Beginner Friendly Cooking Classes in Paris: Start with Confidence
You’re planning a beginner friendly cooking class in Paris. You’ve got a taste for flaky pastries, maybe a dream of mastering just one French classic. But you wouldn’t exactly call yourself a “cook” or a “baker”—more like someone who owns a whisk and hopes for the best.
You’re not alone. Every week at our French cooking school in Montmartre, we meet travelers just like you—curious, food-loving, and maybe a little unsure of where to start. Good news: that first step is easier than you think.
Beginner Friendly Cooking Classes That Actually Teach You Something
Forget what you’ve heard about French cuisine being intimidating. Most French dishes are about two things: good ingredients and solid technique. You don’t need a culinary degree—you just need someone to break it down in a way that makes sense.
French cuisine doesn’t just belong to the professionals. It belongs to anyone who wants to make a good meal with care and confidence. The chefs at Cook’n With Class are pros, yes—but they’re also some of the kindest, most down-to-earth people you’ll ever meet in an apron.
This is what our chefs do every day. They’ll walk you through each step, answer every “wait, is this right?” question, and make sure you leave knowing how to recreate what you made. No pre-tense. No pressure. Just really good food and some kitchen confidence to go with it.
Want a few tips now? 10 Tips on How to Be a Better Cook When Entertaining is packed with advice from the chefs who teach our classes. Practical, smart, and perfect for beginners.
Beginner Friendly Cooking Classes in Paris for Families with Kids
Some of our favorite students come in wearing sneakers that light up when they walk. You’ll see them whisking ganache, carefully cutting out pâte sablée, or announcing “I did it!” before anyone else in the room.
Cooking with kids isn’t just cute—it’s powerful. It helps them build confidence, focus, and independence. And when you do it together, it becomes one of those rare travel moments that’s as meaningful as it is fun.
Our Family Cooking Classes in Paris are designed for one adult and one child working as a duo. Everyone has their own tasks. Everyone learns together. And yes, everyone eats what they make. The chefs keep things structured and engaging, balancing play with real learning.
Need more reasons to give it a go? These 10 Benefits of Baking and Cooking With Your Kids says it all.
Just note: in our ‘en famille’ classes, each duo is one child and one adult. If your setup looks a little different, you might want to consider having the kids join a Kids’ Chocolate Class while the adults experience the Express Croissant Class. Or discover how to customize your family’s baking or cooking experience with a Private Class
The Best Beginner Cooking Classes to Take in Paris
Not sure which class to choose? These are the most popular for first-timers (and yes, we’ve seen a lot of “first-timers”):
- French Market Class: You’ll shop for fresh ingredients with a chef, then cook a seasonal three-course menu. Nothing teaches flavor better than seeing where it starts.
- French Bistro Cooking Class: This one’s cozy and classic. Think comfort food with a French twist—sauces, mains, and a dessert that might just become your go-to dinner party move.
- Croissant or Macaron Classes: Yes, you can make either one—even as a beginner. Our chefs walk you through every step, no matter how buttery or delicate it gets.
What You Need (and Don’t Need) to Start Cooking
Most beginners overthink this part. You don’t need a full batterie de cuisine to get going. Here’s what we recommend:
- A good chef’s knife (not a full set—just one that works)
- A sturdy cutting board that won’t slip around
- A whisk and spatula you like using
- A scale – especially for aspiring bakers
- A sense of humor (seriously—it helps more than any gadget)
If you’re in Paris and want to shop like a chef, where to Find Quality Cookware Supplies in Paris is your guide to real shops with real tools—not tourist traps.
Easy French Recipes for Beginners to Try at Home
Want to test-drive a little French technique before your class? These beginner recipes from our chefs are simple, satisfying, and perfect for practicing at home:
- Quick Chocolate Mousse: Silky, rich, and done in minutes.
- Duchess Potatoes: Fancy-looking mashed potatoes that are secretly very easy.
- Crêpes for La Chandeleur: Paper-thin pancakes made for toppings and flair.
Start Where You Are. We’ll Meet You There.
Beginner-friendly means this: no pressure, no performance. Just real learning, real food, and a real sense of I can do this.
That’s what happens in our classes every day. If you’re thinking about signing up, do it. Not because you need to impress anyone—but because it feels good to try something new, in a city that celebrates every bite.
So if you’re heading to Paris and want to bring something home that lasts longer than a souvenir mug—this is it. Come cook with us. We’ll save you a spot at the prep table.
Explore our class calendar, or bookmark this post to revisit once your apron’s tied and you’re ready to start.