Dreaming about studying culinary arts in Paris? You're not alone! Paris, often called the world's culinary capital, is where aspiring chefs from across the globe come to transform their passion for food into a career. From legendary cooking schools like Le Cordon Bleu and Ferrandi to innovative institutions such as École Ducasse and Lenôtre, Paris offers unparalleled opportunities to learn from the best chefs and immerse yourself in a culture that lives and breathes great food.
Whether you dream of perfecting classic French pastries, mastering the art of gourmet cooking, or learning modern culinary techniques, Paris has something special for everyone. This guide will help you choose the right culinary school in Paris that fits your aspirations and find an apartment to rent in Paris during your culinary program.
Why Study Culinary Arts in Paris?
Studying culinary arts in Paris offers more than professional training; it's a transformative experience immersed in rich French culinary traditions, vibrant local markets, cultural history, and some of the best dining experiences on earth. You'll explore bustling markets filled with fresh ingredients, visit different pastry shops, and learn authentic French techniques directly from top chefs. In Paris, every lesson feels like stepping into a delicious piece of history.
Best Culinary Schools in Paris: How to Choose the Right One for You
Le Cordon Bleu
Founded in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu is one of the world's most famous culinary institutions attracting students from over 100 countries annually. It was originally established to preserve and promote traditional French cooking methods. Le Cordon Bleu gained global recognition thanks to renowned alumni like Julia Child, whose passion for French cuisine transformed cooking around the world. Ideal for students seeking comprehensive foundational skills combined with prestigious international recognition, Le Cordon Bleu specializes in classical French culinary techniques and pastry arts.
Le Cordon Bleu Paris offers a range of programs with varying durations, depending on the certification or diploma pursued. The flagship Grand Diplôme, which combines the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie, typically takes 9 to 12 months to complete. Other programs, such as individual diplomas in cuisine or pastry, are structured into three levels—Basic, Intermediate, and Superior—each lasting approximately 12 weeks. Courses at Le Cordon Bleu Paris are offered in both English and French, catering to international students from around the globe.
- Specialties: Classic French Cuisine, Pastry Arts, Bakery, Hospitality Management, Wine
- Programs and Costs: Diplomas typically range from €13,500 to €63,000. Short-term workshops start from around €2,000.
- Language required: Le Cordon Bleu Paris offers programs in both English and French, with a minimum requirement of B2 level in English or A2 level in French, depending on the language of instruction.
- Internship Opportunities: Upon completing diplomas such as Diplôme de Cuisine, Diplôme de Pâtisserie, or the Grand Diplôme, students have the option for internships. These include a 3-month Practical Application phase at Le Cordon Bleu Paris kitchens, followed by a potential 6-month internship placement at partner restaurants or luxury hotels such as Restaurant Arpege, Restaurant Akrame, Christophe Michalak, Fauchon Paris.
- Facilities: The Cordon Bleu campus features state-of-the-art kitchens and even a vegetable garden to promote farm-to-table concepts
- School Ranking: Le Cordon Bleu is one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world, and its Paris campus was named Best Culinary Training Institution by the World Culinary Awards and ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide and holds the 7th position nationally in France, reflecting its strong academic reputation both globally and locally.
- Location: Situated in the vibrant 15th arrondissement, near the Eiffel Tower and the Seine River.
Credit photo: Le Cordon Bleu
Ferrandi Paris
Ferrandi Paris, founded in 1920, is known as ‘the Harvard of Gastronomy’. It is one of Europe's largest culinary institutes and a top business school for hospitality and gastronomy, welcoming students from over 25 nations. Ferrandi emphasizes practical training, with 70% of coursework focused on hands-on learning, and maintains strong industry connections, making it ideal for students seeking extensive practical experience and job prospects. Ferrandi's close ties with top restaurants and hospitality establishments worldwide give its graduates a competitive edge.
- Specialties: Gastronomy, Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management
- Programs and Costs: Programs typically cost between €4,000 and €44,100, depending on specialization and depth. For most programs, prior experience is not required. However, advanced professional programs generally require at least one year of relevant experience for admission.
- Internship Opportunities: Ferrandi has partnerships with over 800 industry leaders, offering internships at Michelin-starred restaurants, luxury hotels, and palaces.
- Facilities: Classes at Ferrandi are conducted in English by bilingual chef-instructors for small groups of about 12 students. The school fosters an inclusive environment for international students.
- Location: Situated in the trendy 6th arrondissement in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known for its artistic atmosphere, vibrant café culture, and close proximity to landmarks like the Luxembourg Gardens.
