Our Ten Top-Rated Food & Wine Experiences In Paris

In Paris, food and wine are the cornerstones of la belle vie. So naturally there is a plethora of walking tours, tastings, and cooking classes with a focus on French food or wine or both. Here we present our selection of the best food activities that have been impressing travelers with a taste for the culinary culture of France.

10. Learn to Make Croissants with a Pastry Chef

Sure — you can eat croissants and pain au chocolat during your trip to Paris. But instead, why not learn how to bake them yourself? That's what happens in this hands-on, small-group pastry class. Meet your chef/instructor in the professional kitchen to, then roll up your sleeves to learn the step-by-step secrets to making these iconic French pastries.

9. Wine Tasting Lunch

Instead of just tasting wine, pair your wine with cheese, charcuterie, and bread from a prize-winning Parisian boulangerie. It takes place in a lovely wine bar near the Louvre where things kick off at noon. While you are tasting and being introduced to five regional wines of France, you are also sampling artisanal cheese from a master fromager. You learn which cheeses go with which wines and why that is the case. Similarly you taste charcuterie from southwestern France and from Corsica, paring those with red wines.

8. Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris

We think you will love this new evening dinner cruise that joins the Seine River with Maxim's of Paris, the Belle Époque bistro that debuted at the 1900 Paris Exposition. On this evening cruise you'll dine on a decadent 3-course classic French dinner made famous at the historic bistro as you admire the lights of the city.

With VIP treatment, including guaranteed window seating for the best views, you'll be immersed in an unforgettable romantic atmosphere. Opt for the two-hour option for an 8 pm sailing.

7. Tasting the Wine Regions of France

To be in Paris is to be in the center of the best of fine French wine. Wine is a foundation of the French food culture and being in Paris gives you a great chance to learn more about it. And so it makes sense that, completing the trinity of the most popular food activities, is this wine and champagne tasting.

It's the top-rated wine tasting class in Paris — led by knowledgable, friendly sommeliers. It takes you across the wine map of France and lets you taste some of the best of the country. This tasting take place in a wine bar in the center of things, right near the Louvre.

6. Learn to Make Macarons in Paris

At a charming cooking school in Paris, learn the secrets of making perfect macarons from Chef Noemie. The colorful, ganache-filled treats are the rage in Paris and around the world. The small group size ensures an intimate experience and full attention from your chef. Before you leave you will be loaded with a box of your very own creations to share with your friends and family — or eat by yourself!

5. Champagne Tasting on a Seine River Cruise

What could be better than leisurely cruising down Paris' famous river, with the iconic monuments and sights passing by? We'll tell you what — cruising down the Seine while sipping champagne! We took this cruise recently and it was delightful.

Instead of sitting in the back of the boat with the other visitors, you're led to a private room at the front. There, a champagne sommelier guides you through a tasting of three different champagnes. Since we've done this tour we can tell you that the champagne flows! Just don't forget to look at those monuments in between sips.

4. Dinner on the Eiffel Tower

Arranging an elegant dinner on the Eiffel Tower is not only a magnificent idea, it's easier than it may sound. Tap into the best of Parisian living with dinner at Madame Brasserie, the latest restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. Chef Marx truly delivers on views and the plates on the table. Choose the option called Grande Dame – Paris View for the best views and the best meal. It's an evening you won't soon forget.

3. Cheese and Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

At a fromagerie in the Marais you meet the shop's master affineur (an expert in the art of cheese aging) to learn about the cheese of France, how they are made, and how they are aged to perfection. With the affineur you descend into the underground cave to learn about the maturing cheeses.

In the large aging room you are introduced to Beaufort (a raw cow's milk cheese produced in the French Alps), Etivaz (a hard, raw cow's milk cheese made in the Swiss Alps), and five other cheeses. You learn the history, traditions, and techniques of French cheese production, sampling at every stage. Each cheese is paired with a French wine.

2. Discover the Food & Wine of the Marais

Wander the ancient streets of everyone's favorite Paris quartier with an expert food guide to visit some of the most fantastic food shops in the city. This tour takes you deep into the Marais as you visit (and sample at) a boulangerie, wine shop, epicerie, chocolatier, and more. This is a small-group tour to ensure you get individual attention (and plenty of samples!).

The food-filled three-and-a-half-hour tour starts off at the oldest market in Paris, Le Marché des Enfants Rouges. Morning tours start at 11:30 (so you can sleep in) and evening tours at 5 PM.

1. VIP Seine River Dinner Cruise

It's no wonder this multi-faceted nighttime activity is the number-one food related activity. It combines cruising along the river while dining on a gourmet meal and listening to live music. You'll find that everything in Paris looks better from a bateau at night. Famous landmarks will pass by as you enjoy a multi-course French meal with wine. You'll want to choose the Service Premier option. We know, we know: it's more expensive! But it gives you the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.