Galette des Rois, the much-anticipated Epiphany cake, appears with its glint of golden crowns just as the Bûches de Nöel are disappearing from the pâtisserie windows in Paris.
I had thought that after panettone, stollen, fresh croissants, oysters, champagne and the most delicious of Bûche de Nöel I should probably give my waistline a chance.
But no. Not in France. Not in January. Epiphany is coming and with that another French tradition involving pastry! This French tradition has a golden crown perched on top of a deep golden brown pastry, the Galette des Rois. With its flaky golden crust and luscious almond filling, it is no wonder that this treat has been captivating palates for centuries.
But beyond its irresistibly delicious taste, the Galette des Rois carries a deeper significance, as it symbolizes the celebration of Epiphany and the search for the hidden figurine that crowns one lucky person “king” for a day.
Join us on a mouthwatering journey through history, traditions, and flavours as we explore all there is to know about this quintessentially French delight, the Galette des Rois!
Galettes des Rois date: Epiphany, the Fête des Rois, is celebrated on January 6. In 2024, Epiphany falls on the first Saturday of January.
1. What Is This Delicious Pastry?
Think puff pastry, butter, sugar and almond cream filling.
In Paris, these golden round cakes graced with intricate designs fill the pâtisserie windows. The traditional Galette des Rois, with flavours that hark back centuries, is a round puff pastry cake filled with a creamy, almond paste called frangipane.
The King Cake, also known as Gateau des Rois, comes in many sizes. In fact, apparently, the Elysées Palace receives an enormous one every year, forty times the size of the one you make or buy for your family!
Try visiting different pâtisseries and see what these ingenious creators have concocted. Fillings of chocolate and chestnut, pecan and fudge all grace the shelves.
In France with its culinary regional distinctions, the south of France’s Galette des Rois is a brioche-style cake with candied fruit.
2. Galette des Rois Celebration
The French Galette des Rois tradition is tied to the celebration of Epiphany. Epiphany is twelve days after Christmas and falls on January 6th each year. Epiphany is the celebration honouring the Three Kings who arrived at the manger to visit Jesus.
The French Epiphany Cake tradition has been going on for 700 years in France. Regardless of your religious background, it is the perfect way to enjoy family and friends in January.
When do you eat Galette des Rois? Although the French King Cake is definitely enjoyed on January 6 each year, the golden cakes are available throughout the month of January. So, there is plenty of opportunity to participate in the Galette des Rois celebration. By early February, these golden pastries start to disappear from the pastry shops!
Read More | French Christmas traditions Galette des Rois is the grand finale!
January in Paris: The Best Things To Do
3. What Is The Hidden Treasure?
The Galettes des Rois French tradition has always had a treasure hidden in between the layers of golden puff pastry. Originally, bakers placed a simple bean (une fêve) in the cake. Over the years the tradition has changed and nowadays a little porcelain or plastic figurine is added.
Many families, making homemade galettes des rois, still bake the cake with the bean in the pastry, just as the Galette des Rois French tradition dictates.
I first heard of the tradition of the French King Cake at my friend Laurence’s house. A little bowl overflowing with figurines was in the kitchen and I curiously asked what they were used for. With great excitement, she explained her Galette des Rois French celebration.
Now, I have my own collection of Galette des Rois figurines!
Popular Guided Tours and Tickets for Paris
Planning Your Paris Trip? Be sure to book in advance for the most popular things to do. Get to the top of the Eiffel Tower with direct access to the summit by elevator. Book your one-hour Seine cruise, a timed-entry ticket to the Louvre, and a skip-the-line ticket to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. And don’t forget Versailles and Disneyland!
4. Galette des Rois Fête
Who wouldn’t want to partake in la Galette des Rois tradition? The crown sitting on top of the French King Cake must have a purpose!
The Galettes des Rois celebration in families finds the youngest child hiding under the table. As the French King Cake is cut the child calls out who should receive the next slice. Once everyone has a piece of cake in front of them the excitement of searching for the hidden figurine begins!
The lucky person who discovers the figurine in their serving is crowned King or Queen and wears the golden crown!
Who wouldn’t want to have a Galette des Rois party?
5. How To Serve The Gâteau des Rois
Ask at the bakery how to serve Galette des Rois and you’ll be told definitively “Oui, Madame/ Monsieur, il faut le rechauffer.” Heat your Galette des Rois in the oven for five to ten minutes.
I’ve savoured many French King Cakes both warm and cold. Although I love this French Epiphany cake both ways, my preference is warmed up. The tasting experience soars to a whole new level when the puff pastry is warm. The flaky pastry melts in your mouth and the almond frangipane filling is divine.
6. Where To Buy The Galette des Rois Pâtisserie
In France, every pâtisserie and boulangerie has the French King Cake. They are also found in grocery stores.
I highly suggest buying your Galette des Rois at a bakery or pâtisserie. Here are my favourite Paris pâtisseries that have outstanding Galettes des Rois.
7. Recipe For Galette des Rois
Making your own King Cake is apparently not too difficult, or time-consuming. I am tempted to make my own puff pastry and a frangipane filling. Perhaps I will make my own Galette des Rois in 2024!
If you are looking for a French King Cake recipe from scratch, this recipe is bound to lead to a delicious result!
8. What About The Other Galettes?
Don’t confuse this special French King Cake with the traditional galette that hails from Brittany. One of my favourite delights is a nutty, buckwheat galette filled with cheese, egg and ham.
Read More: This post will also have you mouth-watering and tells you where to find the best galettes in Paris.
Have you ever delighted in the Galette des Rois celebration that holds a special place in French culture?
Until next time,
Travel Planning For Paris France
Book your airline tickets with my favourite platform, Skyscanner.
Book a transfer from Charles de Gaulle or Orly airport with Welcome Pick Ups.
Reserve a car (not for Paris) but for a road trip in France.
Reserve train tickets for further travels in Europe with Trainline (my go-to).
Where To Stay In Paris
No matter the season, even low season, hotels in Paris book up quickly. Book well in advance.Affordable Hotels: 13 Affordable Hotels in Paris
Boutique Hotels: These fabulous Boutique hotels in the Marais.In Le Marais: The Hotel Bourg Tibourg in the Marais.
Near the Arc de Triomphe: The stylish 4-star Hotel KepplerWith an Eiffel Tower View: This 3-star Hotel with excellent reviews
Near The Eiffel Tower: The Cler HotelNear the Louvre: The charming 4-star Relais du Louvre or The Hoxton
On the Left Bank in Saint-Germain des Prés: Hôtel des Académies et des Arts and Hotel d’AngleterrePrefer staying in an apartment? Here are some fabulous Paris apartments:
- Portrait of Splendour: literally filled with portraits, in the Marais
Paris by Month
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