Christmas may now be over but it’s definitely not the end of our celebrations in France. The “Galette des Rois” is one of the French’s favorite traditions to start the year.
What is it exactly and how is it celebrated?
A little vocabulary
Meaning King's cake, it must not be confused with the famous galette bretonne, the brown pancake from Brittany usually eaten with ham, cheese and an egg on top. Also named galette, it is the salted version of crêpes and served all year around in “crêperies”.
We call the act of sharing the Kings’ cake “tirer les rois”. This literally means “to draw the kings”. Indeed according to tradition, the youngest member of the family or smallest host, must go under the table. He is the one who decides whom will get each slice. Whoever finds the charm hidden in the cake becomes the King or the Queen and names his Queen or her King. The galettes des rois most often comes with a paper crown worn by “the majesty” all day!
The little charm is called “la fève” which means bean. It was initially a real dry bean which is a symbol of good luck and fertility because it is the first vegetable to grow in Spring after the winter solstice. Yet as the centuries go by, it is evolving. Nowadays it is frequently made of porcelain and some are highly sought after. They used to represent members of the Nativity scene but are now of all sorts. There is even a museum dedicated to the fèves in Blain.
Date of celebration
La galette des Rois is eaten in January and traditionally on Epiphany. It celebrates the coming of the Three Wise Men, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar who followed the bright star which led them to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. For a long time, Epiphany was on the 6th of January, 12 days after Christmas because it is said the kings’ journey lasted 12 days.
However today it is often celebrated on the first Sunday of January and has become part and parcel of French families’ traditions whatever their beliefs and religion. It is an opportunity to gather together at the start of the year. It is frequent to draw the Kings several times during the month, with friends, families and sometimes even work colleagues.
Story of the Galette des Rois
ome made Galette des Rois by @carolinesfamily
If the Galette is mainly associated to Catholic rituals, it is said its origin are even older. Sun-shaped cake, it could be linked to Roman festivals around the God Saturn related to winter solstice.
It began to be celebrated in France around the 14th century by all layers of the population. Families would always cut the cake in slices equal to the number of guests plus one, leaving an extra for the poor who could ring at the door.
Under King Louis XIII, the ladies of court could draw the Kings and the one to find the charm could achieve a favor from the King. But Louis XIV soon abolished it.
The story also says that during this same period, began a new tradition of “Le roi qui boit”, the king who drinks. Basically the one who found the charm had to pay drinks to everyone. To avoid being trapped, the stingiest would swallow the bean. That’s how it came to be replaced by porcelain!
Every year, a huge galette des Rois (1,2m diameter for about 150 people) is shared at the Palais de L’Élysée with the president and guests of honor. The baker, however, is specifically asked not to put a fève inside to avoid embarrassment. It would not be appropriate to crown a king in a presidential palace...
Type of cake
The galette des Rois typically has a round shape and is made of light flaky butter puff pastry filled with frangipane. It is closer to a tart than a cake.
The frangipane filling is basically a cream made of ground almonds, butter, egg and sugar. Yet each year bakers and chefs innovate and show their creativity by inventing new recipes. From one region or city to another the cake can vary too. For example in Bordeaux, it is a brioche topped with candied fruit and coarse sugar.
Fairly easy to make, it is great fun to cook at home with children but you will also find galettes of all sizes and types in absolutely every boulangerie!
It is frequently eaten with a glass of Champagne!
Recipes
Traditional French galette des Rois recipe
Galette des Rois with lemon filling
Mini chocolate galette des Rois with chocolate
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Add a chic French touch to your celebrations with our smocked dresses.
Photo of the Place Vendôme by @ahedgehogtravels - visit their blog
Every year at Christmas, Paris takes on a magical glow. Even under lockdown, nothing can dim the splendour of our capital during the festive season. If we cannot yet welcome you all to our Parisian boutique L'Île aux Fées, we would like to make you travel to it through our eyes.
Children and parents, bienvenue à Paris! Joyeux Noël! (Welcome to Paris, Merry Christmas). We have rounded up our favorite spots for you! Follow the guide to discover the city’s most beautiful Christmas trees, decorations and winter traditions!
photo of the champs élysées at christmas - credits : Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
PARIS' BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
True to its name, "The City of Lights", Paris lights up even brighter from mid November right until early January. Dazzling sparkling decorations illuminate our streets and architecture.
