A Cheese Lover’s Dream in Paris: The Cheesemaking Workshop with Wine Tasting
If you’re a fan of France’s legendary cheeses and want to go beyond just tasting, this Paris Cheesemaking Workshop offers a rare chance to get your hands dirty—literally. Located at Paroles de Fromagers, this two-hour experience is a delightful mix of learning, tasting, and making, all led by a knowledgeable cheese expert. For just over $80, you’ll be immersed in France’s cheese culture, while also enjoying French wine, in an intimate setting with no more than ten fellow cheese enthusiasts.
What we particularly love about this experience is how approachable it is—you’ll make cheese and butter yourself, guided step-by-step by friendly experts. It’s a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for French cuisine, all while having fun. The small-group size ensures you get plenty of attention, making this feel like a private class. On the downside, this workshop doesn’t include transportation, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point, but it’s easily accessible near public transit.
Ideal for foodies, cheese aficionados, or anyone wanting a memorable hands-on activity in Paris, this workshop appeals especially to those who love learning through doing and want a genuine taste of local craftsmanship. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, it’s an experience that combines education, taste, and a bit of culinary magic.
Key Points
- Authentic cheesemaking: Learn from a master fromager and get hands-on experience.
- Tasting included: Sample a variety of cheeses paired perfectly with French wine.
- Small-group intimacy: Max of 10 travelers ensures personalized attention.
- Learn to make cheese and butter: Enjoy practical skills you can recreate at home.
- Accessible location: Near public transportation at 41 Rue du Faubourg du Temple.
- No transportation included: Participants need to make their own way to the shop.
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What to Expect at the Paris Cheesemaking Workshop
The Venue: Paroles de Fromagers
You’ll start your adventure at Paroles de Fromagers, a cozy and authentic cheese shop that’s also an Ecole du Fromage (Cheese School). It’s a lively spot where cheese is celebrated in every corner, and the atmosphere immediately makes you feel like you’re stepping into a Parisian food lover’s secret hideaway.
The Welcome and Introduction
Upon arrival, you’re greeted by cheerful cheese mongers who immediately set a friendly tone. Your guide, often highlighted as knowledgeable and engaging, will lead you to the back of the shop where the real fun begins. The setting is intimate—up to 10 people—so there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions and participate actively.
Hands-On Cheesemaking
The core of the experience is actually making cheese. Guided by your expert instructor, you’ll learn about the art of cheesemaking, including key ingredients and chemical processes—think of it as a mini science class with cheese as the star. Multiple reviews highlight how easy and enjoyable this process is, with guests expressing surprise at how straightforward it can be. As one reviewer put it, “I didn’t realize we would be making butter as well and was delighted to see how easy it was.”
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Making Butter and Sampling
And if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also make butter, which many found to be a highlight. One review mentions that the butter tasted “amazing”, and another enthusiastically said they’d be making it at home after the class. These practical skills add value—now you can recreate this experience back home with just a few ingredients.
Tasting and Pairing
The grand finale involves sampling an assortment of cheeses, carefully paired with French wines or sometimes pear juice, as some reviews mention. The cheese selection is frequently praised for being high-quality, with many reviewers remarking that the tasting was “fantastic” and “delicious.” The expert guides not only serve the cheeses but also teach you how to pair them with local wines or breads, elevating your understanding of French cuisine.
Why This Experience Stands Out
Reviewers repeatedly mention how knowledgeable the guides are and how they manage to explain even complex chemical processes in layman’s terms. “Guillaume was an exceptional guide,” one reviewer wrote, highlighting how easy it was to grasp the science behind cheese. Others appreciated the personalized attention because of the small group size, often describing it as “almost private.”
Additional Benefits
This workshop provides more than just a culinary lesson; it’s a cultural experience. You’ll gain insight into French cheese traditions, learn about different types of cheeses, and understand how they’re made and matured. Plus, because it’s a short, two-hour commitment, it’s a perfect activity to add into your busy Paris itinerary without feeling rushed.
The Value of the Experience
At $81.28 per person, this workshop offers great value considering what’s included. You’re not just paying for cheese tasting but for a participatory, educational experience that demystifies the cheese-making process. Guests consistently comment on how much they learned, with one saying, “This class was fantastic! Our instructor was pleasant and cheerful.”
The inclusion of all dairies needed to make cheese and butter during the class means you’re fully equipped to recreate the activity at home, which adds long-term value to your trip. Plus, the tasting of multiple cheeses paired with wine or juice gives you a genuine taste of France that’s often not available in typical tourist settings.
Practical Considerations
While transportation isn’t included, the workshop’s location near public transit makes it accessible for most travelers. You’ll want to plan your arrival accordingly—just give yourself a few extra minutes to find the shop at 41 Rue du Faubourg du Temple. The workshop is scheduled at various morning times, providing flexibility in planning your day.
Who Should Book?
This activity is perfect for food lovers, cheese enthusiasts, couples, or small groups wanting a fun, engaging, and educational experience. If you enjoy hands-on activities or want a memorable story to tell, you’ll love making cheese with an expert. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate local craftsmanship and want a taste of Paris’ culinary heritage beyond just dining out.
FAQs about the Paris Cheesemaking Workshop
Is transportation included?
No, this workshop does not include transportation. You’ll need to make your own way to the shop, which is conveniently located near public transit.
How long is the workshop?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but comprehensive experience.
What is the group size?
The maximum is 10 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.
Are all materials provided?
Yes, all dairies, ingredients, and equipment needed to make cheese and butter are included.
Can I make cheese I can take home?
While you make cheese during the workshop, it’s intended as a tasting and learning experience. You won’t be able to take your cheese home, but you’ll learn how to do it yourself.
Is the workshop suitable for children?
Most reviews focus on adult groups, but the hands-on nature and small size suggest it’s suitable for families with older children who can participate actively.
Are there options for different times of day?
Yes, morning departures are available, providing flexibility for your schedule.
What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine—just be prepared to get a little hands-on with cheese and butter.
Is there an age limit?
No specific age restrictions are mentioned, but due to the nature of the activity, older children and teenagers will likely enjoy it most.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, making this a risk-free option if your plans change.
Final Thoughts
This Paris Cheesemaking Workshop, including wine and cheese tasting, offers a rare chance to learn a traditional craft firsthand while enjoying some of France’s finest flavors. It’s a small, friendly experience led by passionate guides, making it perfect for those who enjoy interactive, authentic food experiences. The blend of hands-on participation and tasting means you’ll leave not only with new knowledge but also with a sense of accomplishment—and maybe even some recipes to try at home.
It’s most suitable for culinary adventurers, small groups, or couples looking for a memorable, tasteful activity that goes beyond sightseeing. If you’re curious about how cheese is made, or simply want to deepen your appreciation for French cuisine, this workshop hits the right notes.
In short, it’s a fun, educational outing that combines the best of Parisian food culture with a friendly, approachable vibe—and one you’re unlikely to forget.
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