FERRANDI Paris

FERRANDI Paris, founded in 1920 by the Paris Île-de-France Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is France’s premier institution for culinary and hospitality education. Initially established as an “Atelier École” for the food services industry, the school has evolved into the École Supérieure de Cuisine Française and now operates as part of École Grégoire-Ferrandi. With a mission to uphold and transmit the excellence of French gastronomy, the school offers education across all levels, from vocational certifications to Master’s (Bac +6), blending classic techniques with innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset. Its commitment to defending culinary heritage intertwines with future-facing pedagogy, making it a beacon of both tradition and progress.

FERRANDI Paris distinguishes itself with impactful statistics: 2,500 students and 2,000 adult learners enroll annually from across the globe, and an impressive 98% employment rate is achieved within just three months of graduation. Its alumni roster includes legends like Michelin-starred chefs Jacques Lameloise and Adeline Grattard, underscoring the school’s role in shaping gastronomic excellence at the highest level. Recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education and a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), FERRANDI Paris blends rigorous academic standards with immersive, real-world training through application restaurants and culinary labs, elevating experiential learning to the forefront of its methodology.

The school’s vision embraces more than culinary finesse—it charts a path through art, science, sustainability, and technology. Through its world-class faculty, including Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF), FERRANDI Paris offers in-depth mentorship and guidance, cultivating not only professionals but genuine innovators. The international reach of its training is supported by partnerships in over 90 countries via the CCI network, reinforcing its position as a global standard bearer. This fusion of heritage and modern relevance ensures students are poised to excel in Michelin-level kitchens, high-end hospitality management, and groundbreaking food entrepreneurship.

Career readiness defines the core of FERRANDI Paris educational philosophy, resulting in a 98% post-graduation employment rate within three months. The school aligns closely with the needs of the industry, producing professionals equipped not only with technical mastery but also with the leadership and business skills needed to drive innovation in top establishments. More than 20% of its alumni go on to establish their own restaurants or food ventures within five years, a testament to the school’s robust focus on entrepreneurship as part of its academic framework. Its graduates hold influential roles, from executive chefs in Michelin-starred kitchens to strategy leads in luxury hospitality brands.

This achievement is driven by FERRANDI Paris expansive alumni network and deep industry partnerships. Renowned figures like Joël Cesari (Michelin-starred at La Chaumière) and Didier Elena (two Michelin stars at Les Crayères) form part of a prestigious lineage that supports current students through networking, mentorship, and global exposure. Corporate collaborations with high-end hotel groups, international restaurant chains, and luxury brands provide students with direct access to career-advancing internships, apprenticeships, and recruitment fairs. These relationships ensure seamless entry into the job market and foster consistent upward mobility across professional sectors in food, hospitality, and management.

Internships are an integral part of the FERRANDI Paris experience, with placements in elite restaurants, hotels, and culinary ventures embedded into every curriculum. Thanks to the affiliation with CCI Paris Île-de-France, students leverage global mobility through a business network present in 90 countries. Additionally, signature initiatives like the Atelier Pierre Hermé connect learners with iconic names in the culinary world, reinforcing a culture of excellence. From digital career platforms to on-campus career days and personalized coaching, the school's support ecosystem equips graduates for sustained leadership, ensuring that their journey does not end but evolves powerfully beyond the diploma.

FERRANDI Paris stands uniquely positioned as the intersection of culinary heritage, modern innovation, and global prestige. As the first culinary school in France to receive accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education in 2017, and a member of the Conférence des Grandes Écoles (CGE), the institution provides academically rigorous programs from vocational training to Master’s level degrees. These programs are led by a faculty of Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOFs) and industry experts, ensuring every class imparts world-class excellence. From its foundational philosophy, FERRANDI Paris promises an education that not only trains chefs and managers but molds future leaders of global gastronomy.

Hands-on training is at the heart of the FERRANDI Paris methodology, with more than 40 kitchens and multiple public-facing restaurants offering real-world practice from day one. Unlike competitor schools focused on theory, FERRANDI Paris integrates practical immersion with a pioneering digital touch. Through the Pedagogy & Digital Lab, it launched France’s first culinary MOOCs (2015–2018), preparing students for an evolving hospitality environment influenced by AI, design, and digital service. Its programs further allow for deeper exploration into luxury food branding, restaurant design, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, creating a comprehensive launchpad for diverse careers.

FERRANDI Paris blend of local authenticity and international scale cements its appeal. With over 2,500 new students enrolled annually and a robust range of programs in both French and English, learners join a vibrant, multicultural cohort. The school’s partnerships through the CCI network in 90 countries enable study abroad, professional exchanges, and internships, contributing to a globalized alumni community. Located in culturally rich cities, from Paris to Burgundy, students are immersed in terroir, from vineyards to boulangeries. This synthesis of place, prestige, and pedagogy makes FERRANDI Paris the choice for those driven not by imitation but by a passion to lead and redefine the future of gastronomy.

