Ohlala Macarons in Paris!

Reviewed · PARIS PASTRY & MACARON CLASSES

Ohlala Macarons in Paris!

★ 4.5 · 8 reviews From $138 Operated by Aten-Te Aute · Bookable on Viator
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Macarons are small, but the technique is serious. This Paris class is built to help you master French macaron technique step by step, from filling to piping. I especially like the small group size and the hands-on practice that keeps the lesson moving at a human pace.

One big plus: you get to make your own chocolate ganache or homemade jam and taste what you produced with coffee or tea. The session also includes tools, ingredients, and an apron, so you can focus on doing it right instead of hunting for equipment.

The main thing to consider is that macarons are delicate. If you want zero stress, know that the shells and meringue method are the tricky part, and your results depend on technique and timing.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

Ohlala Macarons in Paris! - Key Highlights You’ll Care About

  • Maximum 7 guests keeps it personal and practice-focused
  • Italian meringue method for the shells, plus piping guidance for better results
  • Two filling options: chocolate ganache and/or homemade jam
  • Coffee or tea included, so your tasting is part of the class, not an afterthought
  • Passage du Génie meeting point near the Faidherbe-Chaligny metro for an easy start
  • Mobile ticket and a small, central setup make planning simple

A Small-Group Macaron Class in Paris That Teaches the Real Technique

Ohlala Macarons in Paris! - A Small-Group Macaron Class in Paris That Teaches the Real Technique
If you’ve ever watched macaron videos and thought, That looks impossible, you’re in the right place. This is not just a tasting. It’s a hands-on class that teaches the working logic behind macarons—why the batter behaves the way it does, and how the shell turns out after baking.

Two things I like a lot: you work in a small group capped at six guests (up to seven total), and the lesson is structured in the order that matters—filling first, then shells, then pairing and tasting. That sequencing helps you learn the steps as a system, not as random instructions.

A small caution: macarons are finicky. The class helps you practice the technique, but you still have to pay attention during the meringue and piping steps if you want that classic smooth, well-formed result.

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Meeting at Passage du Génie: Central, Straightforward, and Metro-Friendly

Ohlala Macarons in Paris! - Meeting at Passage du Génie: Central, Straightforward, and Metro-Friendly
You’ll meet at 22 Pass. du Génie, 75012 Paris. It’s in central Paris and near the Faidherbe-Chaligny metro, which is a big deal when you’re trying to arrive without the stress of complicated transit.

The session ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t have to plan a second walk across the city. That round-trip convenience makes this class easier to fit into a day that already includes museums, markets, or a long lunch.

If you’re coming from another neighborhood, I recommend giving yourself extra time to find the exact entrance and settle in. Small workshops usually move quickly once everyone arrives.

The Opening Moment: Why Macarons Matter (And Where They Come From)

Ohlala Macarons in Paris! - The Opening Moment: Why Macarons Matter (And Where They Come From)
The class starts with a short introduction that sets context fast—where macarons come from. It’s a quick, friendly way to get your brain in the right gear before you touch ingredients.

This part matters more than it seems. When you understand macarons as a traditional French pastry with specific technique behind it, you’re less likely to treat the recipe like a generic sweet cookie. You approach it like a delicate process.

You’ll also meet your instructor and group, and get a feel for the kitchen pace. The best classes don’t rush you into chaos. They build a rhythm you can follow.

Chocolate Ganache Filling: The Sweet Part With Real Technique

Ohlala Macarons in Paris! - Chocolate Ganache Filling: The Sweet Part With Real Technique
Next you make a ganache (chocolate) filling. You’ll learn not only what to do, but what’s tricky about the filling step. Ganache can look simple, but small changes in temperature and mixing can affect texture and how it spreads or sets.

What I like here is that the class frames ganache as a skill, not just a flavor. If you’ve struggled with fillings before, this is the moment where you stop guessing and start controlling.

You’ll also get the chance to fill your shells later with the ganache and/or a home made jam. Having two options is a practical way to bring your own taste to the final macaron, especially if you prefer something less chocolate-forward.

Italian Meringue Shells: The Piping Skill That Changes Everything

The shells are the main event, and the class makes that clear. You’ll use the Italian meringue method, which is a known approach for building stable, glossy meringue for macarons.

This is also where the class earns its value. You learn the “most important part,” including how to pipe the shells and how to aim for success. Piping isn’t just a decorative step. It affects size, shape, and the way the surface develops before baking.

You’ll practice with a small group, and that’s a big deal. In a larger class, you might watch more than you do. Here, the structure keeps you actively making decisions—how you hold the piping bag, how you portion, and when you move to the next step.

