Bonjour! I’m the French chef at Pastreez. If you search for macarons near me, Pastreez delivers in the entire United States. In addition, I’m also a business growth consultant at My Coach Guy, where I guide fellow business owners in their entrepreneurship journey.
My wife and I are both French pastry chefs, so we are quite familiar with the training programs for pastries. Today, I’m pleased to share with you my own list of the five most prestigious French schools for pastry.
1. Le Cordon Bleu Paris
I had to start with this one. Imagine walking through the doors of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, where culinary history and innovation merge seamlessly.
This legendary institution, founded in 1895, is not just a pastry school but an epicenter of culinary artistry. Nestled in the heart of Paris, the city of romance and gastronomy, Le Cordon Bleu is synonymous with prestige.
At Le Cordon Bleu, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of refined techniques and classic French pastry traditions. The school’s illustrious alumni include Julia Child and many other culinary giants. Whether you dream of perfecting your croissants, creating decadent chocolates, or mastering the art of the soufflé, Le Cordon Bleu Paris offers comprehensive pastry programs to cater to your aspirations.
And at Pastreez, we can tell. We were part of Le Cordon Bleu Paris intensive program for pastry, back in 2016. In fact, le Cordon Bleu Paris says we make the “most authentic macarons in the US” in their blog post. We’re so proud, because this school is surely the best pastry school in the world (I am probably biased though 🙂).
I remember back then, the program was to master one pastry a day. From 8am, to 8pm! So everyday a new pasty: Macarons, mille-feuille, fraisier, madeleines, etc…
I was amazed how popular the program is worldwide. In our class, we had Brazilians, Chinese, Europeans… Classes are taught in French language and consecutively translated into English, therefore speaking French is not essential. We actually were the only French students!
By the way, they also have a store located quai André Citroën, in Paris 15e. They sell their students’ pastry work, but also wonderful recipe books.
2. Ecole Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie (ENSP), or école Ducasse
Now, let’s whisk ourselves away to the charming town of Yssingeaux in the Auvergne region, where the Ecole Nationale Supérieure de la Pâtisserie (ENSP) resides. This hidden gem is a paradise for those seeking an authentic French pastry experience.
ENSP stands out for its rigorous training and emphasis on hands-on learning. The school’s connection to the prestigious Relais Desserts association ensures that students receive top-notch education from seasoned professionals.
Picture yourself crafting intricate sugar sculptures and perfecting the art of macarons in the serene French countryside. ENSP’s commitment to preserving French pastry traditions while fostering innovation makes it a standout choice for aspiring pastry chefs.
And école Ducasse is actually more than just cooking. They also teach bachelor programs in management on culinary arts. If you are working in restaurants or bakeries, or always dreamed of, Ecole Ducasse can definitely take you to the next level.
All the logic that rules French adjectives as well as a lot of truly useful vocabulary
3. Ferrandi Paris
If you’re yearning for a dynamic and contemporary pastry education, Ferrandi Paris might be your sweetest destination. Located in the vibrant capital, this school combines tradition with modernity, offering a diverse range of programs to suit your culinary ambitions.
From mastering the art of plated desserts to exploring the world of viennoiserie, you’ll receive a well-rounded education that caters to the demands of the ever-evolving pastry industry. The school’s strong ties to the culinary world ensure that you’ll be well-connected and prepared for a successful career.
Did you know? Ecole Ferrandi was created in 1920, when two culinary schools, the École Gastronomique Ritz-Escoffier and the École Hôtelière et de Tourisme de la Ville de Paris, were established in Paris. These schools laid the foundation for what would eventually become Ferrandi.
4. Institut Paul Bocuse
Nestled in the picturesque culinary capital of Lyon, France, Institut Paul Bocuse is a haven for aspiring chefs, where culinary dreams flourish and gastronomic passions take flight. Named in honor of the iconic Chef Paul Bocuse, this institute stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to culinary artistry.
What sets Institut Paul Bocuse apart is not just its prestigious name but the unique blend of tradition and innovation it offers. With a profound emphasis on both culinary and pastry arts, the institute caters to a diverse range of tastes and talents.
Here, students embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary. They master the intricate techniques of French pastry, from crafting delicate macarons to sculpting stunning sugar creations, all while imbibing the essence of creative brilliance.
Institut Paul Bocuse thrives on an atmosphere of camaraderie and passion. It’s a place where culinary enthusiasts come together to experiment, learn, and grow. With renowned instructors and state-of-the-art facilities, students are not only guided by expertise but also encouraged to explore their own culinary visions.
Institut Paul Bocuse isn’t just a culinary school; it’s a vibrant community where culinary excellence is cultivated with a generous sprinkling of passion. Here, students don’t just learn recipes; they are pushed to be creative.
5. Lenôtre Paris
Our journey through the world of French pastry schools would be incomplete without a stop at Lenôtre Paris. Founded by the legendary Gaston Lenôtre, this school is synonymous with luxury and elegance.
Lenôtre’s programs are designed to instill the essence of haute cuisine into every aspiring pastry chef. From creating exquisite petits fours to crafting delicate sugar flowers, you’ll be immersed in the world of fine French pastry.
The school’s rich history and commitment to innovation make it an ideal choice for those who want to marry tradition with a contemporary twist.
In 1971, Gaston Lenôtre, a renowned French pastry chef and entrepreneur, founded L’École Lenôtre in Plaisir, a suburb of Paris. Gaston Lenôtre’s dream was to create a school that would not only pass on the art of pastry-making, but also push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the culinary world.
With a dedication to excellence and a commitment to preserving the rich traditions of French pastry, Gaston Lenôtre’s school quickly gained recognition and acclaim. The institution became synonymous with luxury and French sophistication, attracting aspiring pastry chefs and culinary enthusiasts from around the globe.
In 1976, L’École Lenôtre expanded its reach by opening a second campus in the heart of Paris, near the Champs-Élysées. This move allowed the school to offer its world-class pastry programs in a more central and accessible location, cementing its reputation as a leading authority in the art of pastry.
Over the years, L’École Lenôtre Paris has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of the culinary world while staying true to its founder’s vision of excellence. Today, it stands as a symbol of innovation and refinement, where the next generation of pastry artists and chefs continue to be inspired by Gaston Lenôtre’s legacy of passion and creativity.
Did you know? Lenôtre was not originally a pastry school. It was a bakery! To this date, you can still visit and buy pastries in a couple locations in Paris.
I personally find that they excel in chocolate type pastries. Next time you visit Paris, make sure you hit one of these locations.
You now have my top 5 French pastry schools! What are your favorite French pastries? Comment below!
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