CULINAIRE:
THE ART OF FIRE
AND FLAVOR.
Intimate masterclasses led by three-Michelin-star Chef Armand Leclair. Eight students. One kitchen. No recipes — only instinct.
THE CHEF
CHEF
ARMAND LECLAIR.
"I don't teach recipes. I teach the conversation between a cook and their ingredients."
Born in Lyon in 1972, Armand Leclair spent his formative years apprenticing under Paul Bocuse before moving to Paris, where he earned his first Michelin star at 29. Today, with three stars across his two restaurants — Maison Leclair and Atelier du Feu — he has turned his attention to teaching.
His masterclasses attract architects, artists, surgeons, and musicians as much as aspiring chefs. The kitchen, he insists, is simply the most honest room in any building.
1994
Apprentice under Paul Bocuse, Lyon
2001
First Michelin Star, Maison Leclair, Paris
2009
Three Stars — youngest chef in France at the time
2019
Founded Culinaire — the teaching studio
OUR BELIEF
RECLAIMING THE
ANCESTRAL KITCHEN.
At Culinaire, we believe cooking is not a set of instructions — it is a relationship with the elements. Heat, blade, season. These are your only tools.
Our curriculum strips away the complexity of modern gadgets to focus on fundamental mastery. Based in an architectural studio converted into a kitchen laboratory in the 11th arrondissement of Paris, our courses are limited to eight practitioners at a time — ensuring every student develops the tactile "hand" required for true artisan gastronomy.
LOCATION
Paris & Lyon, France
CLASS SIZE
Maximum 8 students
DURATION
1 day to 8 weeks
ALUMNI WORLDWIDE
MICHELIN STARS
COURSES OFFERED
% SATISFACTION
THE ARCHIVE
OF SESSIONS.
NOW ENROLLING
WINTER / SPRING 2025
THE GRAND FRENCH
BISTRO MASTERCLASS
An 8-week deep dive into the foundations of classical French cookery: sauces mères, stocks, brunoise, and the art of the mise en place.
HAND-ROLLED PASTA
WORKSHOP
The geometry of grain. Mastering hydration, elasticity, and regional shapes of Northern Italy.
MODERN
GASTRONOMY
Exploring texture and molecular physics to elevate traditional components into extraordinary experiences.
FIRE & SMOKE
ATELIER
Open-fire, live-coal, and cold-smoke methods across proteins, vegetables, and even dessert.
INSIDE
THE STUDIO.
What our students
carry with them.
"Culinaire isn't just a school. It's a sanctuary for those who believe that the kitchen is the most honest architectural space in a home. The focus on tactile intuition changed my entire approach to hosting."
ARCHITECT, LONDON
"I came as a surgeon who liked to cook. I left understanding that the precision required in both worlds is exactly the same — it's all about reading what's in front of you, not following a protocol."
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGEON, PARIS
"Eight weeks with Chef Leclair redefined my understanding of flavor. The class is small, the standards are uncompromising, and the experience is something I describe to people at every dinner I host."
COMPOSER, TOKYO / PARIS
QUESTIONS
& Answers.
Everything you need to know before reserving your place at the table.
No formal experience is required for most sessions. What matters is genuine curiosity and commitment. Our Foundation courses are designed for passionate beginners, while Advanced sessions expect working kitchen knowledge.
All ingredients, aprons, tools, and take-home materials. Sessions begin and end with a seated meal together. Wine pairings are included in multi-day courses. Travel and accommodation are not included.
Yes. Private and corporate sessions are available year-round and can be fully customised in content, duration, and location. We have hosted events in client residences across Europe. Contact us for bespoke pricing.
Full refunds are available up to 30 days before the session start date. Within 30 days, a 50% credit is issued toward any future session. Credits are valid for 24 months.
Absolutely. Please note any dietary requirements during reservation. We adapt every session's ingredients and techniques to accommodate you without compromising the learning experience.
TAKE YOUR
SEAT AT THE TABLE.
Inquiries for private sessions and seasonal masterclasses are currently being accepted. We reply to every message personally, within 48 hours.
studio@culinaire-leclair.fr
PARIS STUDIO
14 RUE DES ARTISANS, 75011
LYON ATELIER
7 PLACE BELLECOUR, 69002
TELEPHONE
+33 1 40 27 88 55
SEND AN INQUIRY