Experience Baking Canele and Madeleine in Bordeaux

5.0
(6 reviews)
Bordeaux, France

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2 hours (approximately)

Set in a beautifully restored 17th-century space in the heart of Bordeaux, this workshop offers a rare chance to craft the city’s iconic pastry—the canelé—from scratch. While canelés are sold across the city, including at the famed Baillardran and local favorite La Toque Cuivrée, few places invite you to make them yourself using traditional copper molds. Led entirely in English by native speakers—who are also locals able to translate life in France—this class blends hands-on technique with cultural insight into Bordeaux’s rich culinary heritage.

Offering a warm, immersive setting where guests connect with local traditions, ask questions freely, and savor what they’ve made, this experience goes beyond baking. Guests enjoy not only a taste of Bordeaux but an insider’s view into French culture—all in a space designed for comfort, creativity, and connection. Ideal for food enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

What's Included

The 20% TVA tax is included in the price.
All cooking ingredients are included.
Use of cooking equipment is included.
A glass of local wine is offered with the experience. A non-alcohol option is availabe.
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

We are conveniently located a few steps from the St. Michel Cathedral and about a 5-minute walk from either the St-Michel or Porte de Bourgogne tram stops.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

Guests are welcomed with a quick tour of the beautifully restored 17th-century atelier, followed by introductions and an overview of the class. The experience begins with the story of the canelé—its origins and its special place in Bordeaux’s culinary heritage.

Next, participants prepare the canelé batter and fill traditional copper molds for baking. As the pastries cook to caramelized perfection in the oven, the chef introduces another classic French favorite: the madeleine—a versatile dough with many variations and applications. A unique flavor or seasonally inspired preparation will be selected for the madeleines, which are then added to the oven.

Throughout the session, the chef shares practical tips on mold selection, ideal baking temperatures, and ideas for pairing and serving these small cakes at home.

The experience concludes with a tasting of both pastries, enjoyed with a glass of local wine or a warm beverage, making for a delicious and memorable moment.

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • We have tried to make our space as accessible as possible, that being said, the surrounding streets date to the 17th and 18th century and may be difficult to navigate for some. We are on the ground level without stairs but there are slight door frame transitions to negotiate and our primary work area is a standing counter height with tall stools. We do have an accessible toilet and sink. We will do our best to work with you to create a wheelchair accessible workspace, if needed but please alert us in advance of your visit so we may prepare.
  • Important Note: We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 18 years old and above. Minor travelers below 18 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
Supplied by The Gastronome

Tags

Cooking Classes
Seasonal
Small Group
Food & Drink
New Product

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 6 6 reviews
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