The most famous place to enjoy them is, of course, the Champs Elysées Avenue. Its 400 trees leading to the Arc de Triomphe glow with lightings. Each year, a special inauguration launches this event. This time, due to the COVID, Parisian watched it online from their homes. See the illuminations in replay.
The lightings along the Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré offer quite a spectacular view too!
For more details one the best locations to enjoy the Parisian Christmas lights read Tripsavvy's article.
PARIS' MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TREES
For elegance and refinement, head straight to the Place Vendôme, epicenter of French luxury jewelry and home to the hotel Ritz. Each year a pine tree forest pops up in the center of its square place. The green branches adorned with glistening bulbs stand out proudly against the cream white stone architecture!
For a breathtaking vision, glitter and colors, head to the Galeries Lafayette. The department store is famous for its gigantic tree sitting under its Neo-byzantine glass dome. It is quite an event in itself and takes on a new theme each year!
Paris’ luxury hotels also have fascinating trees with precious decorations. The one at the Ritz is always amazing!
However our very favorite may well be the sober and chic Bon Marché ones. Its almost floating trees suspended in the air are well in line with the French philosophy "Less is more"!
For more details on Paris' most gorgeous Christmas trees, read Deluxe Confidential's article.
PARIS' MOST MAGICAL CHRISTMAS WINDOW DISPLAYS
Le Bon Marché is also among the most pretty places to admire whimsical Christmas displays with children! Discovering the new theme of the year and dreaming in front of the fairytale animations is a great favorite family tradition of the season.
The other department stores, Les Galleries Lafayette, Le Printemps, Le BHV Marais also all present artistic decors for the season. It is great fun to go around Paris to admire the unique ambiance of each one. A way to travel to wonderlands!
Less obvious but truly enchanting Hermes' flagship windows displays are always a work of art!
For more details on the best of Paris' Christmas displays read the Lutetia's article.
Le Bon Marché Christmas decor - Paris with kids guide
Le Bon Marché Christmas decor - Guerlain perfumes
Photo by Alexis_the_gr8
Caroussels are one of childhood's greatest joy! During the festive season, free merry-go-around pop up all over the capital. Their festive jingles fill the air making children sing with delight!
For a full list of Paris' caroussels, read Solosophie's article.
PARIS UNDER THE SNOW AND ICE
Another of Paris' most festive rendez-vous for families is the gigantic Grand Palais ice rink. Get ready to glide and dance under Europe's largest and most mesmerizing glass roof! Animated with music, lightings and fancy decors, the nave becomes a real Christmas wonderland.
Learn more about Le Grand Palais des Glaces.
When it snows, our favorite places to soak in the white magic is definitely Montmartre! No words needed, it speaks for itself!
To see more of Paris under the snow read Good morning Paris' article.
montmartre under the snow by @ahedgehogtravels - visit their blog
montmartre under the snow by @ahedgehogtravels - visit their blog
PARIS'S CAFÉS AT CHRISTMAS
Last but not least, the very best way to appreciate Christmas as a true Parisian is to sit at café's terraces on the big boulevards with a warm hot chocolate or coffee! Watching passers go by with pretty gift wrappings, marveling at the decorations of the shop displays, letting our noses be tingled with the scent of roasted chestnuts....
café de flore - by @ahedgehogtravels - visit their blog
café de flore at christmas by @jenlublindesign
To follow our Charlotte sy Dimby countdown to Christmas, check out our daily Instagram stories, our blog or click here to receive our updates by email or DM!
Visit our Parisian childrenswear boutique L’Île aux Fées
To learn more about Paris, we also invite you to follow @ahedgehogtravels and visit their blog.
PHOTO BY @LAFRANCAISE.PARIS, LUXURY DOLL CREATOR - DRESS BY CHARLOTTE SY DIMBY
Add a chic French touch to your celebrations with our “Christmas in Paris” smocked dress collection.
This blue velvet one with handmade embroideries is inspired by the Pont Alexandre III.
Considered as Paris’ most whimsical bridge linking the Champs Elysées and Invalides, it features the most exquisite Art Nouveau lamps. Shining over the river the Seine at night, these three headed lamp posts have become part and parcel of Parisian romance.
