Paris

Best Cooking Schools in Paris

The three best cooking schools in Paris are Ecole Ritz Escoffier, Ecole Lenotre and Le Cordon Bleu.

All three schools have great courses, from one-day classes to full culinary courses and diplomas. Shorter courses range in theme from “Cooking for Friends” to “Autumn Cakes and Pastries”, and everything in between. Most start with a demo and then move into the kitchen for hands-on learning with the chef. These classes are great if you want to take a cooking class in Paris while you are visiting for a short period of time.

At Ecole Lenotre, classes are taught only in French. At Le Cordon Bleu, beginner classes are translated simultaneously into English, as are many of the cooking demonstrations. At Ecole Ritz Escoffier, everything is translated into English.

The skill level required for the best cooking schools in Paris is not high, but some knowledge of cooking and preparation is assumed. You can browse course offerings and learn more on the schools’ websites.

Versailles Hall of Mirrors Reopens

The Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles is one of the most famous parts of the chateau.

The hall was restored in 2007. After a 12 million euro makeover, the 357 mirrors, 17 glass doors, chandeliers, and paintings, were all made to look as they did in their first days. Visitors can now view the full hall when they go to the palace.

For information about Versailles, indlucing tickets and transportation, see the other visiting Versailles pages here.

Trains from Paris to Biarritz

Biarritz Coast
Biarritz

Trains from Paris to Biarritz are a great way to get from the capital to the Atlantic coast when you are visiting France.

High-speed TGV trains run between these cities up to twice an hour throughout the day. They are operated by SNCF, and most services are direct and require no changes. Trains leave from Paris Gare Montparnasse.

The travel time on this route is 5 hours and 20 minutes on direct TGV trains. There are also overnight InterCity trains from Paris to Biarritz that take 10 hours and 30 minutes.

The cost of a train ticket from Paris to Biarritz varies by departure time. Fares start at 26 euros one-way in second class and 37 euros one-way in first class for TGV trains, and 32 euros one-way in second class and 57 euros one-way in first class for overnight trains. The cheapest fares are only available if you book online in advance.

The Biarritz train station is located 3 kilometers (2 miles) from the city center. When you arrive at the station, you can take a taxi or bus to the city.

For more information about Biarritz, see the Biarritz Guide.