The Ritz Paris École de Gastronomie is one of the world's most exclusive culinary schools, operating within the historic Ritz Paris hotel at 15 Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement. The school carries the legacy of Auguste Escoffier, the chef who worked at the Ritz Paris in its founding decades and codified much of modern French haute cuisine; the institution has traded under variants of the Escoffier name across its history before settling on its current designation. Afternoon classes give members of the public access to the Ritz's dedicated teaching kitchen beneath Place Vendôme — a fully equipped professional space within the hotel complex — and to instruction from the Ritz Paris kitchen brigade. Each session runs for 2.5 to three hours and begins with a champagne apéritif in the school's reception area before participants enter the teaching kitchen. Session themes vary and include haute cuisine plating, French pastry and petit fours, whole-fish butchery and preparation, and champagne and food pairing. Instruction is delivered by Ritz executive chefs in French, with English interpretation available throughout. Groups are kept very small — typically six to twelve participants — ensuring direct, hands-on attention from the instructor. The session concludes with a full tasting of the dishes prepared in class. The price of €250 and above per session reflects the exclusivity of the location, the calibre of the teaching chefs, and the inclusion of champagne and a tasting. Place Vendôme is one of Paris's most architecturally significant addresses, steps from the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, and the Palais Royal. The nearest Métro stations are Tuileries on Line 1 and Opéra on Lines 3, 7, and 8. Booking is made through ritzparisschool.com or by telephone; gift certificates are available for purchase as occasion presents. The school draws an international clientele of serious food enthusiasts and professional cooks seeking one-off master classes in the French tradition.
What is included
- Teaching kitchen in the Ritz basement
- Champagne apéritif
- Instruction by Ritz executive chefs
- Tasting
Good to know
- Operator
- Ritz Paris École de Gastronomie
Location
15 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris, France
48.8695, 2.3296 View on map
Highlights
- Hands-on class in a professional kitchen beneath 15 Place Vendôme, taught by Ritz Paris executive chefs
- Champagne apéritif included before every session, followed by a full tasting of dishes prepared during class
- Session themes include haute cuisine, French pastry, whole-fish preparation, and champagne-food pairing
- Very small group format (typically 6–12 participants) for direct, individualised instruction from the kitchen brigade
- Located within the Ritz Paris hotel complex on Place Vendôme, steps from the Louvre and Tuileries Garden
Tips for visiting
- Book well in advance at ritzparisschool.com; the small group sizes and high demand mean popular sessions sell out months ahead
- Smart-casual dress is appropriate for the Ritz Paris environment; the hotel maintains a dress standard in public areas
- Sessions begin with champagne — guests who do not drink alcohol should notify the school at booking for non-alcoholic alternatives
- Gift certificates are available from the school for birthdays or anniversaries, specifying a class category rather than a fixed date
- The Place Vendôme location is best reached by Métro (Tuileries Line 1 or Opéra Lines 3, 7, 8); street parking is extremely limited
Frequently asked questions
Is any prior culinary experience required to attend?
The school offers classes at varying levels. The standard afternoon class is designed for enthusiastic non-professionals and requires no prior kitchen experience. Class descriptions on ritzparisschool.com indicate the level and technical focus of each available session.
What language are classes conducted in?
Classes are conducted in French with English interpretation available throughout. The school confirms language arrangements at booking and can advise on session suitability for non-French-speaking guests.
How does the afternoon class differ from the school's professional programmes?
The afternoon class is a standalone 2.5 to 3-hour public session open to any visitor. The school also offers intensive professional programmes spanning multiple weeks. Attendance at an afternoon class does not contribute credits toward any professional qualification.
Is the school physically connected to the main Ritz Paris hotel?
Yes. The school operates within the Ritz Paris hotel complex at 15 Place Vendôme, accessed through a dedicated school entrance. Participants may have the opportunity to glimpse parts of the hotel's service and kitchen areas during the class.
Can classes be purchased as gifts for someone else?
The school offers gift certificates for its classes, purchasable through ritzparisschool.com or by contacting the school by telephone at +33 1 43 16 33 74. Gift certificates specify a class category and allow the recipient to select their preferred date.