Credit photo : Ferrandi Paris
École Ritz Escoffier
Founded in 1988 within the legendary Ritz Paris, École Ritz Escoffier carries the legacy of famed chef Auguste Escoffier and is recognized as one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world. Nestled inside the iconic Hôtel Ritz on Place Vendôme in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, the school offers an exclusive and immersive experience in French haute cuisine. With a focus on tradition, refinement, and precision, École Ritz Escoffier trains aspiring chefs, passionate amateurs, and professionals alike in the art of French gastronomy. Its intimate class sizes and personalized instruction make it a top choice for those seeking mastery under the guidance of expert Ritz chefs.
- Specialties: French Gastronomy, Pastry Arts, Haute Cuisine
- Programs and Costs: Courses range from half-day workshops to intensive multi-week programs, with prices typically starting around €320 for short sessions and going up to €10,800+ for in-depth professional training. No prior experience is necessary for most beginner programs.
- Internship Opportunities: While the school does not offer traditional internship placements, its close affiliation with the Ritz Paris and its global prestige can open doors for alumni seeking positions in luxury hospitality or fine dining.
- Facilities: Classes take place in professionally equipped kitchens within the famous Ritz Hôtel, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most luxurious hôtel. Instruction is delivered in French and English, depending on the course, and the atmosphere is both elegant and rigorous.
- Location: Located inside the Hôtel Ritz Paris at Place Vendôme, one of the city’s most glamorous and historic squares, the school provides a quintessential Parisian experience at the heart of luxury and culinary excellence.
École Ducasse
Founded by legendary Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, École Ducasse is celebrated for its cutting-edge culinary methods and emphasis on contemporary gastronomy. It's an ideal choice if you're passionate about modern culinary innovation and aspire to learn sophisticated, high-end techniques. With Ducasse's prestigious reputation behind it, students benefit from extensive professional networks and world-class training environments.
- Specialties: Contemporary Culinary Arts, Luxury Hospitality, Advanced Pastry Techniques
- Programs and Costs: École Ducasse offers a range of culinary programs with tuition fees varying based on the program's duration and specialization. For example, the bachelor program costs around €52,450 to €64,800, €27,900 for the 22-week program and €8 900 for the 8-week program.
- Facilities: The student-to-teacher ratio is 13:1.
- Location: Primarily located in Meudon-la-Forêt in the Paris western suburb, offering a tranquil suburban atmosphere conducive to focused study and practice.
Credit photo : École Ducasse
Lenôtre
Founded by renowned pastry chef Gaston Lenôtre, Lenôtre Culinary School specializes in pastry, chocolate-making, and baking arts. It’s an ideal choice for students passionate about pastry who seek mastery in both traditional and contemporary French techniques.
Program durations range from 4 to 7 months and include an in-company internship. Additionally, Lenôtre offers a short-term introductory program lasting 6 weeks, ideal for beginners.
- Specialties: Pastry Arts, Baking, Chocolate Making
- Programs and Costs: Intensive courses range from €3,000 to €25,000.
- Location: Rungis (94), near Paris, a stone's throw from one of the world's largest markets for gourmet suppliers
Credit photo : École Lenôtre
Finding Your Ideal Parisian Home during Your Culinary Program in Paris
Paris Rental has been serving expats, diplomats, and international professionals since 1987. Over the years, we've had the pleasure of working with culinary students from around the world who come to Paris to pursue their dreams at prestigious schools such as Le Cordon Bleu and Ferrandi Paris. We understand the unique needs of students embarking on an intense and rewarding culinary journey.
Having the right place to call home during your studies can make a world of difference. Culinary programs often have demanding schedules, starting early in the morning and requiring long hours of practice. That's why finding a comfortable, well-equipped, and well-located apartment isn't just a convenience—it's essential.
At Paris Rental, we specialize in helping international students find fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments for mid to long-term that match their lifestyle and study needs. Whether you're here for a few months or a year, we'll help make your transition to life in Paris smooth and stress-free.
Key Things to Consider When Renting an Apartment in Paris
Fully Furnished Apartments:
Move-in ready and hassle-free—ideal for international students who want to settle in quickly and comfortably without the hassle of furnishing the apartment yourself.
Fully Equipped Kitchen
As a culinary student, having access to a spacious and well-equipped kitchen at home is a big plus. It allows you to practice techniques, experiment with recipes, and refine your skills outside the classroom.
Proximity to Public Transportation
Choose an apartment with easy access to Metro lines and bus routes. Given the early start times and tight schedules of culinary programs—not to mention the tools and supplies students often carry—having a short and convenient commute is crucial.
Inclusive Utilities
Since most culinary programs last between 4 months and 1 year, it's wise to opt for apartments where utilities like electricity and internet are already included. This saves you the hassle of setting up separate contracts upon arrival, making your check-in and check-out process much easier.
Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right neighborhood can deeply enrich your culinary study journey in Paris. Look for areas that offer easy access to vibrant food markets, local bakeries, specialty shops, and fromageries—perfect for immersing yourself in French food culture and sourcing high-quality ingredients for your practice. Living near authentic markets like Marché d'Aligre, Marché des Enfants Rouges, or Rue Cler can turn your daily grocery run into a culinary adventure. A well-chosen neighborhood doesn't just support your studies—it inspires them.
Ideal Neighborhoods in Paris for Culinary Students
15th Arrondissement – Grenelle
An excellent choice for Le Cordon Bleu students, as the school is located right in the 15th arrondissement. Grenelle blends peaceful residential living with great amenities and accessibility. The Grenelle neighborhood is home to food markets like Marché Grenelle and a wide range of bakeries, cafés, and fromageries—perfect for students looking to immerse themselves in everyday Parisian life while staying close to class.
6th Arrondissement – Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Ideal for Ferrandi students, this iconic Left Bank neighborhood pulses with creativity, elegance, and a rich cultural legacy. Known for its literary and artistic history, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also a true paradise for food lovers. The area is filled with artisan chocolatiers, historic cafés, and gourmet food shops that celebrate the best of French culinary tradition.
You'll find Pierre Hermé—often called the Picasso of pastry—serving exquisite macarons and desserts, and Poilâne, one of Paris's most famous bakeries known for its rustic sourdough loaves. Chocolate lovers will appreciate Patrick Roger, whose boutique feels more like an art gallery with sculptures that blend chocolate and design. The vibrant Marché Saint-Germain, the bustling Rue de Buci, and the upscale La Grande Épicerie de Paris offer an incredible selection of fresh produce, fine cheeses, and specialty ingredients. For a culinary student, it's both a neighborhood and an endless source of inspiration.
14th Arrondissement – Montparnasse
A lively, well-connected, and more affordable district popular among students and young professionals. Montparnasse neighborhood has long been a hub for artists, writers, and culinary minds, offering a mix of charm, culture, and convenience. The area is served by several major metro lines—Lines 4, 6, 12, and 13—making it easy to commute to culinary schools throughout Paris.
You'll find plenty of authentic Parisian flavor here, including legendary brasseries such as La Coupole, Le Dôme, and La Rotonde—historic haunts once frequented by the likes of Hemingway and Picasso. For your grocery needs, the lively Marché Edgar Quinet offers fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and more, making it easy to shop for quality ingredients just steps from home. Montparnasse is a smart, inspiring base for any culinary student looking to balance practicality with a taste of classic Paris.
3rd & 4th Arrondissements – Le Marais
A favorite among food enthusiasts and creatives alike, Le Marais is a vibrant, trendy, historic district full of character located on the right bank—ideal for culinary students looking to be surrounded by inspiration. Known for its medieval streets, stylish boutiques, and thriving café culture, Le Marais blends old-world Paris with a modern, energetic vibe.
Le Marais is home to some of the city's most beloved food destinations, making it a dream neighborhood for culinary students. Don’t miss L’As du Fallafel on Rue des Rosiers, famous for serving the best falafel and pita sandwiches in Paris. For high-quality groceries and gourmet finds, head to Maison Plisson, known for its beautifully curated selection of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and artisanal pantry items.
Craving something sweet? Une Glace à Paris, run by Meilleur Ouvrier de France Emmanuel Ryon, offers artisan ice cream that's as refined as it is indulgent. Just a short stroll away, Rue de Bretagne is a local favorite, packed with bakeries, cheese shops, wine merchants, and casual eateries—all centered around the historic Marché des Enfants Rouges, Paris's oldest covered market. Here, you'll find everything from organic vegetables to Moroccan tagines and Japanese bento boxes, blending traditional French ingredients with global flavors.
With easy access to Metro Lines 1, 3, 8, and 11, Le Marais provides great connectivity while surrounding you with the very best of Parisian food culture and charm.
Suburbs – Meudon-la-Forêt & Rungis
For students at École Ducasse or École Lenôtre, these suburban areas offer peaceful, spacious living at a more affordable rent compared to central Paris.
Meudon-la-Forêt, located just southwest of Paris, is home to École Ducasse's Paris Campus. This serene suburb is surrounded by the beautiful Forêt Domaniale de Meudon, one of the largest green spaces near Paris, offering forested trails, walking paths, and lakes—ideal for relaxing and recharging after an intense day of culinary training.
Despite its peaceful, nature-rich atmosphere, Meudon-la-Forêt is well-connected to the city. The area is served by tram line T6, which links to metro line 13 at Châtillon–Montrouge and also offers access to the RER C via nearby stations like Meudon or Issy-Val de Seine. These connections make reaching central Paris within 30–40 minutes easy, balancing calm living with convenient access.
