Parisian Food Adventures: From Markets to Cooking Classes

An old proverb states that if you give a man a fish, he eats for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, he eats for a lifetime. You’re probably wondering if you’re reading the right piece. You are, don’t worry it doesn’t get more philosophical than that opening line— and it’ll make sense as you continue reading.

The enchanting city of Paris offers delectable food options and a myriad of food markets and cooking classes to ensure everyone can participate in the magic of cooking. As Chef Gusteau from Ratatouille likes to say, “Everyone can Cook,” and we’ll show you!

From the Middle Ages to the 18th century French Revolution and beyond, France has been known for its gastronomy and the culture surrounding it.

In this piece, we have picked out some food markets in the city along with cooking classes that will allow you to learn the art of Parisian cuisine and savor it for a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Let’s put on our aprons and Bon App! Time to learn how to make coq au vin, French onion soup, and tons of typical French dishes.

The markets we’ll discuss have much to offer, from produce to vintage finds. However, they don’t have one essential thing. If you said luggage storage, you are correct.

That’s why Nannybag is here! If you’re looking at luggage storage for a day in Paris, check out Nannybag. For only €6 per bag per day, you can safely (and conveniently) store your luggage at our many locations around Paris.

Marché Bastille

Marché Bastille is one of Paris's largest and most popular markets. This iconic market is trendy on Sundays, so plan on getting there early to avoid large crowds. This market has diverse cuisine options.

Pass by the Olive booth and check out the Oysters— pairing them with a glass of wine is never too early! However, Marché Bastille isn't solely focused on food.

This market has much to offer if you have a penchant for thrifting and discovering vintage treasures. Uncover hidden gems and add a Parisian charm to your wardrobe or home. Enjoy this iconic market in the heart of Paris!

Address: Boulevard Richard Lenoir, Paris 11th

Metro Stop: Bastille

Hours: Open on Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Marché Dejean

Located in the vibrant neighborhood of Barbès-Rochechouart, Marché Dejean offers a multicultural culinary experience. The Goutte d'Or district is nick-named “mini Africa” because the area was populated by immigrants from West African countries from the 1980s.

Today, the market is a go-to place if you’re looking for tilapia and manioc. The market also features exotic grocery stores, halal butchers, and beauty and cosmetics shops. If you want to expand your palate and experience a new side of Paris, we highly recommend adding Marché Dejean to your itinerary.

Address: Rue Dejean, 75018

Metro Stop: Chateau Rouge

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday; closing hours vary

Marché Mouffetard

Nestled in the charming Paris Latin Quarter, Marché Mouffetard is a historic market that dates back to the 17th century, making it one of the oldest markets in the city. This is one of the more traditional markets, and if you’re looking for the retro, Parisian cobblestone street experience, Marché Mouffetard is for you.

This left-bank market has a great selection of cheeses, meats, wines, and pâtés. Another unique aspect of this aspect is the variety of Mediterranean dishes and food options. Stop by and try some of the award-winning oysters during your visit.

Pro Tip: This street has some of the cheapest crepes in Paris. The citron-sucre (lemon-sugar) is the perfect combination of flavors and lightness— don’t knock it ‘till you try it!

Address: 139 Rue Mouffetard, 75005

Metro Stop: Place Monge ou Censier - Daubenton

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday; every morning

Le Marché des Enfants Rouges

This covered food market has an interesting history. Founded in 1615, the hospice for sick children and orphans in Paris was bought by the Paris City Hall in 1912 and soon became a premier location to purchase fresh milk and was renamed "la Vacherie". In the 90’s, it was renovated to become the market it is known to be today.

In contrast to the other markets mentioned, this particular market offers a slightly different experience. While it may not have an extensive selection of fresh produce like the others, it distinguishes itself as a bustling food hall rather than a grocery destination. Renowned for its budget-friendly dining options, this market is a go-to place for those seeking affordable and delicious meals rather than a one-stop shop for groceries.

