REVIEW · PARIS
Paris: Cooking Class with Ferrandi at Galeries Lafayette
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Cooking in Galeries Lafayette sounds odd.
It works, because this Ferrandi Kitchen class is real chef time, not a demo. You’ll cook with a professional chef (English or French) in a small group limited to 6, learning step-by-step how to make emblematic French dishes—then you sit down and taste what you made.
I love that the lesson focuses on practical cooking techniques, not just plating tips. Duck breast, risotto with green asparagus and peas, or sea bream with Maxim potatoes aren’t just menu ideas; you learn how to execute them, and the chef’s guidance is aimed at helping you recreate the results at home. I also like the payoff: you end with a traditional-style tasting that turns into a satisfying lunch.
One consideration: this class isn’t for kids under 12, and teens under 16 must come with an adult. If you’re traveling with family and want this one for younger kids, you’ll need to plan around the rules.
In This Review
- Key points worth your attention
- Ferrandi’s Kitchen at Galeries Lafayette: a cooking class with a Paris address
- What 2 hours with a max of 6 feels like
- The French cooking basics you’ll practice, not just hear about
- Your menu choice: duck breast, green asparagus risotto, or sea bream with Maxim potatoes
- Duck breast with vegetables
- Risotto with green asparagus and peas
- Sea bream fillet with Maxim potatoes
- The lunch payoff: tasting what you make (and planning for drinks)
- Price and value: $153 for two hours and a chef-led lunch
- Who should book this class (and who should skip it)
- Practical tips before you go: what to bring and where to check in
- Should you book Paris: Cooking Class with Ferrandi at Galeries Lafayette?
- FAQ
- What is the duration of the cooking class?
- Where is the meeting point for the class?
- Is the class limited to a small group?
- What languages will the instructor speak?
- What’s included in the price?
- Are drinks included?
- Which dishes can I choose from?
- Do I need to bring identification?
- Can children participate?
- Is it allowed to bring pets?
Key points worth your attention
- Chef-led, step-by-step instruction you can actually repeat later
- Small group (up to 6) for more hands-on attention
- Pick from classic recipes like duck breast, green asparagus risotto, or sea bream with Maxim potatoes
- Lunch included, and you eat what you create
- English/French instruction to help you follow every step
- Meet at Ferrandi’s Kitchen on the 3rd floor inside Lafayette Maison and Gourmet Store
Ferrandi’s Kitchen at Galeries Lafayette: a cooking class with a Paris address
This experience is set inside Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann, at Ferrandi’s Kitchen on the 3rd floor in the Lafayette Maison and Gourmet Store. That location changes the vibe in a good way. Instead of commuting to a far-off culinary school, you’re turning a famous shopping landmark into a proper cooking workshop.
Why I like that for you: it makes the class easy to plug into a day of sightseeing. You can spend your morning walking around the area, then switch gears and focus on food without needing extra logistics. Also, the class itself feels purposeful. The kitchen space is where the attention goes, not the spectacle.
The meeting point detail matters. If you arrive expecting a ground-level street entrance, you’ll waste time. Head for Ferrandi’s Kitchen on the 3rd floor and plan to get there a few minutes early so you start calm.
You can also read our reviews of more cooking classes in Paris
What 2 hours with a max of 6 feels like
The class runs for 2 hours, and that time is short enough that the chef has to keep things moving—but not so short that you only watch. With a small group limited to 6, you’re more likely to get help when something is off, like pan heat, timing, or seasoning.
In a group this size, you also tend to learn faster because you’ll see how the chef corrects common issues across the table. If someone needs a technique clarified, you often get that explanation too. That’s a real advantage when you’re trying to learn French cooking basics without the usual trial-and-error.
Language is a practical plus. The instruction is offered in English and French, so you can choose the comfort zone that keeps you focused on the work. Nothing breaks momentum like waiting for clarification you don’t fully understand.
The French cooking basics you’ll practice, not just hear about
The promise here is “step-by-step” and it shows in the way the lesson is structured. You’re not just making one element while the chef handles the rest. You learn foundational French gastronomy skills and techniques with guidance from a chef connected to Ferrandi’s culinary tradition.
Even though the recipes differ, the real value is in the method:
- How ingredients are prepared so they cook evenly
- How you manage heat and timing so the dish doesn’t fall apart at the last minute
- How finishing details affect taste and texture
This is where the small-group format pays off. When you’re actively cooking, you need corrections in the moment. And when the chef provides them, the techniques stick.
Also, the class isn’t framed as an exclusive club for advanced cooks. It’s suitable for all skill levels, which is great if you’re the kind of traveler who wants to leave with usable skills instead of just a photo.
Your menu choice: duck breast, green asparagus risotto, or sea bream with Maxim potatoes
You’ll typically choose among several recipes, and each option teaches something different:
Duck breast with vegetables
Duck breast is all about control. You need the right cooking rhythm so the outside turns flavorful without overcooking the inside. This dish is a good pick if you like bold flavor and want to learn how to handle a protein that can go from perfect to dry quickly.
