Paris: The Paris-Brest Pastry Baking Class with a Chef

Experience the Art of French Pastry Making with the Paris-Brest Class

If you’re visiting Paris and eager to get a taste of the city’s legendary culinary craftsmanship, a Paris-Brest pastry baking class could be just the ticket. This 2.5-hour hands-on experience, offered by Ateliers Parisiens, takes place in the heart of Paris — a city where pastry shops are as common as cafés. For $158 per person, you get to learn the secrets behind creating this over 100-year-old classic, famous for its wheel shape, slivered almonds, and luxurious hazelnut filling.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you get direct guidance from a professional pastry chef, who is eager to share their tips and techniques. Second, the workshop isn’t just about following a recipe; it’s a sensory journey that reveals the textures, flavors, and history of a timeless dessert. Plus, you’ll leave with your own Paris-Brest — ready to impress friends back home or simply enjoy yourself.

One potential consideration is that the workshop lasts 2.5 hours, which might be a bit tight if you’re looking for a leisurely, relaxed baking day. Also, transportation to the venue is not included, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. This experience suits foodies eager to learn a classic French pastry or travelers who want a memorable, hands-on activity in Paris — perfect for those who enjoy sweet treats and culinary craftsmanship.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Learn from a professional pastry chef in an intimate, small-group setting.
Create an authentic Paris-Brest pastry with detailed guidance.
Experience a sensory journey exploring textures and flavors.
Take home your freshly baked pastry to share or indulge.
Ideal for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced bakers.
Includes all ingredients — no additional costs involved.

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Why Choose This Paris-Brest Baking Class?

This experience offers more than just mixing ingredients. We loved the way the instructor, perhaps a seasoned pastry chef, made each step clear while sharing fascinating tidbits about the pastry’s origins. You’ll discover why the Paris-Brest has remained a beloved fixture in Paris pastry shops for over a century. It’s a chance not only to learn a recipe but to understand the cultural significance behind this sweet wheel, topped with slivered almonds and filled with caramelized hazelnut cream.

From the moment we arrived, the workshop felt thoughtful and well-organized. The recent redesign to meet health regulations meant a clean, comfortable environment, making it easy to focus on your baking without worries. The small group size — limited to 8 participants — ensures plenty of individual attention, which is perfect whether you’re a novice or somewhat experienced in the kitchen.

Our favorite part was the hands-on approach. We loved the way the chef guided us through each step, explaining the reasoning — why certain ingredients are key, how the dough should feel at each stage, and the tricks to getting the perfect filling. Watching everyone’s faces light up when they removed their first golden, almond-topped wheel from the oven was a highlight.

While the workshop is quite thorough, some might find the 2.5-hour duration a bit quick for complete leisurely baking. Still, it’s a manageable and highly focused session that leaves you with a real sense of accomplishment and a delicious pastry to take home.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Meeting Point & Introduction:
The experience begins at a designated meeting point in front of a grey door in central Paris. The instructor welcomes you, explains the day’s plan, and gives a brief overview of the Paris-Brest’s history — a pastry that dates back to the late 19th century, originally created to honor the Paris-Brest-Paris cycling race. The story adds a charming context to the baking process.

Ingredient Exploration & Technique Demonstration:
Next, you’ll learn about the essential ingredients, including pâte à choux (the choux pastry dough), which is the backbone of the dessert. The chef demonstrates how to prepare the dough, emphasizing techniques that ensure a smooth, glossy texture and perfect rise. This part is especially valuable for those new to pastry baking, as it lays a solid foundation.

Hands-On Baking:
Once the demonstration is complete, it’s your turn to get your hands dirty. You’ll mix, pipe, and shape the dough into the iconic wheel shape, topping it with slivered almonds. The chef circulates among the small group, offering personalized tips. During this time, you’ll also prepare the hazelnut cream filling, which involves caramelization and careful mixing — a process that’s as much about sensory feel as precise measurement.

Baking & Assembly:
While the pastries bake, you can relax and chat, or ask more questions. When they’re ready, the instructor guides you in slicing and filling your Paris-Brest with the luscious, caramelized hazelnut cream. The final result is a beautiful, inviting pastry, and you’ll get to taste some samples during the class, which helps everyone appreciate the different textures and flavors.

Take-Home Pastry:
As a delightful conclusion, you’ll receive your own homemade Paris-Brest — a sweet souvenir of your Parisian culinary adventure. This enables you to replicate the experience at home, sharing a true French treat with friends or family.

Authenticity, Value, and the Experience

While the price of $158 might seem steep for a 2.5-hour activity, it includes all ingredients, professional guidance, and a finished pastry to take home. We think the value lies in the hands-on approach, the chance to learn authentic techniques, and the opportunity to deepen your appreciation for French pastry traditions.

Participants consistently mention how much they appreciated the clear instructions and the friendly, approachable atmosphere. Several reviews highlight the delicious results, often describing the pastry as “perfectly flaky” with a “luxurious filling,” making this class not just educational but genuinely rewarding.

The workshop’s recent redesign to meet health regulations shows a commitment to safety, which is particularly important in these times. The small group size enhances the experience, making it more personalized and engaging than larger classes.

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Who Will Love This Experience?

This baking class is perfect for food lovers, especially those who enjoy sweet treats and want a tactile, memorable activity. It’s suitable for all skill levels, from complete beginners eager to try French pastry-making to seasoned bakers looking to refine their technique. If you appreciate authentic recipes and want to bring a piece of Paris home, this class offers a wonderful opportunity.

Travelers who enjoy culinary stories—like the history of the pastry or how it’s made—will find this class particularly enriching. It’s also a fantastic activity for couples, small groups, or families who want to share a fun, tasty experience in the city.

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The Sum Up

A Paris-Brest baking class offers a rare glimpse into the art of French pastry, combining history, technique, and delicious results in just a few hours. It’s a hands-on, educational experience that leaves you with a beautiful, authentic pastry and new baking skills. The small group setting and guidance from a professional chef make this a particularly engaging activity, making it perfect for curious travelers who want more than just sightseeing.

While it’s a relatively short experience, the depth of knowledge and the quality of the final product make it a worthwhile investment. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pastry enthusiast, you’ll come away with a treat you can proudly recreate at home — along with memorable stories of your Parisian culinary adventure.

This class is best suited for those who love food, want an authentic experience, and are eager to learn a timeless French recipe. It’s a fun, tasty way to spend part of your Paris trip, enriching your understanding of French culture through one of its most iconic desserts.

FAQs

What is included in the price of $158?
The fee covers all necessary ingredients, guidance from a professional pastry chef, and your own Paris-Brest pastry to take home. Transportation to the venue and additional food or drinks are not included.

How long does the workshop last?
The experience lasts approximately 2.5 hours, providing enough time for demonstration, hands-on baking, and tasting.

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s suitable for all skill levels, including those with little or no baking experience. The instructor provides clear guidance tailored to your skill level.

Do I need to bring anything?
Nope, everything is provided. Just wear comfortable clothing, and inform them in advance about any allergies.

What language is the class conducted in?
The class is taught in English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the workshop is wheelchair accessible.

Will I learn the full recipe to make Paris-Brest at home?
You’ll learn the key techniques, and you will take home your pastry, which is a great start for recreating it later.

Where exactly do I meet for the workshop?
You’ll meet in front of a grey door at the designated meeting point in central Paris. The instructor will be there at your reserved time.

In summary, this class offers a delightful mix of history, technique, and delicious pastry — a true taste of Parisian craftsmanship. It’s a fantastic activity for anyone eager to go beyond sightseeing and connect with the city through its culinary heritage.