Another well-known culinary school is The Ritz Escoffier School named after the first head chef at the Ritz Hotel, Auguste Escoffier. His most famous creation is the Peach Melba. There are a variety of classes offered throughout the year. A 3-day workshop runs about 530 €.

The ever talented Patricia Wells has week long cooking classes (5 days) at her home in Provence and in Paris. Classes in Paris begin every morning and ends after lunch each day. Not only do you get hands on instructions, she also takes you to the Poilâne Bakery, on a wine tasting tour, lunch at a restaurant at the Bois de Boulogne, oil tasting, and market visits, all as part of the program. Classes are small with a maximum of 7 people, plus you get to enjoy everything you’ve prepared in a convivial setting. The price is $4,250 for the five-day course and many of her classes are completely booked well into 2008!

If you’re thinking you would like to be a whiz in the kitchen, but don’t want to spend that kind of money; no need to despair! There are lesser known chefs and cooks who also offer classes. “Cooking with the Countess” holds classes in her home for as little as 90 € per person for a 2-course lunch. Or you can learn how to prepare 3 very different types of French desserts for the same price. A class with a 3-course lunch is only 110 €.

Click here for a list of other cooking schools and classes that may be of interest.

Photo Credits: Flickr

Post from: The Paris Traveler