Paris: Cooking Class with Ferrandi at Galeries Lafayette

If you’re dreaming of bringing a touch of Parisian culinary magic home, a cooking class at Galeries Lafayette with Ferrandi might just be the perfect fit. This experience offers a genuine peek into French gastronomy, guided by a professional chef from one of France’s renowned culinary schools. It’s designed for food lovers, home cooks, or anyone looking to add some classic French dishes to their repertoire.

What we find particularly appealing is how approachable this class feels—it’s suitable for all skill levels and provides hands-on learning in a real Parisian setting. Plus, the fact that you get to taste what you’ve made and enjoy a proper French-style lunch makes it more than just a cookery lesson. That said, it’s a relatively short, 2-hour experience, which means it’s ideal if you’re after a quick but meaningful culinary escape during your Paris stay.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that drinks are not included. If you’re hoping for wine or other beverages to accompany your meal, you’ll need to arrange that separately. This experience is best suited for those who want a quality, small-group class in an accessible location—perfect for travelers who enjoy discovering the city’s culinary side without a huge time commitment.

Key Points

• Learn authentic French dishes with guidance from a professional chef.
• Taste your creations in a traditional French style to round off the class.
• Small groups (limited to six) ensure personalized attention.
• Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Two-hour duration makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
• Price point offers good value for the hands-on experience and included lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Cooking Class Experience

Stepping into the Ferrandi’s Kitchen at Galeries Lafayette, you’ll find yourself in a lively, professional setting that balances the charm of Paris with the practicality of a working culinary school. The class is designed to be engaging and informative, regardless of your previous cooking experience.

The Meeting Point and Atmosphere

You’ll meet on the 3rd floor of Lafayette Maison and Gourmet Store—a location that’s central, accessible, and a little bit of a Parisian shopping haven. The small-group format (limited to six participants) allows for plenty of interaction with the chef, who will guide you step-by-step through the recipes.

The Cooking Session

The focus is on mastering the basics of French gastronomy while also discovering new techniques and chef’s secrets. The chef from Ferrandi, a renowned culinary school, shares insights that go beyond simple instructions—giving you tips that can be useful when cooking at home.

You’ll learn how to prepare selected dishes, such as Duck breast with vegetables, Risotto with green asparagus and peas, or Sea bream fillet with Maxim potatoes. The choice of recipes may vary, but each is emblematic of French cuisine—rich, flavorful, and often deceptively simple.

The Learning Experience

Many reviews highlight the value of the chef’s friendliness and availability. One reviewer from France appreciated that the class “completely met my expectations,” emphasizing the invaluable cooking techniques and the opportunity to recreate dishes at home.

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The Tasting and Lunch

The experience culminates in tasting your own creations, a true highlight. You’ll enjoy your dishes in a traditional French style, which means savoring each bite in a convivial, relaxed atmosphere. The class includes lunch, making it a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without any extra planning.

What’s Not Included

It’s worth noting that drinks are not included, so if you want wine or other beverages, you’ll need to bring your own or purchase them separately. Also, children under 12 are not permitted, and teenagers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, making this a more adult-oriented activity.

The Value of the Experience

At $152 per person, this class offers a good balance between affordability and quality. You’re getting expert instruction from Ferrandi’s chef, a small-group environment, and a proper French lunch—all in just two hours. For those interested in learning practical skills and tasting excellent food, this is a solid choice.

Plus, the positive reviews reinforce its credibility. One traveler from the US called it “an excellent learning experience and really fun,” while another from France appreciated the chef’s advice on cooking techniques, which they found invaluable.

Practical Considerations

• The class is approximately 2 hours long, so plan your day accordingly.
• It’s suitable for all skill levels, but children under 12 are not allowed.
• Be sure to bring your passport or ID for registration.
• Availability varies, so check in advance for starting times.
• Cancellation is flexible—full refunds are available if canceled at least 2 days ahead.

Who Should Sign Up?

This experience is ideal for culinary enthusiasts eager to learn authentic French dishes in a Parisian setting. It’s also perfect for travellers who want a quick, engaging activity that offers both instruction and a delicious meal. If you’re traveling with a partner, friends, or even on your own, you’ll find the intimate size and expert guidance make for an enjoyable, memorable few hours.

While it’s not geared toward children under 12, teenagers over 16 accompanied by an adult can participate, making it a nice activity for older kids interested in cooking. If you’re a solo traveler, the small-group format helps create a friendly, interactive environment.

The Paris: Cooking Class with Ferrandi at Galeries Lafayette offers a compelling blend of hands-on learning and authentic French cuisine. It’s an experience that suits anyone wanting to improve their cooking skills and get a taste of Parisian culinary culture without dedicating an entire day.

The class strikes a good balance between quality and value, especially with the inclusion of a proper lunch and the chance to learn insider tips from an experienced chef. The small-group setting makes it personal and engaging, and the variety of recipes keeps it interesting.

If you’re looking for a practical, fun, and tasty activity that fits neatly into a busy Paris itinerary, this class deserves a spot on your list.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the class is designed for all skill levels, so even if you’ve never cooked French cuisine before, you’ll find it accessible and rewarding.

How long does the class last?
It’s approximately 2 hours, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule or combine with other sightseeing.

Are drinks included in the price?
No, drinks are not included. You’ll need to bring your own or purchase beverages separately if desired.

What recipes might we learn?
You might make dishes such as Duck breast with vegetables, Risotto with green asparagus and peas, or Sea bream fillet with Maxim potatoes. The exact menu varies.

Can children participate?
Children under 12 are not allowed. Teenagers under 16 can join if accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID for registration. Just show up ready to cook and enjoy.

Is the location easy to find?
Yes, the meeting point is at Lafayette Maison and Gourmet Store on the 3rd floor, a central and accessible spot in Paris.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just someone wanting to add a bit of Parisian flavor to your culinary skills, this class is a practical and enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. Plus, you’ll leave with new techniques, some delicious recipes, and a memorable taste of Paris.

You can check availability for your dates here: