Best Culinary Schools in France

Have you ever watched Ratatouille? The stunning Pixar film is set in the culinary capital of France, Paris, where a persistent rat named Remy dreams of becoming a renowned chef. If the movie torched your passion for the culinary arts and you've been longing to follow in Remy's footsteps, then exploring the best culinary schools in France is a perfect starting point. France, renowned for its delicacy traditions and Michelin-starred restaurants, is home to some of the world's finest culinary institutions. These French culinary institutes offer comprehensive programs, combining the culinary heritage of France with modern trends. France provides a gateway to help you develop new skills under the guidance of experienced chefs. 

Why Choose Culinary Schools In France? 

France has grown to become a prime destination for education in recent years. With each year, the country is proving its value in the study abroad market under different majors, especially culinary education. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider studying at the best culinary schools in France:

• Most of the French culinary institutes conduct their courses in the medium of English language. 
• The French Hospitality market is booming and is estimated to reach up to $22.14 billion in 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.55%. 
• The French Government offers a two-year post-study work visa for all students who have completed their master's degree, with a special exception for Indian students who are allowed to stay back for five years. 
• The French are known around the world for their gastronomical prowess and their deep appreciation for their cheese, wines, etc.

10 Best Culinary Schools in France

French cuisine has always been seen as an "elite" and "sophisticated" art of planning, cooking, flavours, and plating. With French gastronomy taking over the world, learning the art of recreating the same eliteness and sophistication in your creation requires good training & mentoring. To build that solid foundation, the top French Culinary Institute can be a good way to advance in the culinary world. Here are some of the best pastry schools in France:

1. Le Cordon Bleu- Paris

Campus Location: Paris‍
Course Fees: €30000-50000
Le Cordon Bleu Paris is internationally recognised as a premier French culinary institute, celebrated for its exceptional culinary and hospitality education. Founded in 1895, it boasts a rich heritage and is synonymous with culinary excellence. Their esteemed programs encompass diverse facets of gastronomy, including Classic French Cuisine, Patisserie and Boulangerie, and International Culinary Arts. These comprehensive courses provide students with knowledgeable training in professional kitchens, equipping them with outstanding culinary skills and techniques. Le Cordon Bleu- Paris is undoubtedly one of the top culinary schools in France.
Popular Courses at Le Cordon Bleu 

• Professional Baker Program 
• Professional Pastry Chef Program 
• Advanced Bakery & Pastry Program 
• Artisanal Bread & Bakery Program 

2. Ferrandi Paris

Campus Location: Paris‍
Course Fees: €30000-50000
Situated in the heart of Paris, Ferrandi Paris is a renowned cooking school with a storied history dating back to 1920. These programs encompass French cuisine, pastry arts, bakery, and culinary management, making it one of the top culinary schools in France. By blending practical hands-on training with theoretical knowledge, Ferrandi ensures students acquire a comprehensive understanding of the culinary arts. Ferrandi emphasises professional development through internships and career placement services. With its shining culinary heritage, rigorous training programs, and industry affiliations, Ferrandi Paris is any day one of the top culinary schools in France.
Popular Courses at Ferrandi Paris

• French Culinary Essentials
• Art of Wine and Food Pairing
• Pastry and Baking 
• Farm- to table Cooking

3. Ecole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse

Campus Location: Paris
Course Fees: €30000-50000
Ecole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse is one of the culinary schools in France for international students run by a well-known restaurateur. Alain Ducasse is a well-known and highly respected French chef who has proved his love and passion for food by earning 20 Michelin stars for his restaurants, titles like Chef of the Year, & dominating the global culinary scene. Alain Ducasse has established a school that illustrates all his goals, & expertise. At top culinary schools in France, like Ecole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse, students learn all types of culinary practices.
Popular Courses at Ecole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse 

• Bachelor's Degree in Viticulture and Enology
• Masters in Vine and Wine Science
• Masters in Wine Management 
• Professional Certification in Wine Tasting & Sensory Analysis 

Did you know? France is one of the best countries to work abroad.

4. Ecole Bellouet Conseil

Campus Location: Paris
Course Fees: €10,000-12,000
French confectionery is a worldwide favourite thing that everyone loves to devour. Hence, it makes perfect sense to study patisserie courses in France, aka the sweet haven on earth. Of many pastry schools in France, Ecole Bellouet Conseil is a top-tier institute for learning pastry making and baking and one of the top French culinary schools. Founded by Jean Luc Bellouet, a well-renowned pastry chef, the school has been churning out the best-trained pastry chefs who thrive on his knowledge, guidance, and undying passion for the craft. Ecole Bellouet Conseil sets itself apart from other schools by having a rich, experienced faculty who bring years of knowledge to the table. The school is filled with facilities like Pastry laboratories, sensory laboratories, research development centres, libraries, collaborative learning spaces, etc. If baking is your passion, then Ecole Bellouet Conseil is one of the best French culinary institutes.
Popular Courses at Ecole Bellouet Conseil 

• Advanced Pastry Technique Program 
• Plated Dessert Program 
• Chocolate and Confectionery Program

 5. Paul Bocuse Institute 

Campus Location: Lyon
Course Fees: €12,600-19,000
Paul Bocuse is one of France's most celebrated culinary experts who started the "culinary" French Revolution. With a force of creativity, he paid great attention to the visual presentation of dishes, meticulous culinary techniques, and the use of fresh/ seasonal ingredients in his dishes. By accumulating all this knowledge and expertise and spreading this new notion to the next generation, he started one of the best culinary schools in France. With the help of other resources like culinary labs, research centres, sensory analysis laboratories, & global partnerships, each student graduates with in-depth & overall knowledge about food, taste, smell, and visual presentation, which is crucial as a chef, making it one of the best French culinary institute.
Popular Courses at Paul Bocuse Institute

• Bachelor in International Culinary 
• Masters in Culinary Leadership and Innovation

6. La Varenne Cooking School

Campus Location: Paris
Course Fees: €9000-10000
La Varenne Cooking School is one of the oldest and best culinary schools in France that has been on an uncalled mission to spread the love for French food by teaching and training students in it. By being named after the father of French cuisine, La Varenne Cooking School is not only one of the best French culinary institutes but also crafts the best chefs by teaching them how to build hands-on skills, craft different culinary techniques, understand the depths of French taste/ cooking, pair foods, & best of all ways to flow your creative juices in the kitchen. La Varenne Cooking School has trained some of the biggest home cooks/ big names in the kitchen Industry. Some include Mashama Bailey, Roscoe Betsill, & Nathalie Dupree, & many more!
Popular Courses at La Varenne Cooking School

• French Culinary Essentials
• Art of Wine and Food Pairing
• Pastry and Baking 
• Farm- to table Cooking

7. Institut National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie (INBP) 

Campus Location: Rouen, France
Course Fees: €9000-10000
Baguettes, Croissants, Pain au chocolat, and Macarons are some examples of the pride of French people. With every street having its boulangerie, 98% of the French population consumes bread daily! To keep the legacy and expertise of bread and pastry making running for more generations to come, the best culinary schools in France, like Institut National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie (INBP), have been the patent of professional excellence & have wide recognition in the baking and pastry industry. The institution allows students to have real experience by giving them access to professional kitchens, workshops, mentorship, guidance, & internships.
Popular Courses at INBP

• Professional Baker Program 
• Professional Pastry Chef Program 
• Advanced Bakery & Pastry Program 
• Artisanal Bread & Bakery Program 

Did you know that in addition to sharpening your knife skills, you need to develop good business acumen to open your restaurant? An MBA can be the best foot-in-the-door pathway; check out the best countries for MBA students to learn more! 

8. University of Bordeaux - Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences (ISVV)

Campus Location: Bordeaux
Course Fees: €5000-8000
The University of Bordeaux presents an amazing opportunity for all wine enthusiasts through its Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences. Suppose you want to equip yourself with A-Z of wine knowledge like wine business management, wine production techniques, spirits marketing, etc. With its bachelor's and master's programs, ISVV is driven to contribute to each student's success by focusing on research, teaching, and technology transfer, which are good indicators of a wine expert. To add more richness to your experience, the university also has tie-ups with different universities, wine tycoons, research organisations, & industry associations that will make students capable of running real businesses, making it one of the best culinary schools in France.
Popular Courses at the University of Bordeaux: ISVV 

• Bachelor's Degree in Viticulture and Enology
• Masters in Vine and Wine Science
• Masters in Wine Management 
• Professional Certification in Wine Tasting & Sensory Analysis 

9. Ecole Grégoire-Ferrandi

Campus Location: Paris
Course Fees: €7000-18000
Ecole Grégoire-Ferrandi, located in the heart of Paris, is a renowned culinary institution affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Paris. It is celebrated for its exceptional culinary and baking programs, offering students the opportunity to master the art of French gastronomy. With a rich history and a strong emphasis on hands-on training, the school prepares aspiring chefs and pastry artists to excel in the culinary world. Students at Ecole Grégoire-Ferrandi benefit from expert instruction and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a top choice for those seeking a world-class culinary education in the heart of France's culinary capital.
Popular Courses at the Ecole Grégoire-Ferrandi

• Culinary Arts Diploma
• Pastry Arts Diploma
• Bread Baking and Bakery Arts
• Wine and Gastronomy

10. Gastronomic - Agde

Campus Location: Agde
Course Fees: €4500-8000
Gastronomic, situated in the picturesque coastal town of Agde in the south of France, offers a unique and immersive culinary experience. With a stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, this school provides a distinctive setting for culinary enthusiasts to hone their skills. The school's integration of regional ingredients and cuisine into its curriculum makes it an attractive choice for those looking to master not only classic French cooking but also the flavours of the Mediterranean. Another example leads us to the top culinary schools in France.
Popular Courses at the Gastronomicom - Agde

• Culinary Arts and French Gastronomy
• Pastry and Bakery Arts
• Gourmet Culinary Vacation
• French Mediterranean Cuisine

Employment Opportunities in France 

After completing your course from one of the best culinary schools in France, you can apply for jobs like a sous chef, pastry chef, catering chef, food writer, food beverage manager, etc., depending on your career goals, expertise, and previous experiences. Below are a few ways to do so;

• The best culinary schools in France have Industry tie-ups and a vast alum network that can help you land jobs via internships. 
• Associate yourself with the Association des Cuisiniers de France or the Association des Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, a formal community formed for people in the culinary industry. 
• You can also join active chef communities like ChefTalk and Chef's Blade, where people occasionally post any requirements or job postings. 
• You can also apply on popular job listing websites such as Indeed France, LinkedIn, or Monster France, which are often useful for searching for food writer or food beverage manager jobs.

Some culinary schools in France require applicants to take an English proficiency test, such as the IELTS, but the requirements differ from school to school. So, make sure you check the requirements of the specific university before applying.

Learning or Polishing your French while living in France is 10X your chances of getting a job. You can check out these language learning apps and start learning French.

A chef's job is more than we think; it requires thinking like a scientist, organising like an accountant, plate like an artist, and cooking like a grandma. It is an overall preparation for which top culinary schools in France are equipped to teach you all the required and necessary skills for getting a Michelin star. While France is one of the best to study and work in culinary arts, culinary schools in France are made to revolutionise how you think, feel, and look at the food on your plate.