Paris Cooking Class and Market Tour with Cuisine Elegante

In Paris, the options are endless for museums, restaurants, and shopping, all of which I greatly appreciate and dream about when I’m not there. As a foodie and since France is a mecca for people like me, to experience Parisian culture through the eyes of food is nothing less than magical. So, what better way to be enlightened than to take a cooking class from someone who truly understands French food.

On a recent trip to France, I was determined to find just that person. My family and I have taken cooking classes in various places: Italy, Australia, Poland, and many here in the States. Our expectations were high, especially being in Paris, so I was quite picky when I conducted my search. Thanks to social media connections and my next-door neighbor (small world), we decidedly booked a market tour and cooking class with Véronique, aka Cuisine Elegante. Not only were we going to learn to make a few French dishes with our own hands, but we were going to shop for it through her guidance and on none other than Rue Cler, where Julia Child herself used to shop. Did I mention the Eiffel Tower was the backdrop and we cooked in Veronique’s kitchen, in a quintessential Parisian apartment? Be still my heart.

My husband and myself, with our two teenage children, spent what we consider our best day in France, on Véronique’s market tour and cooking class. We started the morning at the market where Véronique seemingly danced her way through as she exchanged pleasantries with vendors with whom she’s been working with for as many as twenty years. We chose our meal ahead of time, so she knew exactly where to source the best ingredients and along the way, provided insight to French cooking techniques and what to look for when shopping for produce, cheeses, and meats. Her passion for food and cooking was evident in every selection and interaction with shop owners.

Once we finalized the shopping list, Véronique took us to the oldest pâtisserie in Paris, Stohrer on the infamous Rue Cler. The only difficult part of the morning was choosing which pastries as they were almost too beautiful to eat.

We then returned to Véronique’s stunning Parisian apartment and began cooking away. She easily guided us through every recipe and tasked us with a portion of the meal, which made it exciting to see the results of everyone’s efforts. My husband and I competed with who could more beautifully arrange the vegetables for the vegetable tian – I won. My kids were thoroughly engaged and openly expanded their palates, largely because of how Véronique spoke to the beauty of each ingredient and how they come together to create a beautiful mélange of flavors.

Once the food was prepared, we settled into her elegant dining room, popped a bottle of champagne, and began the feast. We shared meaningful conversation and genuine laughter with Véronique. She was truly a joy to spend the day with; we left with both hearts and bellies full. This is more than a cooking class, but a testament to why food is so integral in French culture.