Sharing is caring! We have asked several charming French mothers to open up their cooking books for us. Discover families’ favorites meals for the winter season and Christmas holidays. Loved by children and made countless times by mums, try out our family friendly easy recipes! You’ll be a French chef in no time!
Caroline’s Christmas sablés
Sylvie’s Galette Ardennaise
Sylvie’s Gougères
Chloë’s Chocolate truffes
Fanny’s Rustic apple tart
Photo by @carolinesfamily
Caroline’s Christmas sablés
French mother of two little gourmets Philippine and Côme, Caroline always launches the festive season by baking “sablés de Noël” with her two children. These freshly baked Christmas biscuits shaped as little figures or stars will be found in her kitchen almost all winter, adding a warm and welcoming feeling to her home!
Ingredients for a family batch
2 eggs : 1 for the dough and 1 beaten egg yolk to brush the biscuits
125g of soft butter
125g of sugar (we tend to use brown sugar)
7,5g of vanilla sugar (the best French brand is Vahiné)
350g of flour
A tablespoon of baking powder
Instructions
*Mix all the ingredients (1 egg only) together by hand or using a cooking mixer.
*Work the dough on a flat surface covered with a little flour.
*Roll out the dough evenly with a rolling pin, make it about 0.2 inches thick.
*Use a cookie cutter to give the biscuits sweet festive shapes and lay them on baking paper.
* Brush the tops of the biscuits with the beaten egg yolk.
* Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes until they become deep gold at 180°C.
*Leave the biscuits to cool completely before removing them from the baking sheet.
For those needing more guidance, here is a step by step recipe with photos and a video ( at the bottom right)
Follow Caroline and her sweet family on Instagram
Sylvie’s recipes
Under the Instagram account @maptiotte which is an old fashioned French colloquial expression meaning “my little one”, Sylvie, mother of two and now grandmother, shares her about family life, home decor, garden, daily joys but most of all recipes! All look delicious but for now we would like to present two typically French winter ones.
La galette Ardennaise
Les Ardennes is a French region in the north east of France. This dessert is typically eaten with stewed apples.
Ingredients
20 g of baking powder
8 tablespoons of milk
80g of sugar
250g of flour
2 eggs
80g of soft unsalted butter and 20g of salted butter
Instructions
*Dilute 20g of baking powder with 8 tablespoons of lukewarm milk and 60g of sugar. Let it rest 5-10min.
*Mix 250g of flour, a pinch of salt, 2 eggs and the diluted baking powder.
*Add 80g of soft unsalted butter and 20g of salted butter. Beat the mixture for several minutes.
*Once you have obtained a sticky dough, lay it flat with your hands in the pie pan.
*Let it raise for 2 hours.
*Make a few holes in the dough, add 20g of sugar and a little butter.
*Cook in the oven for about 20 minutes at 18O°C.
Photo by @maptiotte
Photo by @maptiotte
Gougères
This is choux pastry from Burgundy frequently served as an appetizer or as a main dish with fresh salad
Ingredients for about 20 gougères
80g of butter
160g of flour
4 eggs
100g of grated grated Gruyère, Comté, or Emmentaler or any grated cheese
A pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
*Warm 25cl of water in a pan, add salt and the butter cut into little squares.
*Let it boil to make the butter melt and remove from the stove.
*Pour the flour in one go and mix vigorously to make a ball.
*Put back on the stove and work the dough until it stops sticking to the pan and dries.
*Remove from the stove and add the beaten eggs one by one.
*Add the grated cheese and mix.
*Place the dough in tiny balls on baking paper.
*Cool at 180°C for 30 minutes.
Follow Sylvie’s Instagram account @maptiotte
Chloë’s Chocolate truffes
Living in a charming French village near Angers, Chloë and her two beloved children Hortense and Gustave frequently cook all together. They kindly agreed to share one of their favorite Christmas treat : Les Truffes au chocolat
Ingredients for about 15 truffes
1 tablespoon of either lavender flower extract or vanilla pod or other spices such as cinnamon
5cl of milk
150gr of dark baking chocolate
30gr of butter
Icing sugar or cocoa powder
Instructions
*Brew the lavender/spice/vanilla in boiling milk for 10 minutes.
*During that time make the chocolate melt gently in a pan.