The vegetables add another learning layer: they aren’t just there for color. You practice timing so they complement the duck instead of turning limp or uneven.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Paris
Risotto with green asparagus and peas
If you want a lesson that builds patience and technique, risotto fits. Risotto teaches you how to manage gradual cooking and texture. The asparagus and peas bring freshness, which helps balance the richness you get from the rice.
This option is ideal if you love comforting food and want to understand what makes risotto creamy instead of heavy.
Sea bream fillet with Maxim potatoes
Fish requires a lighter touch and careful timing. Sea bream is a solid choice if you’re curious about French seafood cooking without turning the lesson into a complicated fishing expedition.
Maxim potatoes add the crisp, satisfying element. This is a nice combo if you want your end result to feel restaurant-level even though you’ll be doing the work.
How to choose: pick based on what you’d actually cook again at home. The best takeaway from any cooking class is repeating the dish later. If one of these recipes looks like something you’d put on your own menu, you’ll learn more because you care.
The lunch payoff: tasting what you make (and planning for drinks)
Included in the price is lunch, and the class ends with a traditional-style tasting of what you created. That matters more than it sounds. You don’t just leave with skills—you also leave with a meal that proves whether the technique worked.
Because drinks are not included, I’d plan for that in your budget or choose to hydrate beforehand. In Paris, it’s easy to forget how fast a small add-on like a beverage can change the total cost. A little planning keeps the experience feeling like value instead of a surprise.
What you’ll notice when you eat: the dish tastes personal. You made it. That’s why the experience tends to land as the best meal for many people—it’s not a passive dining moment. It’s the satisfaction of execution.
Price and value: $153 for two hours and a chef-led lunch
At $153 per person for a 2-hour cooking class that includes cooking instruction plus lunch, you’re paying for a few things at once:
- One-on-one-style attention in a small group (up to 6)
- A professional chef teaching techniques from a recognized culinary school environment
- The ingredients and kitchen setup needed to do real cooking, not a demonstration
- A full meal created by you
Compared to paying for a guided food tour where you’re sampling multiple stops and still learning little about technique, this format gives you a skill transfer. It’s less about tasting lots of small bites and more about learning how to cook specific French classics.
Also, the fact that this is offered in English or French helps value. If you’d rather understand what you’re doing than guess, language support makes the learning stick.
Who should book this class (and who should skip it)
This is a great fit if you want:
- A chef-led lesson that works for all skill levels
- A focused, time-efficient activity (just 2 hours)
- French cooking skills you can reproduce
It’s also a smart choice for couples or small groups. With a group size capped at 6, it’s easier to talk with the chef and get your questions answered.
If you’re traveling with kids, keep the rules in mind. Children under 12 can’t participate, and teenagers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re bringing teenagers and want them to cook, make sure you’ve got the adult coverage sorted before you arrive.
Pets aren’t allowed, so if someone in your travel crew relies on a pet, you’ll need an alternative plan.
Practical tips before you go: what to bring and where to check in
Bring a passport or ID card. It’s one of those small requirements that’s easy to miss when you’re packing lightly.
Plan on arriving for check-in at the exact location: Ferrandi’s Kitchen, 3rd Floor, Lafayette Maison and Gourmet Store. Give yourself a little buffer so you don’t start the class rushed.
You’ll also want to come prepared to cook. Wear something you can move in and that you don’t mind getting a little kitchen dust on. The class is hands-on, so comfort beats “Paris outfit” here.
And if you’re thinking ahead: if your schedule is tight, pick a class time that won’t make you sweat. You only have two hours, so being late eats into the fun.
Should you book Paris: Cooking Class with Ferrandi at Galeries Lafayette?
I think you should book this class if you want a real cooking lesson in a short window, with small-group attention and a guaranteed lunch at the end. It’s especially worth it when you care about technique—how to cook, not just what to order.
Skip it if your group includes children who don’t meet the age rules, or if you’re looking for a primarily sightseeing experience. This is not a museum walk. It’s a working kitchen, and the best part is the time you spend making French dishes yourself.
If you like the idea of duck breast, green asparagus risotto, or sea bream with Maxim potatoes, and you want to leave with skills you can use later, this one is a strong bet.
FAQ
What is the duration of the cooking class?
The class lasts 2 hours.
Where is the meeting point for the class?
Meet at Ferrandi’s Kitchen, 3rd Floor, at the Lafayette Maison and Gourmet Store.
Is the class limited to a small group?
Yes. It’s a small group with a limit of 6 participants.
What languages will the instructor speak?
The instructor teaches in English and French.
What’s included in the price?
The price includes the cooking class and lunch.
Are drinks included?
No. Drinks are not included.
Which dishes can I choose from?
Recipe options include duck breast with vegetables, risotto with green asparagus and peas, and sea bream fillet with Maxim potatoes.
Do I need to bring identification?
Yes. Bring a passport or ID card.
Can children participate?
No, children under 12 cannot participate. Teenagers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Is it allowed to bring pets?
No. Pets are not allowed.
