Bread, Croissant Or Macaron

Paris French Baking Experience - Bread/Croissant or Macaron Class runs through ExperienceFirst. Rated 4.9 across 255 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From $103.

Overview

This two-hour baking session from ExperienceFirst takes place inside a working bakery at 25 Rue de Bretagne in Paris. You arrive a quarter of an hour early, let the bakery staff know you are there for the class, and head up to the second floor. The room is reached by stairs and there is no elevator, so plan accordingly.

The class itself is built around classic French baking. Travellers on the bread and croissant track shape a baguette, roll croissants and make small cakes, while the macaron class ends with personalised macarons to take away. Reviewers describe sampling their creations during the session and carrying baguettes and cakes home afterwards.

With a maximum of eight participants, it suits families with school-age children, casual bakers and anyone curious about what happens behind the counter of a Paris bakery. One reviewer felt the hands-on portion was thin for the price, so anyone expecting a full from-scratch course should weigh that. Children under five can attend at no charge but sit out the hands-on part for safety reasons.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the bakeryThe meeting point is 25 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris. Arrive 15 minutes early and tell bakery staff you are there for the baking or macaron class.
2. Head upstairsThe class takes place on the second floor, up 15 steps with no elevator.
3. Hands-on baking lessonOver two hours you shape baguettes, roll croissants and make small cakes, or work on macarons, with an expert guide explaining the process and history.
4. Taste and take homeYou sample your creations along the way and take the rest home. The macaron class includes personalised macarons to take away.
5. End at the meeting pointThe activity finishes back at the bakery on Rue de Bretagne.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from the session, drawn from the listing and from traveller reviews.

• Standing and stairs. You need to be able to stand for an extended period, and the class sits one floor up with 15 steps and no elevator. It is not wheelchair accessible. Wear comfortable shoes.
• Arrive early. The listing asks for arrival 15 minutes ahead because the session starts promptly. Latecomers may not be able to join.
• Small group feel. The group is capped at eight travellers. One reviewer noted that everybody got a turn, and several praised their instructors as friendly and patient.
• Shaping, not scratch baking. Reviewers describe rolling and shaping baguettes, croissants and cakes rather than a long kneading session from scratch.
• Food and takeaways. You taste your creations during the class and take the rest home, baguettes and cakes included. Reviewers also mention choosing a pastry from the shop to enjoy.
• Getting there. The bakery is near public transportation, per the listing. No hotel pickup is included, so plan your own route to Rue de Bretagne.

Common issues. The two hours are short, and one reviewer felt the hands-on portion was thin for the price. One described cramped, hot rooms, while others called the kitchen immaculate, so experiences vary. Gratuities and hotel pickup are not included, and children under five cannot take part in the baking itself.

Before You Book A Tour