*Sift the infused milk and pour it in the pan.
*Remove from the stove and mix gently.
*Add the butter and stir until it melts totally and blends in with the mixture.
*Let it cool down for 2 hours in the fridge.
*Take out the mixture and make small balls using a spoon and your palms (Be sure to wear an apron as the chocolate may melt when touching it!).
*Place the balls on baking paper and roll them one by one in cocoa or icing sugar.
*Store in the fridge.
PHOTO BY @novembre_rose
Fanny’s Rustic Apple Tar
Photographer, blogger and mother to a little Rose, Fanny likes to picture the recipes she makes. The “tarte rustique healthy à la pomme du jardin épicée” is a perfect dessert for the fall/winter season.
Ingredients
For the pastry :
250g of wholemeal flour
7g of baking powder
1 egg
40gr of “fromage blanc” (it is basically soft creamy yoghurt)
1 pinch of salt
30 ml of water
For the filling :
Apple or pear stew without added sugar
2 big apples
Crushed almonds
Vanilla sugar
Cinnamon
Instructions
* For the pastry mix all the ingredients together ending with the butter. Using a food processor works well.
*Use a rolling pin to lay the dough flat.
*Place the dough in the mould and make tiny holes in it with a fork.
*Add a thick layer of fruit stew.
*Cut the apples into thin slices and add them on top overlapping one another.
*Add the almonds and sprinkle a little cinnamon and vanilla sugar on top.
*Fold the edges of the dough over the apples.
*Bake at 200°C in the oven for 30 minutes.
For more details, here is a similar step by step recipe of the rustic French apple tart
Follow Fanny’s Instagram account @novembre_rose
To follow our Charlotte sy Dimby countdown to Christmas, check out our daily Instagram stories, our blog or click here to receive our updates by email or DM!
Photo by @ahedgehogtravels - Visit the blog
A hedgehog in the Kitchen : The name may surprise you... You are probably wondering where the link with books comes in. We too were a little astonished at first but what a beautiful discovery it was!
Behind this mysterious name lies Alix and Hugo, a French-American newly wed couple living in Paris. With a passion for everything French, great curiosity, sense of challenge and discerning eye, their blog is a treasure trove. It’s every Francophile’s dream. From travel tips, best addresses, gift guides to recipes, they have it all!
If you can’t make it to France this year, why not travel to our country through books? After all didn’t Anna Quindlen say “Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home!”
Alix and Hugo have rounded up the best books on Paris for kids, adults and for French food lovers too! Perfect gifts for the whole family!
Photo by @ahedgehogtravels - Visit the blog
THE BEST PARIS BOOKS FOR KIDS
Handpicked by Alix, native American in love with Paris since the age of 4, her selection of books will delight all children!
Whether frequent travellers to France, or dreaming of their first French holidays, these magical tales will enchant your little ones (and to be honest parents as well).
A beautiful present to place for Easter or birthdays!
Photo by @ahedgehogtravels - Visit the blog
THE BEST PARIS BOOKS FOR ADULTS
The adult selection will catch all French lovers’ hearts too.
We appreciate Alix’s description, in such a few sentences, we instantly grab the feeling of the book. It is lovely to feel so well guided, as if by a close friend.
A beautiful way to discover or rediscover Paris from a new angle and fun way of travelling from home. You will laugh, you will cry, you’ll fall in love with the City of Lights even more than before!
Photo by @ahedgehogtravels - Visit the blog
Food lovers constantly trying out new recipes and tasting new dishes in Parisian restaurants, Alix and Hugo definitely know something about French cuisine. Discover their selection of 22 great French cookbooks.
Open one page and you’ll soon be spending your entire weekends in the kitchen delighting your family and friends with delicious meals. Ideal present for Christmas.
PS : We love the direct links below each book allowing you to buy in dollars in just one click!
PHOTO BY @LAFRANCAISE.PARIS, LUXURY DOLL CREATOR - DRESS BY CHARLOTTE SY DIMBY
Follow the @ahedgehogtravels Paris & travel Instagram page
Follow the @ahedgehogtravels recipe Instagram page
Visit the A hedgehog in the Kitchen blog
Bonus : Sign up to their”bored at home challenge”and receive a daily email with a fun activity suggestion and a recipe to try using ingredients you most likely already have at home!
