While it is of course possible to take culinary courses in most countries across Europe, such as in Spain, Greece, and Portugal, for example, France and Italy are generally considered the most prestigious on the international level.

Founded in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu is considered today the largest network of culinary and hospitality schools in the world with more than 35 institutes in 20 countries and 20,000 students of over 100 nationalities are trained every year.