Private Pastry Class with Catherine Near Arc de Triomphe

A Sweet Escape in Paris: Private Pastry Class with Catherine Near Arc de Triomphe

If you’ve ever dreamed of baking like a Parisian in the heart of the city, this private pastry class with Catherine might just be your chance. Priced at $162 for about two and a half hours, this experience takes place in her charming private apartment close to the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll learn how to craft four classic French desserts—cream puffs, tarte Tatin, madeleines, and chocolate truffles—all while enjoying the warm company of a knowledgeable local.

What we love about this class is how personalized it feels. Catherine, a cookbook writer and seasoned traveler, creates a relaxed environment where you can truly focus on learning and tasting. Plus, the desserts you make are yours to enjoy and take home, making this an experience that keeps giving beyond the kitchen. Another highlight: the class’s location is perfect for those staying near the Arc de Triomphe, offering an authentic slice of Parisian life just minutes from major sights.

A small consideration is the limited kitchen space, which might feel cozy for larger groups. The class is best suited for groups of three or fewer, making it intimate but potentially tight if you’re traveling with a larger family or group of friends. Overall, if you’re a culinary enthusiast or simply craving a memorable, hands-on taste of France, this class offers excellent value.

Ideal for food lovers, solo travelers seeking a local connection, or couples wanting a romantic cooking session, this experience hits the sweet spot of authenticity, fun, and delicious reward.

Key Points

• Authentic French Desserts: Learn to make classic treats like cream puffs, tarte Tatin, madeleines, and truffles.
• Personalized Experience: Conducted in Catherine’s private apartment, ensuring a relaxed, intimate setting.
• Location Advantage: Near the Arc de Triomphe, perfect for travelers exploring central Paris.
• All-Inclusive: Enjoy coffee or tea with your desserts; leftovers are yours to take home.
• Limited Group Size: Best for small groups of up to three for comfort and interaction.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the class.

A Closer Look at the Pastry Class Experience

The experience begins at 3:00 pm at 106 Av. Mozart in the 16th arrondissement, a quiet yet accessible neighborhood close to the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll meet Catherine, who welcomes you into her warm Parisian apartment. The setting immediately feels inviting—think of it as visiting a friend’s cozy kitchen rather than a sterile classroom.

What makes this class special? It’s Catherine’s passion for French cuisine, combined with her fluent English and worldly experience, that transforms this into an engaging session. She’s traveled extensively and brings that international flair into her teaching, making the experience both educational and personal. Multiple reviewers mention how enjoyable and accommodating she is, often noting how she had everything ready despite slight delays from arrivals.

Once settled, you’ll start with the basics of pastry preparation. Catherine guides you through each step clearly, emphasizing techniques that a home cook can easily replicate later. You get to help create four desserts:

• Small choux à la crême: French cream puffs that are light and airy, with a luscious filling.
• Tarte Tatin: A caramelized upside-down apple tart, showcasing French baking finesse.
• Madeleines: Delicate shell-shaped sponge cakes, perfect for teatime.
• Chocolate truffles: Rich, decadent confections that highlight French mastery over chocolate.

Throughout the class, Catherine shares tips and stories, making it feel like baking with a friend rather than a formal lesson. The time flies by as you measure, mix, and bake, all while sipping coffee or tea. The reviews constantly emphasize how enjoyable the hands-on nature is—“we learned how to make four desserts, in Catherine’s kitchen, and then tasted all we made,” as one guest put it.

The desserts are not only a treat to eat during the session but also generously offered to take home. This makes it a great value for those wanting to add a personal touch to their Parisian culinary skills. Several reviews even mention how much they appreciated being able to taste everything they made, elevating the experience from merely educational to truly satisfying.

The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, often described as like cooking with family. One reviewer called it “a beautiful treasure,” highlighting how memorable this experience is.

In terms of practicalities, the class is limited to small groups, which means a more personalized experience but also a tighter kitchen space. If you’re traveling with more than three people, this might feel a bit cramped. Also, the class doesn’t include alcohol, but that’s hardly a downside considering the rich variety of desserts you’ll create.

The Value of a Hands-On Pastry Class

When considering the cost, it’s important to realize that $162 covers not just the instruction but also the ingredients, the use of Catherine’s kitchen, and the memorable experience of making authentic French desserts. Plus, the desserts are yours to enjoy afterward. For foodies eager to add French patisserie skills to their repertoire, this class offers excellent value.

Catherine’s location near the Arc de Triomphe makes it convenient for travelers already exploring the Champs-Élysées or the Trocadéro. The class runs in the afternoon, a perfect time to relax after a morning of sightseeing and indulge in a flavorful, hands-on activity.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This pastry class is ideal for small groups, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy cooking or want an authentic taste of Parisian life. It suits those seeking a genuine, intimate experience away from large tours or crowded classes. It’s especially appealing if you want to learn practical pastry skills you can replicate at home or simply enjoy a delightful afternoon in a local setting.

While the kitchen size might limit larger groups, the warm atmosphere and personalized attention more than make up for it. Guests rave about how Catherine made them feel comfortable and well-taught, so even nervous bakers will find this experience rewarding.

Final Thoughts

This private pastry class with Catherine combines excellent value, authentic French recipes, and a cozy, personal setting. The focus on classic desserts like cream puffs and tarte Tatin ensures you’ll leave with skills you can use long after your trip. Plus, the location near the Arc de Triomphe makes it a convenient escape from the crowds, offering a quiet, engaging way to experience Parisian hospitality through baking.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a curious foodie, you’ll find this class both fun and fulfilling. It’s a chance to connect with a local, learn cherished recipes, and enjoy the sweetest part of your Paris adventure.

FAQs

Do I need baking experience to participate? No, this class is suitable for all skill levels. Catherine guides you through each step, making it accessible whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker.

Is the class suitable for vegetarians? The provided information doesn’t specify dietary restrictions, but the desserts are traditional French treats that typically don’t contain meat. You might want to inquire directly with the supplier for specific dietary needs.

How long does the class last? The experience is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving ample time to learn, bake, and enjoy your desserts.

Are ingredients included? Yes, all necessary ingredients are provided, along with coffee and tea. The desserts you make are yours to take home.

What about transportation? The starting point is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from various parts of Paris.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, allowing flexibility for travel changes.

To sum it up, this private pastry class offers a warm, authentic, and delicious way to spend an afternoon in Paris. Perfect for small groups, couples, or solo travelers eager to learn, enjoy, and take home a taste of France. It’s a chance to see a different side of Paris—through the lens of a local who loves sharing her culinary heritage. If you’re looking for a memorable, hands-on experience that combines skill, flavor, and genuine hospitality, this class deserves a spot on your Paris itinerary.