Learning To Make Macarons in Paris With Kids

Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Leslie Stroud

Paris, often referred to as the City of Love, offers more than just romance; it’s also a perfect destination for a family adventure. We tried a memorable experience that combines fun and learning: learning to make macarons in Paris with our kids! This delightful culinary journey not only satisfied our sweet tooth but also offered a chance to bond with our children while exploring the art of French pastry making.

The Perfect Setting

Imagine a charming, quaint patisserie tucked away in a cobbled alley in the heart of Paris. The aroma of freshly baked pastries wafts through the air as you enter. This is where your macaron-making adventure begins. Choose a family-friendly patisserie with experienced instructors who can guide your kids through the process of creating these delectable treats. Book your macaron class here!

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Things You Need When Making French Macarons

• Mixer
• Food kitchen scale
• Candy Thermometer
• Saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• Piping bags (at least two) and piping tips: #6 (6 mm diameter) for the filling and #8 (8 mm diameter) for the batter
• Hand-made Template for Cookies

The Learning Experience

Making macarons is a tricky art, and it’s a skill that’s never too early to start learning. Kids will not only have a blast but also pick up valuable skills like precision, patience, and teamwork. The classes are designed to be hands-on, with expert instructors offering step-by-step guidance. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

• Ingredient Preparation: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients – almond flour, egg whites, sugar, and food coloring. Kids can take turns measuring and mixing these ingredients, fostering a sense of responsibility and organization.
• Macaronage: This is the technique of folding the almond mixture into the meringue, which requires gentle finesse. Kids will learn how to master this crucial step in the macaron-making process.
• Piping and Shaping: Kids love to get creative, and here’s their chance! They can experiment with various shapes and colors, letting their imaginations run wild while creating the iconic macaron shells. We made yellow-green colored shells to match lemon as our chosen flavor.
• Filling and Assembling: After the macaron shells are baked to perfection, it’s time to fill them with delicious fillings like ganache or buttercream. Depending on your preference, kids can combine flavors and choose their own fillings.
• Decorating: The exciting part! Decorating macarons is a chance to let your artistic flair shine. With edible colors and toppings, you can make your macarons unique. We cut out shapes of different colors, like hearts, stars, and the Eiffel Tower.

A Cultural Experience

Beyond the culinary skills we acquired, learning to make macarons in Paris with kids offers a wonderful cultural experience. It’s an opportunity to immerse in the French way of life. While the macarons are baking, you can explore the local area and even indulge in some authentic French cuisine. It’s a good idea to know a place by its food. Right? 🙂

Quality Time Together

The best part of this experience is the quality time you get to spend with your children. Making macarons is a collaborative effort, requiring teamwork and cooperation. It’s a chance for the kids to feel involved and responsible as they follow instructions and work together to create something wonderful. Baking is meticulous. I remember how excited our kids were to make their own macaron toppers!

A Sweet Reward

After all your hard work, your family will be rewarded with a plate of freshly made macarons. Sharing these sweet treats over a cup of hot chocolate or tea is the perfect way to end your macaron-making adventure. You’ll leave the patisserie with not just macarons but also cherished memories of a unique family experience!

Where To Stay In Paris With Kids

• Hotel du Cadran is nestled in the 7th Arrondissement, a walkable area in Paris with good shopping. Some of the notable landmarks nearby are The Louvre Museum and Palais Garnier. It’s a 13-minute walk away from the Eiffel Tower.

• Hotel Duminy Vendome is located in Paris City Center. Some of the must-see places nearby are Place de la Concorde and Notre Dame.

• Padam Hôtel is close to Stade de France and Luxembourg Gardens, some of the top attractions not to be missed.

Other Fun Things To Do in Paris With Kids

• Spend a day at Disneyland Paris.
• Explore Paris by taking a City and River Seine Tour on an Amphibious Bus.
• Why not also learn how to make French bread with this 2-hour bread-making class in Paris?
• If your kids know how to ride a bike, book a City Treasures Bike Tour to see Paris’ iconic landmarks.
• Discover Paris’ passion for perfume, and create your own personalized fragrance by going to a Perfume Creation Workshop. Kids 10 and up can go to this class, too!

Tips When Traveling To Paris With Kids

Traveling to Paris with kids can be a fantastic experience, as the city offers many family-friendly activities and attractions. To make your trip enjoyable and stress-free, consider these tips:

1. Kid-Centric Museums: You can find several museums with kid-centric exhibits, such as the Cité des Enfants at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, which has a scavenger hunt for children.
2. Visit Parks and Gardens: Paris has beautiful parks and gardens like the Luxembourg Gardens and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. These offer open spaces for kids to play and explore.
3. Seine River Cruise: Take a Seine River cruise to see some of Paris’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective. Many cruises are family-friendly and offer commentary suitable for kids.
4. Enjoy Pastries and Ice Cream: Paris is famous for its pastries and ice cream. Treat your kids to some delicious French treats, and let them experience the local flavors.
5. Stroller or Baby Carrier: Depending on the age of your children, bring a stroller or a baby carrier for easy mobility through the city. Many Paris streets are cobblestone, which can be challenging for strollers.
6. Learn Basic French Phrases: Teaching your children a few basic French phrases can be fun and helpful. Locals appreciate the effort, and it can be a great way to engage with the culture.
7. Bring Essentials: Don’t forget to pack essentials like sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes for your children.

Xoxo,

Leslie

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