Culinary Studies in France:

French cuisine has impacted the world of Western cuisine ever since the 20th century. UNESCO added French gastronomy to its list of "intangible cultural heritage." Studying culinary studies in France can be invaluable to those seeking a career in the restaurant industry.

Highlights About the Culinary Studies Course in France

Culinary studies involve learning the methods of planning, preparing, cooking, and plating/presenting food. This food should be pleasing to both the eyes and the palate. Studying culinary involves knowing the fundamental techniques of culinary arts. It also consists of bistronomy, traditional, contemporary, and Mediterranean cuisine. 

In France, great importance is given to French pastry making.

Why Study Culinary Studies in France?

French culinary history has influenced global cuisine techniques. It is multifaceted and deep-rooted in Mediterranean cuisine. They are known for using fresh and in-season ingredients, which makes their cuisine world-famous.

Culinary schools in France provide state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to students. Their schools have renowned teachers and famous pastry chefs. Along with that, they also help kickstart the careers of aspiring chefs. They do this through valuable networking opportunities with specialists and companies in the hospitality sector.

The French hospitality market is estimated to reach 22 billion dollars by 2028. The French government offers a 5-year post-study work visa for Indian students.

Types of Courses in Culinary Studies in France

Culinary schools in France offer a three-year bachelor's program for aspiring chefs. They are:

• Confectionary Arts and Entrepreneurship
• Pastry and Entrepreneurship
• Chocolate/Confectionery and Entrepreneurship
• International Culinary Arts Management
• International Pastry Management
• French Pastry Arts
• French and Gastronomy in Paris

There are many Master's programs offered by culinary schools as well. Some of them are:

• Culinary Leadership and Innovation
• Wine and Gastronomy
• French Pastry
• Advanced Bakery
• Bread-Baking

Some culinary schools offer diplomas in baking and French pastry art as well.

List of Universities Offering Culinary Studies Programs

France has many famous culinary schools offering many programs.

1. Le Cordon Bleu Parisis is a world-renowned culinary school founded in 1895. They offer programs in gastronomy, Classic French Cuisine, Patisserie and Boulangerie, and International Culinary Arts. Some popular courses are the Professional Baker Program, Pastry Chef Program, and Artisanal Bread and Bakery Program.

2. Ferrandi Paris – This is France's second famous culinary school. Its rigorous training program and industry connections make this a prestigious institute for culinary artists.

3. Ecole de Cuisine Alain Ducasse- This institute strives to make culinary art accessible to international students through various programs. 

4. University of Bordeaux- The courses of this university include wine business management, wine production techniques, spirits marketing, wine chemistry, wine law, plant biology, etc.

5. Institute National de la Boulangerie-Pâtisserie- This is the fifth in France's list of famous culinary schools. This culinary school trains its students to be experts in baking. In this way, they prepare their students to make the industry's best baguettes, croissants, macarons, and pastries.

Admission Process to Culinary Studies in France

Interested applicants can apply for culinary programs by completing the online application form on the universities' websites. Then, they must upload the relevant documents and pay the application fees. For some programs, applicants may have to give an interview.

Eligibility Criteria

They should have the academic equivalent certifications of a high school diploma. Any kind of work experience in the field of culinary arts is helpful. The potential students should be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Documents Required

The documents that are required to get admission to a culinary school in France are as follows:

• CV
• Cover Letter
• Identity Proof
• Digital Passport Photo
• Academic Transcripts
• Medical Certificate

Proficiency Test

Many of the culinary programs are taught in French. So, applicants should provide evidence of French language proficiency until the A2 level. 

Visa Process

Once the applicant receives an official acceptance from the university, they must show this letter to the French consulate for visa application. If the program lasts more than 90 days, the student must apply for a long-term visa.

Cost of Culinary Studies Programs in France

• Tuition Fees- A Bachelor's program in culinary studies costs around INR 12,00,000 annually. A Master's program in culinary studies costs around INR 17,00,000 per year.
• Cost of Living- The average living cost for students in France is between INR 73,000 to 1,65,000 per month.

Scholarships to Study Culinary Studies in France

Culinary schools offer scholarships for candidates who want more affordable fees.

• Culinary Trust Scholarship
• James Beard Foundation Scholarship
• Gaston LeNotre Scholarship

Job Opportunities on Completion of Culinary Studies in France

There are many food industries and roles available for culinary school graduates. They are Restaurant Managers, Restaurant Chefs, Baking and Pastry Chefs, Food critics, Food stylists, Entrepreneurs, Sommeliers (wine experts), and Private Chefs.

FAQS

1. Do Students Need To Have Prior Knowledge Of Culinary Arts?

For Bachelor's programs, having optional experience or knowledge of the culinary field is unnecessary. But for Master's programs, some knowledge about the industry and skills are expected. This is because Master's level programs have advanced modules in culinary and pastry art techniques.

2. What is the Duration of Culinary Programs in France?

A Bachelor's program is three years. A Master's program is anywhere between I to 2 years. Other diplomas or certificate programs are between 6 weeks and six months.

3. What is the Salary of French Chefs and Culinary Graduates?

The salary of amateur chefs can start from INR 13,00,000 annually. On the other hand, professional chefs make almost four times the salary of amateur chefs.

4. What Skills is a Culinary Artist Expected to Have?

The signs of an excellent culinary artist or chef are good business sense, cleanliness, creativity, expertise in the culinary arts, organization, teamwork, and attention to detail.

5. What Specializations are Offered by Culinary Schools in France?

Culinary is a field that has many branches and goes beyond just being a chef. Apart from cooking, aspiring candidates for culinary schools have the following specializations to choose from:

• Nutrition
• Professional Cooking
• French Cuisine
• Food Service Management
• Culinary Arts
• Baking and Pastry