If you want a personal check on your technique, you’re more likely to get it in a group of this size. Reviews also highlight instructors who explain step by step and make sure you practice, not just observe—names like Gaby and Eduardo/Edwardo come up in past sessions.

Pairing Shells and Making Them Yours: Ganache or Jam

Once your shells are baked and ready, you pair them with your fillings. This is the satisfying moment where all your earlier steps turn into finished macarons.

You can pair the shells with ganache and/or home made jam. That flexibility matters because macarons aren’t one-note. Some people want the deep sweetness of chocolate ganache. Others like the brightness of a fruit filling.

It also lets you leave with a small variety, which is great for sharing. And yes, it’s also fun to taste your own results immediately rather than waiting until you’re back home.

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Baking With Your Small Group: Coffee or Tea Tasting Included

Ohlala Macarons in Paris! - Baking With Your Small Group: Coffee or Tea Tasting Included
You’ll bake with the small group and then enjoy the macarons with coffee or tea included. That pairing is classic French comfort: something warm or lightly bitter next to something sweet and delicate.

The tasting is part of learning. When you eat macarons you made yourself, you can actually notice what good texture feels like and what changes might have caused differences. That feedback makes it easier to repeat the technique later at home.

This is also when the class atmosphere tends to loosen up. Reviews often describe the experience as fun, relaxed, and hands-on. You’re not just learning. You’re also enjoying the finished product while it’s at its best.

Price and Value: Is $138.77 Worth It?

At $138.77 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes, you’re paying for more than a recipe card. You’re paying for guided technique, small-group instruction, and all the working materials.

Here’s what’s included that drives value:

  • ingredients, tools, and an apron are provided during the class
  • coffee and/or tea included with your tasting
  • you’re welcome to take pictures or videos
  • the experience is capped at a maximum of seven travelers, which helps you get attention and practice

What you’re not paying for:

  • alcoholic beverages (not included)

For me, the real value is the small group and the specific method taught for shells. If you’ve tried macarons at home before, you know the hardest part isn’t taste—it’s consistency. A focused class that targets shells (Italian meringue), piping, and filling gives you a better shot at repeatable results.

Is it the cheapest Paris food activity? No. But it’s also not a quick photo stop. This is a do-it-yourself skill that you can take home and reuse.

What to Expect From the Time: A Tight, Focused 90 Minutes

Plan on about 1.5 hours. That time window is short enough to feel efficient, but long enough to cover the core steps: introduction, filling, shells, pairing, and tasting.

Since the class includes baking and eating, don’t schedule it too tightly with a timed train or a distant museum ticket right afterward. You’ll want a little buffer before your next commitment, even though the class ends back at the start point.

If you’re traveling with kids, the experience can be a great fit because it’s active and guided. That said, macarons require careful steps, so the experience works best when everyone is willing to slow down and follow technique.

Who This Class Fits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Flavor of Paris Class)

This is ideal if you:

  • want to learn a French baking technique you can practice at home
  • prefer small-group instruction over crowded demo-style cooking
  • enjoy chocolate and fruit flavors, since you’ll make ganache and/or jam

It’s also a good pick if you love Paris food culture and want something hands-on instead of only eating your way through neighborhoods.

You might want to choose something else if you’re looking for a low-effort, guaranteed-happy-every-time activity. Macarons are delicate, and results depend on technique. The upside is that the class helps you build the skill.

Should You Book This Ohlala Macarons Class?

I’d book it if you want a compact Paris experience that gives you both knowledge and an edible souvenir. The small group size, the focus on the Italian meringue method, and the fact that you take home a clear path to fillings and pairing make this feel practical—not performative.

Do it if you love the idea of learning by doing: piping, assembling, and tasting what you made with coffee or tea right after baking. Even if you’ve tried macarons before and felt stuck, this structure gives you a reset point.

And one last reason: the meeting point is central and near the Faidherbe-Chaligny metro, which makes planning easier than many food workshops tucked deep into side streets.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the macaron class?

It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

What is included in the price?

Ingredients, tools, and an apron are provided, and coffee and/or tea are included.

Do I get to make both ganache and jam?

You will learn to make a chocolate ganache filling, and you’ll pair the shells with ganache and/or a home made jam.

How many people are in the class?

It’s capped at a maximum of seven travelers, with small groups helping the experience feel more personal.

Where do I meet the instructor?

The meeting point is 22 Pass. du Génie, 75012 Paris, France, near the Faidherbe-Chaligny metro.

Does the class include alcoholic drinks?

No, alcoholic beverages are not included.

Can I take photos or videos during the class?

Yes, you’re welcome to take as many pictures or videos as you want.

Is this experience refundable if I cancel?

No. It is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

What ticket format do I receive?

You’ll use a mobile ticket.

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