Innovation at FERRANDI Paris is embedded within its DNA, manifesting through its commitment to bridging tradition with cutting-edge advancement. At the forefront stands its Pedagogy & Digital Lab, which pioneered France’s first culinary MOOCs dedicated to emerging themes like food design and sustainability between 2015 and 2018. These platforms provide ongoing knowledge not only for students but also instructors and professionals globally. More than a trend, digital pedagogy grants learners access to real-time innovation, preparing them for a future where hospitality services are increasingly tech-enhanced. This initiative feeds into a broader strategy of adaptive learning that keeps FERRANDI Paris curricula deeply relevant.

The school actively promotes responsible and sustainable gastronomy. Programs embed themes of environmental stewardship, circular economics, and eco-conscious entrepreneurship. The renovated Dijon campus, set inside the UNESCO-designated “Canon de Lumière,” integrates oenological labs and regional terroir trips to instill a respect for biodiversity and local farming practices. Workshops like the famed Atelier Pierre Hermé provide advanced training in pastry while encouraging originality. These elements reflect FERRANDI Paris aim to nurture not only skillful chefs but also catalysts for culinary evolution. Students engage in projects involving AI-driven menu design, precision fermentation, and plant-based gastronomy, pushing the boundaries of food innovation.

Beyond the classroom, FERRANDI Paris innovation radiates through global policy engagement and entrepreneurship. Partnering with Atout France and other tourism policy boards, FERRANDI Paris shapes international standards in luxury hospitality and culinary tourism. With entrepreneurship baked into its model, roughly 20% of graduates launch businesses—many in sustainable or disruptive food ventures. Supported by the CCI’s international structure, these entrepreneurs benefit from mentorship, exposure, and market access in 90 countries. The result is a dynamic, interconnected community guiding the future of food and service industries—a space where artisanship meets audacity under the guiding hand of educational excellence.

1. What differentiates FERRANDI’s programs from those at other culinary schools?
FERRANDI Paris combines nearly a century of culinary heritage with forward-focused curriculum, including MOF-led instruction and integrated modules in management, digital tools, and entrepreneurship. Unlike schools centered purely on technical skills, FERRANDI Paris model produces adaptable professionals prepared for both kitchen and corporate leadership roles.

2. Are there opportunities for non-French speaking international students?
Absolutely. Programs delivered in English are available at campuses like Paris and Dijon, incorporating language support and exposure to the French culture through field trips, terroir tastings, and collaborations with local producers. These immersive elements allow global students to fully engage with French gastronomy.

3. How is career support provided during and after studies?
Students benefit from a comprehensive career services platform, including internships, mentorship from Michelin-starred alumni, job placement assistance, career fairs, and a global CCI affiliation that opens doors in 90 countries. This ensures a high employment rate and smooth transition into elite roles or entrepreneurial paths.

4. Are programs available for professionals transitioning into the culinary sector?
Yes. FERRANDI Paris offers tailored short-term and intensive programs for adults looking to switch careers or deepen their expertise. With hands-on training, work placements, and flexible formats, the school supports mid-career learners in making successful transitions into gastronomy or hospitality management.

5. Is on-campus housing available for students?
While the school does not provide residential facilities, dedicated staff assist students in finding housing in vibrant urban neighborhoods close to campus. This allows learners to integrate into local communities, particularly in central Paris or historic Dijon, further enriching the learning experience.

FERRANDI Paris maintains a competitive admissions process designed to assess a candidate’s passion, potential, and readiness for intensive culinary or hospitality study. Requirements vary by program level but typically include an online application with academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency in French or English, a personal motivation letter, and for selected courses, a portfolio or interview evaluation. For international students, visa procurement support is available, with the recommendation to apply early due to high demand and enrollment caps in select intakes.

Programs are offered at vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, with flexible formats including 16-week intensive professional training courses. Each program follows an academic calendar, with start dates aligning according to specialization and duration. Tuition fees are tiered by program complexity and length, and merit- or need-based scholarships are accessible to approved applicants. FERRANDI offers pre-departure counseling, French language courses for non-native speakers, and student orientation programs to ease enrollment. Interested candidates should consult official school platforms for up-to-date timelines and tuition breakdowns.

Although FERRANDI Paris does not offer on-site accommodations, teams actively help students source suitable housing near campuses in Montparnasse, Dijon, or Rennes. The school operates across multiple cities—including Paris, Jouy-en-Josas, Bordeaux, and Strasbourg—offering regional diversity and cultural immersion. Essential student resources provided include digital learning platforms, career support, wellbeing services, and integration into student life events managed by the BDE. Campuses benefit from strong transport links and neighborhood amenities, making adaptation smooth for both local and international enrollees. Applying directly via FERRANDI Paris official portal ensures access to personalized guidance throughout the admissions journey.