French pastry school
If you have a passion for pastry, baking and desserts and really want to master the art of French patisserie, you need to learn from the experts at a pastry school in France.
What you’ll learn at a French Pastry School
While you can learn lots about the art of pastry making anywhere, there is no better place on earth to study French pastry arts than at a renowned culinary institution in France.
French pastry has never been more influential as it is today, with the country’s skilled practitioners in high demand around the world.
It’s little wonder those who wish to reach the pinnacle of pastry arts choose to train at a French pastry school.
The best French pastry schools will teach you the fundamentals, theory, practical techniques and latest trends in pastry and dessert making.
Among the key skills you will develop at a French pastry school include:
- Viennoiserie and French bread making
- Chocolate decoration techniques and sugar craft
- Entremets and gâteaux making
- Confectionary, ice creams and sorbets
- Contemporary restaurant desserts
- Petits fours and chocolate techniques
- Afternoon tea and travel cakes
If you really want to excel, look for a culinary school in France that offers a combination of mastery in pastry arts with the professional and managerial know-how you’ll need to become a leader in the field and the entrepreneurial prowess required to run your own successful business.
What to look for in a pastry school
Not all French pastry schools are the same, so if you are set on a French pastry arts education, there are several key characteristics to look out for. These include
Facilities
Great facilities can make all the difference, so look for a school that offers high-end, state-of-the-art kitchens, training labs and classrooms.
Faculty
Schools that employ master patissiers, artisan bakers and high-end dessert makers offer the best baking and pastry arts education.
Check the student-to-faculty ratio to so you can get the attention and guidance you need.
Practical and business skills
You should look for a combination academic study and practical, hands-on learning.
The best pastry arts schools will provide workshops where you get to hone your skills alongside business and management courses that prepare you for leadership.
Reputation
The best baking and pastry arts schools will be accredited by an independent education body that guarantees certain standards of teaching and will be world renowned for their pursuit of excellence in the culinary arts.
Real-world exposure
The best baking and pastry arts schools will offer at least one internship opportunity to give you the kind of valuable work experience you’ll need to give you the edge.
Employability
Find out how many of the school’s graduates find jobs once they’ve completed their studies and where they end up working.
The best schools will have alumni working in some of the world’s best restaurants and hotels.
French Pastry: A background
The origin of French pastry is steeped in tradition, innovation, and craftsmanship. Originating from medieval European culinary practices, French pastry evolved into the delicate and intricate art form known and cherished today. Its roots trace back to the Middle Ages, where the pastry arts began as humble creations made with basic ingredients such as flour, butter, and sugar.
The 17th century marked a significant turning point in the history of French pastry. It was during this period that renowned pastry chefs, such as François Pierre de La Varenne, pioneered the development of iconic pastries that would become synonymous with French culinary excellence. From the flaky layers of the croissant to the rich decadence of the éclair, these pastries captured the imagination and taste buds of connoisseurs around the world.
Recreating these iconic French pastries requires not only an understanding of their historical significance but also the mastery of essential skills. From the precise technique of folding puff pastry to the artful piping of delicate creams and fillings, crafting authentic French pastries demands dedication, patience, and attention to detail. If you want to learn French pastry techniques, then you’ll find plenty of famous pastry schools in France itself where you can become an expert. These include Ferrandi, École Ducasse, and Le Cordon Bleu. All of these schools offer French pastry classes in different types of pastries and treats, including viennoiserie, choux, filo, macarons, cakes, and everything else dessert-based. Joining a French baking school will let you become part of this proud tradition.
How long does it take to become a French pastry chef?
Becoming a French pastry chef takes time and dedication, but the length of your studies will depend on your current level of skills, experience and ambition.
French pastry schools offer a range of study options for students at all levels, from two-month essentials courses and nine-month diplomas to three or four-year Bachelor’s degree programs.
French Pastry school for Undergraduates
French Pastry school for Undergraduates A baking and pastry arts degree is the perfect preparation if you have designs on becoming a skilled practitioner and recognized in the industry.
Typically three to four years in length, undergraduate pastry arts degree programs cover the traditional and modern pastry, bread and dessert-making techniques, presentation and design skills, managerial know-how and entrepreneurial skills.
The better schools will offer internships and other opportunities to gain valuable real-world experience in the industry, the kind of experience that will give you the edge in a competitive job market.
Study a Bachelor in French pastry arts
Learn to master the essentials of French pastry arts at the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie or at our campus in Paris
French Pastry school for career switchers
If you are already working or hold a culinary arts degree but dream of turning your passion for dessert-making into a full-time career, French pastry schools offer a number of program options.
From two-month courses that cover the essentials of French pastry arts to basic and advanced diplomas of up to nine months, there are programs available that cater for people wanting to switch to culinary careers at all levels.
Location of École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie
If you are looking for a patisserie school, École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie is a fantastic choice not only for its courses, but also for its beautiful location. Situated on the outskirts of the town of Yssingeaux, this quiet and peaceful campus lets you truly focus on your French pastry classes while also enjoying the welcoming feel of suburban France.
On your time off you can enjoy the scenery of the Loire River or the countryside of the Auvergne region, the 12th century church and 19th century market. Choosing the École dessert school in this charming town lets you experience French life and culture, which is a big bonus when choosing pastry classes in France. Furthering your education and getting a true feel for French cuisine can help prepare you for a career at the very top.
Start a new career as a pastry chef
Studying for a French pastry arts diploma at ecole ducasse is a great way of realizing your dream of switching careers to become a pastry chef.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I study patisserie in France?
France is the recognized home of pastry arts and remains the best place in the world to study the craft. While there are some notable schools outside the capital, particularly the École Nationale Supérieure de Pâtisserie in Yssingeaux near Lyon, most of the renowned French patisserie institutions are located in Paris.
How do you become a pastry chef in France?
While there are some pastry chefs who learn the art while working on an apprenticeship, the usual way is to study at a French pastry arts school. The best institutions offer baking and pastry arts programs to suit students at every level, from intensive two-month essentials courses to three-year Bachelor’s degrees.
