I have read some great reviews of cooking classes which Fodorites have done in Paris. Has anyone done a baking class? I would love to know of a baking/pastry class or intensive in Paris.

Thanks for any hints.

Le Cordon Bleu has classes in baking and pastry.

There's also a pastry class at the Ritz hotel.

Look up the Jean Ferrandi school of cooking. They may have a short course.
Also go to www.manstouch.com - an American company offering numerous things to see and do around Paris.

Ritz Escoffier and Le Cordon Bleu. They both have intensive and seasonal classes.

For an interesting account of the Ritz Escoffier cooking school, read Alice Steinbach's book "Educating Alice." The whole book is a delight, but the cooking school part is the first chapter.

If you want to learn more about European pastry, you should really check out our new book Pastry in Europe 2009. You'll find more information on our website: http://www.PastryInEurope.com

with the sweetets regards,

Joost

There are so many places to choose from when it comes to taking baking and pastry classes in Paris, from big-name culinary institutions to home-based schools geared to tourists.

A list of pastry (and chocolate) schools can be found here:
http://www.chocoparis.com/pastry-and...late-training/

A friend of mine took a macaron-making class at Ledoyen restaurant and was very pleased with the experience:
http://www.ledoyen.com/

We took a half day macaron class through Cookin With Class. Lots of fun and we learned so much! I would definitely recommend them, and wished we would have booked more classes with them during our trip.

That's great to know, mms.
I've read positive reports about Cook'n with Class also. The smaller schools are a terrific alternative to the very pricey big name institutions!