An intimate cooking class hosted by the chef-owners of Bouchon des Filles, one of Lyon's celebrated certified bouchons. Small groups of up to 8 participants learn to prepare three classic Lyonnais dishes from scratch — typically quenelles, salade lyonnaise, and a bouchon dessert — using the same techniques used in the restaurant's daily service. The class concludes with a seated lunch of the dishes prepared, accompanied by a pot of Beaujolais.
The Bouchon des Filles Cooking Class is a three-hour morning session hosted by the chef-owners of Bouchon des Filles, a certified Lyon bouchon situated at 20 Rue Sergent Blandan in the 1st arrondissement. The restaurant holds the official label from the Association de Défense du Bouchon Lyonnais, awarded to establishments demonstrating authentic Lyonnais cuisine and genuine kitchen craft, and the class offers direct access to these techniques in an intimate, convivial setting.
Sessions accept a maximum of eight participants and are led by one of the restaurant's working chefs, who teaches the preparation of three canonical Lyonnais dishes from scratch over the three-hour morning slot. The curriculum is anchored by quenelles — the featherlight dumplings of pike (brochet) or chicken mousseline that are Lyon's most debated signature dish — which require precise emulsification technique, careful shaping, and slow poaching before finishing in Nantua sauce (a classic cream sauce based on freshwater crayfish bisque). Participants then prepare salade lyonnaise: a warm frisée salad with house-made lardons cut from belly pork, a proper Dijon vinaigrette, and a freshly poached egg. The class concludes with a Lyonnais dessert — typically tarte à la praline rose (the city's vivid pink almond tart) or bugnes (deep-fried pastry strips traditional at Mardi Gras).
The session ends with a seated lunch of all the dishes prepared, accompanied by a pot of Beaujolais or a carafe of Côtes du Rhône. The conversational format allows participants to ask questions about the restaurant's ingredients, suppliers, and approach to the Lyon food scene throughout. Bouchon des Filles is celebrated for its female-led kitchen, connecting to the tradition of the mères lyonnaises — Lyon's legendary 19th- and 20th-century female chefs.
Classes are available in French and English. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice; the quenelle session can be adapted to use chicken rather than pike. A minimum of three participants is required to confirm a session.
Good to know
- Operator
- Bouchon des Filles
Location
20 Rue Sergent Blandan, 69001 Lyon
45.7682, 4.8316 View on map
Highlights
- Hands-on quenelle preparation with proper mousseline emulsification and Nantua sauce at a certified bouchon
- Prepare salade lyonnaise with house-made lardons, poached egg, and chef-made Dijon vinaigrette
- Learn tarte à la praline rose or bugnes as a traditional Lyonnais dessert
- Seated lunch of all dishes prepared, with Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône
- Intimate class of maximum eight participants led by working chefs from a certified Lyon bouchon
Tips for visiting
- Book directly via bouchondesfilles.com — a minimum of three participants is required per session
- Alert the kitchen at booking if any participant avoids pork — the lardon element is central but substitutable
- The seated lunch is a full bouchon meal; arrive with a modest breakfast rather than a large one
- Ask the chef about the mères lyonnaises tradition — the Bouchon des Filles team has deep knowledge on this subject
- Allow travel time to Rue Sergent Blandan in the 1st arrondissement; morning sessions begin early
Frequently asked questions
What is a certified bouchon?
A certified bouchon (bouchon lyonnais labellisé) is a restaurant awarded the label of the Association de Défense du Bouchon Lyonnais for serving authentic Lyonnais cuisine, traditional dishes, and Beaujolais wines in a genuine bistro setting. Only a few dozen restaurants hold the label in Lyon.
Is the class conducted in English?
Yes. Sessions are available in both French and English; specify the preferred language when booking. Mixed-language groups can be accommodated.
Can solo travellers or pairs join the class?
Solo travellers and pairs are welcome, but each session requires a minimum of three confirmed participants. Solo bookings are typically placed on an existing group or combined with other travellers.
Is the experience accessible to wheelchair users?
The kitchen at 20 Rue Sergent Blandan is on the ground floor of a central Lyon building. Accessibility for wheelchair users should be confirmed directly with the restaurant at booking.
What happens if fewer than three participants book?
Bouchon des Filles reserves the right to cancel or reschedule if the minimum of three participants is not met. Full refunds are provided in this case.