If you’re looking for a more affordable place to eat or want to try a variety of cuisines from around the world, make sure to check out Le Marché des Enfants Rouges. You’ll find stands with cuisines from Lebanon, Japan, Haiti, and more.

Pro Tip: Chez Alain Miam Miami has some of the best sandwiches in the city. The line might be a bit long, but it moves quickly and is well worth it.

Address: 39, rue de bretagne, 95003

Metro Stop: Temple

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Closed on Mondays

Marché Couvert Saint-Quentin

You can find this market in the 10th arrondissement, Marché Couvert Saint-Quentin is a charming covered market that houses an array of food vendors. That’s right, it’s covered, meaning rain or snow, this market will be operating. The market is home to several cheesemongers, fishmongers, and butchers that can aid decision-making.

Marché Couvert Saint-Quentin is also a great spot to have lunch with its many food stands. We recommend checking out the African food! Delve into the vibrant flavors of African cuisine, with its aromatic spices, bold combinations, and hearty dishes that will satisfy you as you make your rounds around the rest of the markets.

Address: 85 bis, bd magenta, 95010

Metro Stop: Gare de L’est

Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Closed on Mondays

No Diet Club Food Tour

The No Diet Club Food tour is here to break away from boring food tours. They’re here to show you the culinary wonders of the city as knowledgeable guides lead you through hidden alleyways, vibrant markets, and iconic neighborhoods, uncovering the secrets of Parisian cuisine along the way.

The club offers many specialty tours you won’t know which one to pick! We suggest looking at the routes and picking one in an unfamiliar area because you’re guaranteed delicious food in all of them.

But if you prefer flavors, there's a tour to satisfy every palate. No Diet Club presents an array of tours, including specialty burger tours, a Hong Kong Tour, and a seasonal raclette tour. So put away the calorie trackers- I mean, they should be put away, but that’s another conversation- and enjoy all the delicious food to come.

To see the tours and prices click here.

Address: The exact address varies depending on the chosen tour

Price: Depends on the tour; the special burger tour is €45 per person

Le Cordon Bleu

Did you know you can take cooking classes at this prestigious cooking school? That’s right! No need to enroll in a degree or certification program, Le Cordon Bleu offers a variety of workshop-style classes that cover everything, ranging from chocolate to creole-style cooking.

The courses can take place as demonstrations or practical workshops, so check in before booking your place. When you book one of the workshops, you will always be in a small group and under a chef’s supervision to ensure success.

On the day of the course, you will be given your apron, tea towel, and insulated bag to take your creations. You'll even learn more about where the dish originates from and how to properly use olive oil (trust us, there's much more to it then you think). You might as well change your first name to Chef.

On the day of the workshop, participants benefit from 10% off any Le Cordon Bleu products from La Boutique de l'école. Take advantage and happy shopping!

To check the schedule and workshop offering, click here.

Address: 13-15 Quai André Citroën, 75015

Price: Workshops start at €130 per person; Demonstrations start at €60 per person

École de Cuisine Alain Ducasse

Founded by renowned chef Alain Ducasse, this culinary school provides various cooking classes and workshops. Most of the courses are in French, but they offer English courses.

If the language barrier doesn’t scare you, the courses here range from beginner cooking to cooking like a pro chef. The École also offers courses for kids and teens who want to learn their way around a kitchen. Parents, this is a great investment!

If you don’t know who Alain Ducasse is, here is some background. Alain Ducasse is a renowned chef, restaurateur, and visionary who has left (still leaving) a mark on the culinary world. Ducasse has garnered numerous Michelin stars, solidifying his status as a true culinary icon.

Currently, he is the president of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France competition. Ducasse is a brilliant chef turned businessman and is passing on his knowledge to you!

For full course offerings and prices, click here.

Address: 64, rue du Ranelagh, 75016

Price: Varies depending on the course chosen, English courses start at €99 per person

Cook'n With Class

Be prepared for a hands-on experience at Cook’n With Class. The chefs here prioritize seasonal cooking and using the freshest produce available. The French market tour and cooking class are the highlight courses here.

