Hands-on cooking workshops held at the Institut Paul Bocuse culinary school — one of the world's most prestigious hospitality and gastronomy institutions. Participants work under the instruction of professional chef-educators in the school's demonstration and practical kitchens, learning classic French technique applied to Lyonnais and regional dishes. Sessions cover knife skills, sauce-making, and the preparation of a two-course Lyonnais menu, which participants then eat together.
The Institut Paul Bocuse Cooking Workshop is a half-day hands-on culinary programme held at the Institut Paul Bocuse in Écully, a suburb 8 km west of central Lyon in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The Institut Paul Bocuse was founded in 1990 by the legendary Lyon chef Paul Bocuse and partners from the hospitality sector, and has become one of the world's most prestigious gastronomy and hospitality education institutions, training professional chefs and hotel managers from over 50 countries.
Public cooking workshops of approximately four hours are offered alongside the school's professional degree programmes, allowing visitors and food enthusiasts to experience the Institut's teaching kitchens and methods. Participants work in the school's fully equipped practical kitchens under the instruction of professional chef-educators — faculty members or senior instructors at the Institut — rather than visiting demonstrators.
The curriculum for each workshop is structured around classic French culinary technique applied to a Lyonnais or regional menu. Knife skills form the foundation of the opening section, with particular attention to brunoise, julienne, and the precise cuts required for classical sauce-work. Participants then work through the preparation of a two-course menu, which typically includes a classic Lyonnais main course — such as quenelles de brochet with sauce Nantua or volaille de Bresse en papillote — and a dessert requiring pastry or sauce technique. The workshop concludes with a seated meal of the dishes prepared, accompanied by a glass of Rhône wine selected by the instructor.
Sessions are available in French and English, with group sizes limited to twelve participants per kitchen. The workshop is accessible by car from Lyon (parking available at the Château du Vivier campus) or by public transport (bus 17 or 19 from Lyon Gorge de Loup). Advance online booking via the Institut Paul Bocuse website is required; classes typically sell out one to three weeks ahead.
Good to know
- Operator
- Institut Paul Bocuse
Location
1 Montée du Chemin du Moulin, 69130 Écully
45.7827, 4.7851 View on map
Highlights
- Cook in the professional kitchens of one of the world's leading culinary institutions in Écully near Lyon
- Instruction from Institut Paul Bocuse faculty and chef-educators with formal culinary credentials
- Master classic French knife skills, sauce technique, and a full two-course Lyonnais menu
- Sit down to eat the prepared dishes with Rhône wine selected by the instructor
- Access to the historic Château du Vivier campus, Paul Bocuse's original Écully property
Tips for visiting
- Book directly via the Institut Paul Bocuse website — classes fill up to three weeks ahead
- Wear flat, closed-toe shoes — kitchen safety rules prohibit open footwear in professional kitchens
- Specify the preferred language (French or English) at the time of booking
- The Écully campus is not walkable from central Lyon — allow 30 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by car
- Arrive 15 minutes early for kitchen induction and safety briefing before the session begins
Frequently asked questions
Are the workshops designed for professional chefs or home cooks?
The public workshops are designed for enthusiastic home cooks and food lovers of all levels. No professional experience is required; the instructor calibrates technique explanations to the group's ability.
What language are the workshops conducted in?
Sessions are available in French and English. Specify the preferred language at the time of booking; mixed-language groups can usually be accommodated.
Is transport from Lyon provided?
Transport is not included. The Écully campus is accessible by Lyon city bus (lines 17 or 19 from Gorge de Loup) or by car. Parking is available on-site at no extra charge.
Is the experience accessible to wheelchair users?
The Institut Paul Bocuse campus has accessible ground-floor teaching facilities. Participants with mobility requirements should contact the Institut directly at booking to confirm kitchen access.
Can dietary requirements be accommodated?
The menu changes per session, but the Institut Paul Bocuse can often adapt the practical session for dietary restrictions with advance notice. Confirm requirements when booking.