Best Baking Workshops in France
Millefeuille, tarte aux framboises, Paris-Brest. From elaborately decorated pastries to mouth-watering classics, baking in France is an institution. On your next trip to France, perhaps you’re craving more than just a bite of an iconic croissant. You want to step inside the kitchen and discover the step-by-step process of these world-famous pastries. The history, the technique, the craftsmanship. At French Side Travel, we curate luxurious experiences catered to your tastes, and no, that’s not just a metaphor. No matter where you visit in France, you’re sure to discover the wonders of French baking and pastries. From crêpes to croissants, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite baking workshops in France.
Best Baking Workshops in France
Overview: French Baking and Pastries Industry
Even in the smallest of French villages, you’re sure to detect the fragrance of a local bakery or pâtisserie. And on a broader scale, this industry contributes to France’s economy at large. In 2025, the French baking and pastry industry brought in 15 billion euros in revenue, according to the Confédération Nationale de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie Française. Beyond its borders, France takes the cake for the third largest exporter of industrial bread and bakery products, according to Taste France. All that to say, France knows its baked goods well. Here are some of our favorite baking workshops you can enjoy during your next trip to France…
Croissant-Making Workshop in Paris
Flaky, buttery, crunchy yet soft. Mastering the beloved French croissant is no simple task. In this private bakery class, your expert pastry chef will share his or her savoir-faire on this classic. Discover the history of the croissant; spoiler alert: it didn’t start in France! Then get to work as you craft your croissants. During this 3- to 4-hour workshop, you’ll learn techniques that you can bring back home with you.
Pastry Class in Marseille
In between your visits to Marseille’s breathtaking cathedrals and to Aix-en-Provence’s charming downtown, take some time to discover some of the region’s beloved treats. This 4-hour pastry class will include a variety of French fan favorites as well as Provençal delicacies. Your baking expert will guide you as you craft croissants and pains au chocolat. You’ve certainly heard of those French classics, but discover the regional culture as you practice making croquants aux amandes, or crunchy almond cookies, and navettes, long crunchy cookies with a touch of fleur d’oranger. You’ll even leave with recipe cards in hand, which means the tradition can continue back home.
Hungry for more French pastries? Here’s a brief guide to some of France’s favorite pastries.
Crêpe-Making Class in Paris
The hardest part of this atelier isn’t mixing, pouring or flipping; it’s deciding how you’d like to garnish your crêpe! In this private class, unveil the secrets of making crêpes alongside a professional in a sophisticated Parisian suite in the 8th arrondissement. Your topping choices abound: caramel beurre salé, chocolate, Nutella, chantilly cream, crême de marron, strawberries, honey… Whether you’re traveling as a couple or friend group, this activity is sure to please the whole bunch and their appetites. Your next dinner party back home will be a hit, thanks to your new savoir-faire.
You might also be interested on our article dedicated to French crêpes.
Family Cookie Baking Class in Marseille
Looking for a hands-on activity fit for the whole family? We hear you, loud and clear. Bakers young and old will love this 2-hour group activity. Little ones will love mixing and stirring as you concoct two Provençal classics: navettes and almond croquants. At the end of the class, you’ll box up your creations to take with you. But no guarantees that these cookies will make it back to your hotel unscathed.
You might also be interested in our article on several French classics (and why the French eat them).
Pastry Workshop in Bordeaux
Bordeaux is celebrated for its quality wine, darling vineyards and excellent gastronomy. But don’t skip the dessert on your trip to Bordeaux. In this 2-hour private workshop, your group will have the chance to discover this region’s famed pastries. Your group will have the choice to make cannelés, a pastry with vanilla and rum; dunes blanches, similar to a cream puff; or macarons.
Pastry Class in Tours
When you’re not exploring the Loire Valley castles, consecrate some time in the kitchen with this pastry class. The French lack no creativity when it comes to pastries. In this pastry atelier, you’ll have your choice to discover several of France’s finest: éclairs, réligieuses, Paris-Brest, Saint-Honoré or Opéra pastries. Not only will you fall head over heels for the rich taste but also its artistic design.
Baking Class in Brittany
In between your visits of Bretagne’s breathtaking Atlantic coast, discover the region’s sweet treats. You’ll try your hand at Kouign-amann, a regional cake; palets bretons, similar to butter cookies; and soft salted butter caramels. Your private culinary expert will share his or her best tips and tricks to nail these favorites from Brittany.
Where to Stay in France
Hôtel d’Orsay in Paris
For foodies looking for an refined stay in Paris as well as close proximity to the best restaurants and bakeries, Hôtel d’Orsay won’t disappoint. Not far from the Musée d’Orsay, this four-star hotel once served as the residence of Napoleon I’s surgeon. Today you’ll have a tough time choosing between its 42 unique rooms, which are decorated with curated artwork.
InterContinental Marseille – Hotel Dieu
After a full day of exploration in Provence and a tasty baking workshop, unpack at the Intercontinental. Just steps away from the Vieux Port and a stone’s throw from one of Marseille’s oldest neighborhoods, the location can’t be beat. Choose from one of its nearly 200 elegant rooms and suites. Foodies won’t be disappointed with the hotel’s choices. Whether you opt for brunch or dinner (maybe both!), the hotel’s terrace view of Notre Dame and the port simply can’t be beat.
Tired of reading about pastries and more than ready to taste these French delicacies yourself? Whether you’re headed to Paris or Provence, these best baking workshops in France are the perfect addition to your itinerary. Can’t decide which baking atelier fits your group’s needs or how to organize your trip? Contact one of our travel specialists today to craft a smooth and delicious trip. You might also like: Delights of Provence or An Exclusive and Unique Tour of Paris.