In this workshop, you’ll learn to shop at the markets (they can be overwhelming) and turn your produce into a delicious 4-course dinner. The courses are all taught by professional English-speaking chefs.

The course catalog doesn’t stop there. Other classes include sauce-making, knife skills, and traditional French cuisine. With Cook’n With Class, you can also learn about the art of French pâtisserie and baking.

Don’t come back from France with macaroons. Come back with the knowledge to make macaroons. It’s way cooler, trust us (remember that opening line with the fish?)

Cook’n With Class believes in making cooking fun, informative, and always delicious.

For the course schedule and exact prices, click here.

Address: 6 Rue Baudelique, 75018

Price: Prices vary depending on the tour, French Market Tour & Cooking Class in Paris is €195 per person

Cook’n With Class offers a Cheese & Wine Tasting Experience in Paris for only €55 per person! A sommelier will guide you through 5 French cheeses and 3 wines on this tour. I mean, if you went to France and didn’t sample the cheese, did you even go? (this comment doesn’t apply to lactose-intolerants, vegans, lacto-ovo vegetarians, and anyone who doesn’t like cheese)

L'Atelier des Chefs Paris Penthièvre

Welcome to L'Atelier des Chefs Paris Penthièvre! The cooking classes here are all about tailoring to specific needs and wants. We understand that if you have a limited time visiting a city, you wouldn’t want to spend half a day in a kitchen.

This is why L'Atelier des Chefs Paris Penthièvre has made it on this list. Here the cooking classes range from 30 minutes to 3 hours, and they conveniently have 8 locations over the city, so that distance isn’t an issue either.

The spotlight offering is the lunch break classes. For as little as €19 a person, you can learn how to make a new recipe just in time to return from your lunch break. If you’re looking for something more elaborate, you can choose from one of the masterclasses and more traditional cooking workshop styles. Many of which even include a free glass of wine!

Fun fact: L'Atelier des Chefs Paris Penthièvre are proud partners of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France.

For the exact course schedule and pricing, click here.

Address: The exact address varies depending on the chosen course

Price: Lunch break classes start at €19 per person

Le Foodist Paris

Nestle under the Seine, Le Foodist offers it all— from 3-hour cooking classes to food tours in the city to week-long cooking holidays in the Loire Valley. The cooking courses are all taught in English, so there’s no need to know French, but some might be handy. Le Foodist's priority is understanding the “why” behind cooking, not the “what.” They are interested in providing you with a full understanding of French culture and gastronomy.

In the classes, you can look forward to spending over 3 hours in the kitchen making an appetizer, main, and dessert which you will enjoy alongside a specific wine pairing with the chef. Before each class, you can choose to participate in a Paris market tour where you’ll learn how to pick out produce, proper buying etiquette, and other cultural insights. Once a week, there is a vegetarian course offered, but if you let them know beforehand, all the courses are vegetarian-friendly!

Le Foodist also added a new cooking class focusing solely on knife skills and French Sauces. So, if you want to dice, chop, mince, and make a fire, Au Jus, consider checking out this specialty class. The school offers courses focusing on pastries, baking, and even wine tastings, so that you will find something interesting at Le Foodist.

Plus, it's perfectly located to explore Jardin des Plantes, Notre Dame, la Sorbonne (where Marie Curie taught Physics), Saint-Michel Square, and Rue du Chat-Qui-Pêche, also known as Paris' narrowest street (in French: la rue la plus éttroite de Paris) and starts from Rue de la Huchette.

Who knows, you could even stop by Shakespeare and Company to browse its aisles and find a literary gem! [add a link to the article named Paris for Bookworms: Bookstores, Libraries & Literary Haunts on Shakespeare and Company]

To learn more about the courses offered, click here.

Address: 59 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005

Price: Courses start at €189 per person for a 3-hr class and lunch or dinner