Culinary Adventure in Paris

I could hardly wait to arrive in Paris. This was our second time in Paris, so we had more expectations, as we knew the city better and knew exactly where we wanted to go and what we wanted to experience. It was the right time for a culinary adventure in Paris.

Paris is an incredible city, full of culture and amazing architecture. Everywhere you look the buildings are just impressive.

This time we wanted, as much as possible, to stay away from the major tourist places as we have already seen most of them. We wanted to find places less crowded by tourists, trying to experience the Parisian way of living.

Rue Mouffetard Street in Paris

This is how we get to find our accommodation close to Rue Mouffetard, one of Paris’s oldest streets, narrow, but very full of life, in the heart of Paris, with lots of restaurants, cafes, open markets and various shops, a perfect place you want to be in the morning for a delightful breakfast.

Rue Mouffetard_1

Rue Mouffetard_2

Rue Mouffetard_3

Café de Flore in Paris

We really wanted to get to Cafe de Flore, one of the oldest and most prestigious coffeehouses in Paris. It is located in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, first opened in 1885, and visited by famous people like Picasso, Ernest Hemingway, Brigitte Bardot, Alain Delon, Yves Saint Laurent, Sartre, Cioran, famous filmmakers and directors, actors and the list can go on. It is known for its famous clientele even in our days. When asked if we could take photos inside, they refused, telling us there were too many famous people inside who didn’t want to be photographed.

cafe de flore

cafe de flore dishes

Laduree, Piere Hermé and Fauchon in Paris

Very close to the beautiful church La Madeleine, we couldn’t have missed Laduree, a luxury bakery and sweets maker house in the very heart of Paris. We visited the original place where the house was founded in 1862, still open to the public. Now, also a restaurant and tea salon, it’s the ultimate expression of the French lifestyle and cuisine. In 1930 Pierre Desfontaines, the grandson of Louis-Ernest Ladurée had the original idea of creating the famous macarons (two almond meringue discs filled with a layer of buttercream, jam, or ganache filling). Since then,  Laduree is still one of the best-known makers of macarons in the world.

laduree macaron pyramid

laduree book

Laduree Desserts

Laduree Macarons

Laduree competitor, Pierre Hermé is another popular choice in Paris, known for their famous macarons as they bring unusual flavor combinations while Laduree is more classic.

Fauchon founded in 1886, is the most luxurious store in Paris selling delicatessen, cakes and pastry, breads, and confectionery is also worth visiting. With so many options you could hardly decide what to finally buy.

Fauchon Macarons and Sweets - culinary adventure in Paris

Of course, I had to try making macarons by myself. I am glad to share with you some of my favorite macarons I have tried so far with either French or Italian meringue. Hope you will try these Coconut Macarons, Raspberry Macarons with Italian Meringue, Chocolate Macarons with Salted Caramel Filling and Chocolate Macarons. If you like the idea of macaron cakes you can try these amazing Chocolate Macaron Cake or this Pistachio Strawberry Macaron Cake. 

Boulangeries in Paris

You can not be in Paris and not enter one of their great boulangeries to buy fresh baguettes, croissants, or any other delicious treats. You can feel the smell of a boulangerie from a distance.. so tempting and irresistible.

If you like croissants I am glad to share with you the recipe for these Quick Croissants that look and taste amazing. and are much easier to prepare than the classic ones.

Paris Boulangerie

Cooking Classes in Paris

I wanted to take advantage of being in Paris and take some cooking classes. I found this school in the center of Paris, called La Cuisine Paris. It is very easy to find, located minutes away from Notre Dame, or Hotel de Ville.  I had a very nice time there as the staff were really friendly and professional.

Chocolate Cooking Class

The first class I took was a Chocolate lover class with Chef Diane. She was so kind to share her knowledge. In only three hours we were ambitious enough to make some pretentious recipes.

La Cuisine Paris Chocolate Class - Tarts

La Cuisine Paris Chocolate Class - Marzipan Candies - culinary adventure in Paris

We made Chocolate and Salted Butter Caramel Tartelettes. Started with Pate Brisse and learned how to place it in molds. We learned how to make the perfect salted caramel. Then we learned the techniques of using both types of chocolate, dark and white, in various recipes, making chocolate ganache for the tartelettes, white chocolate and lime truffles, white chocolate mousse with Strawberry Coulis Sauce and Marzipan hearts dipped in dark chocolate.

All sound amazing and the result was as we expected – not disappointing at all.  At the end of our class, we all enjoyed our treats and took home some of our creations. After a night in the fridge, the tartelettes and truffles were just incredible.

Inspired by this class I have posted this amazing recipe for Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart that I hope you will try it too.

French Baguette and Boulangerie Class

The second class I took was French Baguette and Boulangerie Class. The menu included Baguettes Parisiennes, of course, and Fougasses which are Artisanal breads filled with a variety of ingredients such as cheeses, spices, dried fruits, and nuts.

Chef Justin who made his training in one of the most prestigious schools in Paris- Gregoire Ferrandi Culinary School, taught us how to knead and work the bread by hand, also the techniques that make it possible to create the most amazing Parisian baguettes in our homes.

La Cusine Paris - Boulangerie Class Baguettes

La Cusine Paris Boulangerie Class Fougasse - culinary adventure in Paris

We did it all from scratch, with our own hands, no machine involved. I think it is not necessary to mention the smell that came while they were baking… simply divine.

If you want to try baguettes at home I highly recommend trying this recipe for crusty and golden Homemade Baguettes. They are simply irresistible.

No matter how many times you go to Paris, there is always something new to discover. I am looking forward to the next visit, hope sooner than later.

Hope you enjoyed our culinary adventure in Paris. If you’ve been to Paris, I’d love to hear from you and chat about your experiences there. Also, don’t forget to share your photos with me on Instagram. Cheers!

For a variety of mouthwatering recipes check our full collection for French Recipes. Here you can find various recipes from choux pastry to elegant mousse desserts or savory dishes, perfect for any occasion.

Join the Conversation

  1. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) Author says:

    OH MY GOSH I AM SO JEALOUS!

  2. Jane Author says:

    The photos are just GORGEOUS! It was such a pleasure to have you with us – and we await photos from your home kitchen =) !

  3. Maureen Author says:

    I love Paris and I don’t think I could ever visit without finding something special to talk about. You had an incredible visit! I’m filled with envy.

  4. Sharman Author says:

    Love love love your pictures. I too took a class at La Cuisine then visited Cafe LE Flore where I promptly slipped on the wet rainy sidewalk onto my face in front of the elegant women and men sitting under the awning .So embarrassing !
    I will have to go back and take another class the stroll by Cafe de Flore in a more elegant manner.

    1. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure Author says:

      Hehe.. I know that at that moment was not that funny for you .. the way you told the story amused me:) . There is always a good reason you can find and return to Paris:) I can hardly wait to return too..What class have you taken to La Cuisine? 

  5. Sumer Author says:

    Do you have a good baguettes recipe? my husband loves them and I cant find a good recipe.

    1. Ella-HomeCookingAdventure Author says:

      Haven't posted yet.. though I have some bread recipes. Here is a recipe that looks a lot like some baguettes… if you don't like olives just take them out. https://www.homecookingadventure.com/olive-bread-paillasse-style

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