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Dreaming of a French themed Christmas? Hemingway said “Paris is a moveable feast”. This is truer than ever during the Festive season, it’s really the most wonderful time of the year! If you can’t make it to France, here is our little insider’s guide on how to celebrate Christmas the French way at home wherever you may be. A few words on how we live it...
Photo by @maptiotte
TIME FRAME :
L’Avent (Advent) :
Starting on the Sunday four weeks before Christmas, l’Advent launches the Christmas countdown. Families traditionally buy their Christmas trees, decorate their homes with candles and wreaths at that time. Children all have an Advent calendar, usually with chocolates or images.
Yet as years go by we seem to get more and more creative and sophisticated! For French gourmets (food lovers), here is a list of the most elegant calendars.
La Saint Nicolas (St Nicholas) :
Photo by @une.cerise.sous.le.pommier
The French do not typically celebrate Thanksgiving however Saint Nicolas is quite popular especially in the north and east of France. Saint Patron of small children considered to some extent as the ancestor of Father Christmas, he is said to bring gifts to well behaved girls and boys.
On the night of the 5th of December, kids will leave a shoe or stocking in front of the fireplace and awaken to find it filled with presents or candies (If they have been good and kind of course!).
Photo by @maptiotte
Le réveillon : The term stands both for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. If you look it up in the French dictionary, you will find the following definition : a long festive meal taken in the middle of the night.
Indeed on the 24th of December, families gather together for a supper that traditionally lasts until midnight. It is the highlight of the festive season. Families tend to stay at home and enjoy a home cooked sophisticated meal.
If you wish to follow the very classic grand French Christmas supper which we call “repas de Noël”, we invite you to read My Parisiankitchen’s ultimate guide of dishes and drinks. In our upcoming articles we will be sharing some of favorite family recipes for the season. They differ from a region to another and are often passed down from generation to another. Food is a major topic for the French as you know!
The second “réveillon”, New year’s Eve also known as Saint Sylvestre, is another major party of the year and opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal. When the clock strikes midnight, the tradition is to pop the corks and toast with a fizzy glass of champagne.
If you are lucky enough to be in Paris don’t miss out the Champs Elysées’ mesmerizing midnight light show!
La Galette des Rois : Winter celebrations continue in January! La Galette des Rois, which translates as King’s cake is another French favorite tradition for Epiphany and has become widespread. Families, whatever their belief or religion, share this special galette together or with friends. The one who finds the hidden figure/bean in his slice is named king for the day! We will be sharing more about this early January!
A FEW TRADITIONS :
Cartes de voeux : Greetings
Photo by @une.cerise.sous.le.pommier
The French send their greetings on the 1st of January, families usually make a photo all together or personalised card to send to their loved ones and friends. It is considered as bad luck to wish a Happy New Year before that date. Handwritten cards remain popular.
Chants de Noël : Christmas carols
Most French carols are religious ones. The most popular Christmas songs for children are “Mon beau Sapin” which translates as my Christmas tree, “Vive le Vent” which means long live the wind and “Petit Papa Noël!” meaning little Daddy Christmas!
Crèches : Nativity scenes
Miniature nativity scenes can be found by the Christmas tree in almost all Catholic families. The most famous ones are those from Provence. Traditionally new figures are added every year to complete the collection. Aside from the traditional Mary, Joseph, Jesus and shepherds, you will find the most astonishing figures such as the scissors grinder, the fishmonger, the singer and what not!
Photo by @une.cerise.sous.le.pommier
A FEW MORE CHRISTMAS WORDS
Joyeux Noël = Merry Christmas
Bonne année = Happy New Year
Père Noël = Father Christmas
Sapin de Noël = Christmas tree
Christmas saying = “Noël au balcon, Pâques au tison”. It is a common belief that if the weather is mild at Christmas, Easter will be cold… This dates back to the Middle Ages’ first calendars for which astrologists would predict the weather… True or not, it remains a popular saying!
Photo by @une.cerise.sous.le.pommier
Photo by @lafrancaise.paris, luxury doll creator - Dress by Charlotte sy Dimby
To follow our Charlotte sy Dimby countdown to Christmas, check out our daily Instagram stories, our blog or click here to receive our updates by email or DM!