Rungis, home to École Lenôtre's main campus, is famously known for housing the Marché International de Rungis—the largest wholesale food market in the world. Living here places you at the heart of the professional food industry, offering a unique advantage to culinary students. Rungis combines a village-like atmosphere with convenient transport links, including the RER C train line and proximity to Orly Airport, making it easy to reach central Paris or travel internationally. The nearby Pont de Rungis – Aéroport d'Orly station connects you to Paris in about 20–30 minutes, while local buses serve the area well, offering direct access to École Lenôtre's campus and the surrounding food industry hub.
Both locations offer a slower pace of life, more space, and a deeper connection to the culinary world—ideal for students dedicated to honing their craft.
Practical Tips for Securing Your Rental in Paris
Practical Tips for Securing Your Rental in Paris
Finding the right apartment in Paris—especially as an international student or expat—can be challenging, but a few smart strategies can make the process much smoother.
Work with Specialized Agencies
Partnering with a trusted agency like Paris Rental can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes. With over three decades of experience serving expats, diplomats, and students, Paris Rental offers multilingual support, guidance on legal paperwork, and access to a curated selection of fully furnished, move-in-ready apartments in central Paris and western suburbs. Agencies that understand the expat experience can also help you navigate lease terms, guarantor requirements, and utility setup—all in English.
Budget Wisely
Rental prices in Paris vary depending on location, size, and amenities. Here's a general monthly price range to guide your planning:
Great for solo students, especially in centrally located or newly renovated buildings.
- One-bedroom apartments: €1,800 – €2,500
Ideal for those who want more space, often with separate kitchens and living rooms.
Keep in mind that apartments closer to culinary schools, major markets, or central arrondissements tend to be more expensive. Consider neighborhoods a little farther out—but well-connected by metro—for better value without sacrificing convenience.
💶 Check out our detailed blog post, The Cost of Renting an Apartment in Paris in 2025 to explore average rental prices by arrondissement, what's included in the rent, and how to make the most of your budget as a student or expat.
Be Prepared with All the Required Documents
The Paris rental market is competitive and fast-moving—especially around the start of school terms. To improve your chances of securing the apartment you want, it's essential to have all your paperwork ready.
Typical rental documents in France include:
- A valid passport or ID
- Proof of income (such as payslips or bank statements)
- A student acceptance letter from your culinary school
- A guarantor or guarantee solution (especially important for students and non-residents)
🛑 Why the guarantor matters: Most landlords in Paris require a local guarantor—someone who lives and works in France, earning a salary of at least 3 times the rent who agrees to cover your rent if you cannot pay. As an international student or expat, this can be a significant hurdle. Fortunately, solutions are available, such as private rental guarantee services, bank guarantees, or specialized agencies that work with expats and students.
👉Check out our blog: Rent an Apartment in Paris Without a Local Guarantor: Solutions for Expats – it breaks down your guarantee options and helps you rent with confidence, even if you're new to France.
Visit if You Can—or Ask for a Virtual Tour
If you're not yet in Paris, ask the agency for a virtual video tour to ensure the apartment fits your expectations. Reputable agencies are happy to provide this service, especially for international clients.
Key Visa Requirements for Culinary Students in Paris
1. Visa Types
- Short-stay visa (<90 days): For workshops/short courses (free, non-renewable).
- Long-stay VLS-TS visa (4–12 months): Mandatory for culinary programs exceeding 90 days. Acts as a residence permit and requires online validation within 3 months of arrival (€99 fee).
2. Application Process
- Step 1: Secure admission from a culinary school (e.g., Le Cordon Bleu, Ferrandi) to obtain an acceptance letter.
- Step 2: Campus France registration (if applicable): Mandatory for students from 43 countries (e.g., U.S., India) via the Études en France platform. Includes an interview to assess English/French proficiency, financial stability, and culinary goals.
- Step 3: Submit documents (passport, photos, proof of funds, accommodation, insurance) and book a visa appointment.
3. Financial Proof
- Minimum funds: ~€615–1,230/month (varies by consulate). Acceptable proofs include bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits.
- Insurance: Must cover medical costs up to €30,000.
4. Post-Arrival Steps
- Validate VLS-TS online via the French Immigration Office within 3 months of your arrival in France.
- Renewal: Apply through your school 2 months before expiry.
- Work rights: Students in France can work up to 964 hours/year (~20 hrs/week).
5. Exemptions
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No visa required.
- Biometric reuse: If you’ve held a Schengen visa in the past 59 months, fingerprints may not be retaken.
✈️ Check out our blog: Visa Requirements for Moving to Paris in 2025: Your Essential Guide to make sure you’re fully prepared with the right documents and timelines.
Studying culinary arts in Paris isn't just about learning recipes; it's an immersive cultural experience full of opportunities for personal and professional growth. At Paris Rental, we’re here to ensure your transition is seamless, letting you fully enjoy your culinary adventure.
Bon appétit and welcome to your exciting new chapter in Paris!
Editor: Siyi CHEN
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