is designed to be approachable, so no prior experience is necessary—just enthusiasm.

The Cheese-Aging Cellar

The visit to the cellar is not just visual; it’s an olfactory journey. The array of cheeses aging in different conditions allows you to understand how flavor develops over time. Many visitors have commented on how the smells and sights add depth to their appreciation of French cheese.

Hands-On Cheese and Butter Making

The actual process of making “tomme fraiche” involves basic ingredients—milk, rennet, and salt—and the instructor will help you every step of the way. You’ll learn how to handle the curds, shape your cheese, and even craft artisanal butter. It’s surprisingly simple but feels quite special when you see the final product.

Tasting and Takeaways

After your hands-on work, you’ll sit down to sample your cheese along with some quality French wine. Several reviews mention how tasty and fresh their cheese turned out, often sharing that it was far better than store-bought options. Many also enjoy taking home their cheese or butter, which the instructor encourages.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to 10 participants, this ensures a friendly environment where questions are encouraged, and everyone gets attention. Many reviews praise the informal, fun atmosphere created by guides who are as entertaining as they are knowledgeable.

Duration and Price

At 2 hours, the workshop strikes a good balance—short enough to fit into a busy schedule but packed with enough content to justify the cost of $82 per person. Reviewers universally agree that this is a fair price for the experience and the quality of instruction.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This cheese workshop is perfect for food lovers, curious travelers who want to learn a new skill, or anyone interested in French culture beyond just sightseeing. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy hands-on activities and tasting local specialties. While not explicitly geared toward children, many reviews mention that the experience is engaging enough for older kids and families, making it a versatile choice.

Practical Details

• Location: Paroles de Fromagers, Ile-de-France, France
• Price: $82 per person
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Language: English
• Group Size: Limited to 10 participants
• Includes: Expert instructor, all equipment, cheese and butter making, tastings
• Exclusions: Hotel pickup/drop-off
• Booking flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; option to reserve now and pay later

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for kids?
While the activity is engaging and fun, it’s mainly designed for adults or older kids who can participate actively in the cheese-making process.

Can I take home the cheese I make?
Many reviewers mention that they can take their cheese or butter home, which adds a nice bonus to the experience.

Is the workshop only in English?
Yes, the instructor speaks English, making it accessible for most travelers.

How long is the workshop?
It lasts about 2 hours, giving you a compact but thorough experience.

Is there a refund policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for hands-on activity—aprons are provided, but dress for potential splashes or spills.

Are there any physical limitations?
This activity isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or pets, and it’s best to check if you have any mobility issues before booking.

What makes this different from other cooking classes?
It’s entirely focused on cheese and butter, with visits to a cheese cellar, making it more specialized and authentic than general cooking classes.

Is this experience good value for money?
Given the expert instruction, hands-on participation, and tastings, most reviews agree the price is justified and worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Paris and craving a culinary activity that’s both fun and educational, this cheesemaking workshop hits the right notes. You’ll learn the craft behind French cheese, enjoy some delicious tasting, and walk away with new skills—plus, a story to tell back home. The small group size and passionate guides make it feel personal, and the tasting of your own cheese paired with wine offers a satisfying conclusion.

While it’s not a lengthy or deep dive into cheese-making, this experience offers an authentic taste of French culinary culture that’s perfect for a short, memorable activity. Whether you’re a foodie, a curious traveler, or just someone looking for a different way to explore Paris, this workshop makes for a delightful addition to your trip.

In short, this cheese workshop is an engaging, well-organized experience tailored for those who love good food and want a hands-on slice of French tradition. It’s best suited for curious, active travelers who appreciate quality, authenticity, and a bit of fun—and who don’t mind a two-hour culinary adventure that leaves them with new skills and tasty souvenirs.

You can check availability for your dates here: