Paris: Cheesemaking Workshop

Paris: Cheesemaking Workshop

Imagine spending a couple of hours in Paris learning how to craft your own cheese, guided by passionate experts, with the aroma of aging cheeses filling the air. For just $82 per person, you’ll join a two-hour experience that combines hands-on cheese making with tasting some of the best French wines and cheeses. Hosted at Paroles de Fromagers, the only cheese school in Paris, this workshop offers an authentic, engaging glimpse into France’s celebrated cheese and wine culture.

Two things we love about this experience: first, how approachable and welcoming the instructors make the process — no prior experience needed, just a curiosity to learn. Second, the visit to a cheese-aging cellar provides a sensory journey, seeing and smelling cheeses maturing into their final flavors.

A potential consideration: this is a small-group activity limited to 10 participants, which is fantastic for personalized attention but might fill up quickly. Also, it’s not wheelchair accessible, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

This workshop suits food lovers eager to get hands-on, families with kids (who can enjoy making cheese together), and anyone wanting a memorable, authentic taste of Parisian life beyond the usual sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: You’ll learn to make tomme fraiche, a classic French cheese, in a friendly, small-group setting.
• Expert Guidance: The instructors are passionate and knowledgeable, making complex cheese-making techniques accessible.
• Sensory Journey: Visiting the cheese-aging cellar allows you to see and smell cheeses as they mature, enriching your understanding of flavors.
• Tasting & Pairing: End the session with a tasting of your creations alongside excellent local wines, elevating the experience to a true culinary delight.
• All Equipment & Tastings Included: No hidden costs; all necessary tools are provided, and you get to taste everything you make.
• Ideal for All Ages: The activity is fun and educational — perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting an interactive experience.

A Detailed Look at the Cheese Making Workshop in Paris

The Meeting Point & First Impressions

Your journey begins at Paroles de Fromagers, a cozy cheese shop that feels more like a community hub than a tourist trap. As you arrive, you’re greeted by your English-speaking cheese master — someone passionate about sharing their love of cheese with visitors. The intimate setting, limited to just 10 people, guarantees a personal touch.

The Cheese-Aging Cellar: An Olfactory Adventure

The first stop is the cheese-aging cellar, a must-see for cheese enthusiasts. Here, you’ll get a peek into the aging process that transforms curds into masterpieces. The air is thick with scent, a mix of nutty, earthy, and cheesy notes. Seeing and smelling a wide variety of cheeses develop over time adds a sensory dimension that’s hard to match with books or videos.

Multiple reviews emphasize how much this cellar visit enhances the experience. One reviewer from the US mentions, “We loved the way the cellar smelled and looked, seeing cheeses at different stages of ripening.” It’s a wonderful moment that deepens your appreciation for the craftsmanship behind French cheese.

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Making “Tomme Fraiche” and Artisanal Butter

Next, the real fun begins in the cheese-making room. Here, you’ll learn how to create “tomme fraiche”, a soft, milky cheese with a hint of acidity, often used in traditional dishes. The process is straightforward enough that, as one reviewer put it, “it’s so easy, we’ll definitely try making cheese and butter at home.”

Under the guidance of your instructor — who’s passionate, patient, and eager to explain — you’ll handle the ingredients, watch the curds form, and learn tips for perfecting your cheese. Alongside, you’ll also craft artisanal butter, which adds a delightful richness. The process is tactile and surprisingly simple, making you believe that homemade cheese isn’t just for professional cheesemakers.

Tasting Your Creations with Local Wine

Once your cheese and butter are ready, it’s time to sample your work. The tasting involves your freshly made cheese paired with high-quality local wine, turning a simple activity into a genuine French culinary experience. Many reviews highlight how delicious and satisfying the end products are, with one guest sharing, “The cheese we made was incredible, and the wine pairing made it even better.”

This is not just a tasting; it’s a celebration of French flavors, with the instructor offering insights into pairing techniques and cheese types, enhancing your understanding of the culinary culture.

The Overall Experience & Value

What makes this workshop stand out is the combination of education, hands-on activity, and culture. The price of $82 includes all equipment, tastings, and guidance, offering excellent value for such an interactive experience. Compared to typical Paris activities, this one offers a tangible skill you can take home — a souvenir more lasting than a postcard.

The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the knowledgeable guides and the fun atmosphere. Guests from the US, UK, Australia, France, and elsewhere have raved about how this activity became a highlight of their trip. The fact that the workshop is suitable for families — even with young kids making butter — makes it versatile and inclusive.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Timing & Duration: It’s a compact 2-hour experience. Check availability to find a session that fits your schedule.
• Group Size: Limited to 10, so booking in advance is wise if you want to secure a spot.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users; consider this if mobility is an issue.
• Cost & Value: For $82, you get a memorable, hands-on activity that combines education, culture, and delicious food. Many reviewers find it worth every euro, especially given the personal attention and quality of tastings.
• No Hotel Pickup: You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Paroles de Fromagers, but it’s centrally located in Paris and easy to find.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This workshop is ideal for food lovers eager for an authentic hands-on activity. Families with children can enjoy making cheese together, turning a typical sightseeing day into a fun culinary adventure. It’s perfect for couples or solo travelers who want a memorable, immersive experience rooted in local traditions.

If you’re someone who appreciates small-group intimacy, expert guidance, and delicious tastings, this workshop hits all the right notes. Travelers who want a practical skill — like making cheese or butter — will also find this a meaningful activity they can recreate at home.

The Sum Up

A cheese-making workshop in Paris offers much more than just a culinary lesson — it’s a window into French culture, craftsmanship, and flavor. You’ll learn to craft tomme fraiche, visit a cheese-aging cellar, and finish with a tasting of your own creations paired with excellent local wines. All in a friendly, small-group setting that fosters learning and fun.

If you’re looking for a unique, authentic experience that combines education, gastronomy, and a bit of Parisian charm, this workshop is a top choice. It’s especially suited for families, curious foodies, and anyone wanting to bring a piece of France back home — in the form of homemade cheese and new skills.

Just keep in mind the group size and accessibility considerations, and you’ll find this to be a highlight of your trip, offering memories and skills to last long after you’ve left the City of Light.

FAQ

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The instructor makes the process simple and approachable, even if you’ve never made cheese before.

How long does the workshop last?
It runs for two hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.

Are all equipment and ingredients provided?
Yes, all necessary tools and ingredients are included in the price.

Can I taste the cheese I make?
Yes, you will enjoy a tasting of your freshly made cheese along with some excellent local wine.

Is it a small group?
Yes, limited to 10 participants, which allows for personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Is the workshop accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, because of the small-group size and popularity — booking ahead guarantees your spot.

Is transportation included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to Paroles de Fromagers in Paris.

What’s the best way to dress?
Comfortable clothing suitable for a hands-on activity — no special attire needed.

In a city like Paris, where culinary delights are everywhere, this cheese workshop offers a chance to step behind the scenes and connect with French tradition in a personal way. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious, it’s a tasty investment in your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: