Paris Croissant and Breakfast Pastry Class with a French Chef

Master the Art of Croissants with a French Pastry Chef in Paris

For food lovers eager to learn the craft behind France’s most iconic pastry, the Paris Croissant and Breakfast Pastry Class offers an engaging, hands-on experience. Priced at $126.56 per person, this 3-hour class takes place in Paris, France, and is hosted by an experienced French pastry chef. With a maximum of 6 participants, the small-group setting ensures personalized instruction and plenty of opportunity to ask questions.

This class is perfect for anyone interested in baking authentic croissants and pain au chocolat. The tour earns a perfect 5.0/5 rating, with 98% of reviewers recommending it. Participants appreciate the detailed techniques they learn, the friendly guidance from professional chefs, and the chance to take home freshly baked pastries. Keep in mind that booking is typically made about 30 days in advance, and the class schedule begins at 9:30 am at 9 Rue Thimonnier.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 6 participants for personalized attention
• Learn professional techniques from an expert French pastry chef
• Bake classic croissants and pain au chocolat, plus a special bicolor version with chocolate pralin on Thursdays
• All cooking equipment, recipes, and aprons are provided, along with take-home bags
• Includes tea and coffee during the class, with a complimentary French Tart eBook for your collection
• Preparation involves stages starting the day before, highlighting the craft behind the pastries

The Small Group Structure Ensures Personalized Learning

This small-group class is capped at 6 participants, which creates a friendly, interactive environment. The intimate size allows the pastry chef to give each participant individual guidance while maintaining a relaxed, focused atmosphere. Reviews consistently praise the patience and clarity of the instructors, often mentioning how well they explain each step of the process.

The class begins promptly at 9:30 am at the meeting point, 9 Rue Thimonnier. Participants are advised to wear comfortable, casual clothing and flat shoes. The small group size makes it easier for everyone to follow along, ask questions, and practice techniques like feuilleter (layering butter into dough) and la pousse (fermentation and rising).

Hands-On Experience in a Parisian Kitchen

The core of this tour is the hands-on baking. Over about 3 hours, participants learn to prepare buttery croissant dough from scratch. The instructor guides through making the beurrage (adding butter to the dough), folding and turning the dough to create those iconic layers, and shaping the croissants and pain au chocolat.

The class covers all technical aspects such as making the pâton, laminating the dough into thin layers, and fermentation techniques. For Thursday classes, there’s an option to make bi-color croissants filled with chocolate pralin, offering a special twist. Each step is explained clearly, with the instructor demonstrating and then guiding participants through the process.

All Necessary Equipment and Recipes Are Provided

Participants receive all necessary cooking equipment, aprons, and recipes in English, ensuring a smooth experience. The recipes include detailed instructions to replicate the process at home, whether you want to perfect the classic croissant or the pain au chocolat.

The chef also shares tips on technique and best practices for achieving light, crispy exteriors and soft, melt-in-your-mouth interiors—the hallmark of authentic French croissants. After baking, everyone gets to enjoy their freshly made pastries with tea or coffee, making for a satisfying conclusion.

What You Take Home and Extra Perks

At the end of the class, each participant receives a take-home bag containing the baked croissants and pain au chocolat they made, so you can continue enjoying your creations later. In celebration of their 10th anniversary, the tour offers all participants a free eBook titled “Everyday Gourmet French Tarts,” adding value for those interested in expanding their pastry skills.

The class ends back at the meeting point, and there is no hotel pickup or transportation included, so plan accordingly. The location is close to public transportation, making it easy to access from various parts of Paris.

The Experience with the Guide and Atmosphere

Guests consistently commend the friendly and knowledgeable instructors, often mentioning Marie, Gaëlle, Julie, or Mary as excellent teachers. The guides are described as kind, patient, and clear, making the process approachable for beginners. The relaxed, fun atmosphere encourages participants to enjoy the process while learning professional techniques.

Many reviews highlight the enjoyable, interactive nature of the class, with participants teasing, encouraging each other, and sharing in the baking experience. The small class size fosters a sense of community, making it more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a memorable experience shared among foodies.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The class requires confirmation within 48 hours and must be booked about 30 days in advance, given its popularity. The minimum age is 16, and minors older than 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Allergy and dietary considerations should be advised at the time of booking.

Participants should be aware that the process is intensive, involving stages that start the day before, due to the technical nature of croissant-making. The class begins at 9:30 am and must start on time; delays of more than 15 minutes may result in automatic cancellation.

The cancellation policy offers free cancellation if made at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled later, the full fee is non-refundable.

Why This Croissant Class Stands Out in Paris

This Paris Croissant and Breakfast Pastry Class offers an authentic, hands-on opportunity to learn with a professional French pastry chef. The focus on technique, detail, and quality promises that participants leave with real skills and delicious pastries to enjoy or share.

The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the comprehensive recipes help extend the learning beyond the class. The option to make bi-color croissants adds a special touch for those seeking variety.

While the class does not include transportation or hotel pickup, its central location and professional setting make it an excellent choice for food lovers eager to dive into French pastry craftsmanship in a fun and friendly environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the class?
All cooking equipment, aprons, recipes, tea and coffee, and take-home pastries are included. A French Tart eBook is also provided for anniversary celebrations.

How long does the class last?
The class lasts approximately 3 hours, from 9:30 am to about noon.

Is prior baking experience necessary?
No prior experience is required; the class is suitable for beginners, with clear guidance from the instructor.

Can I make other pastries during the class?
The focus is on croissants and pain au chocolat, with a special bi-color croissant option on Thursdays. Other pastries are not part of this class.

What should I wear?
Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing and flat shoes. Long hair should be tied back.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included. The location is close to public transit.

What if I have allergies or dietary restrictions?
Please advise at the time of booking about any allergies or dietary needs.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the class. Cancellations made later are non-refundable.

What is the minimum age to participate?
The minimum age is 16 years old. Minors over 17 must be accompanied by an adult registered for the class.

Is this tour suitable for non-French speakers?
Yes, all instructions and recipes are provided in English, and the instructors speak clear English.

Can I book this class as a gift?
Yes, it makes a wonderful gift for food lovers and is available for booking online in advance.

This croissant and breakfast pastry class offers a genuine taste of French baking artistry, perfect for anyone eager to master the delicate craft of making authentic croissants in Paris.