Pastry making at the Gourmet School
Learning the art of chocolate and pastry
The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona Gourmet School is a place where the passion for chocolate is transformed into expertise. Located within the chocolate museum, it invites young and old to get hands-on alongside pastry chef instructors. More than just a workshop, it's a true school where you learn to understand, experiment, and create in a friendly and educational atmosphere.
An accessible and fun learning approach
At the Gourmet School, learn by doing. Thanks to an interactive and friendly approach, everyone progresses at their own pace. Accessible to all, from beginners to enthusiasts, each workshop is a moment of discovery, sharing, and enjoyment.
Recipes designed to be made at home
Professional chef techniques, designed to be easily replicated at home.
Each workshop allows you to acquire precise techniques, practical tips, and true independence in the kitchen.
The expertise of Valrhona's pastry chef instructors
Guided by passionate chefs, you will benefit from attentive support and personalized advice throughout the workshop. Their expertise and commitment to sharing knowledge guarantee an enriching and enjoyable experience, all under the banner of excellence.
The Dulcey laboratory
A true haven dedicated to creativity, the Dulcey laboratory is a space designed for creating, experimenting, and learning. Fully equipped with professional equipment, it offers an ideal environment for discovering, practicing, and understanding the techniques of professional chefs. Here, participants share recipes, techniques, tips, and tricks alongside our pastry chef instructors.
The workshops held here extend the visit by allowing for hands-on exploration of the chocolate-making process: tempering, molding, texturizing, decorating… Everyone can experiment, manipulate materials, and give free rein to their creativity.
I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for this wonderful pastry workshop! Your warm welcome, your infectious passion, and your invaluable advice made this experience a delicious, fun, and enriching moment. Thank you again for this moment of sharing and conviviality.
Offer a gift voucher
The Gourmet school also offers gift vouchers for pastry, perfect to surprise a loved one. The good pastry gift is for the curious and/or passionate who, accompanied by a pastry chef, will be able to learn or improve different pastry and chocolate techniques :
- 2 hours workshops (accessible from 16 years)
- Half-day or full-day courses (accessible from 16 years)
An original idea that combines pleasure, learning and greed.
Frequently asked questions - Gourmet School
Pastry workshops are for children aged 7 and up, and are typically 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes long. Pastry classes are open to all adult pastry enthusiasts. No specific technical level is required: our chefs adapt to each individual.
Yes, booking is required to guarantee your place. Workshops and classes fill up quickly, so it is advisable to book as soon as possible. If a class appears to be full, you can add your name to the waiting list by sending your contact information to the following email : gourmets@valrhona.fr
Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 pm to 5 pm. Outside of these hours, you can contact us by email to the following email : gourmets@valrhona.fr
The workshops are primarily held at the Valrhona Gourmet School, located within the Cité du Chocolat in Tain l’Hermitage. Some courses may also be held at the Valrhona School (8 quai du Général De Gaulle). This information is always included in the description of the chosen course. A reminder email, sent a few days before your workshop from gourmets@valrhona.fr, will indicate the exact location of your appointment.
Workshops/courses are scheduled at various times throughout the week. Time slots vary depending on the theme and the time of year (school holidays, weekends). Please check the online calendar for availability.
Courses and workshops are taught in French. Activities in English are possible for groups of 10 or more.
Each workshop is interactive and generally accommodates 8 to 10 people.
During each workshop, you are actively involved in creating your own dish. You complete all the steps of the recipe, from start to finish, from preparation to plating. Only the ingredients are weighed and prepared in advance to facilitate the workshop.
Yes, you can purchase a pastry gift certificate from École Gourmet. The recipient can then choose the date and theme that suits them. Valid for one year.
Comfortable clothing is recommended. Equipment and aprons are provided on-site. For hygiene and safety reasons, closed-toe shoes are required to access the kitchens. Failure to comply with this rule may result in being refused entry to the workshop, without the possibility of a refund.
Absolutely ! Each participant takes home their creations to continue the fun at home. After your participation, you'll leave with your pastry creations to delight your loved ones. Remember to bring a cooler or bag with you.
Reservations can be made online or on-site, by credit card, holiday vouchers, or cash at the Cité du Chocolat reception desk.
Courses are published on the 15th of the preceding month for the following quarter.
Example: On December 15th, courses scheduled for March will be posted online.
These are open to children aged 7 and up and are offered only during Zone A school holidays. Workshops are posted online at the end of the previous school holidays.
Lunch is included for all courses lasting one day or more.
Contact us at gourmets@valrhona.fr or by phone at +33 4 75 09 27 27 (press 6)
Chocolate as you've never experienced it before
