Crowned for a Day: The Joy of Epiphany in France
Discover how France celebrates Epiphany with a pastry steeped in tradition, from golden crowns to the thrill of finding the fève.
Marking the close of the Christmas season, Epiphany falls on 6 January.
Or, for some, the second Sunday after Christmas.
In France, it’s more than just a date.
It’s a celebration that blends faith, tradition, and irresistible flavours.
At its heart? The galette des rois.
A pastry that has charmed generations, from bustling Parisian offices to cosy family kitchens.
Growing Up with the Galette
As a child in the northeast of France, Epiphany was unmissable.
It wasn’t just about eating a galette—it was an event.
At home, we gathered around the table, waiting for the first slice to reveal its treasure.
At school, the excitement doubled.
Who would get the fève?
Who would wear the golden cardboard crown?
For a kid, that crown was pure magic.
Glittery, festive, and, let’s admit, a bit regal.
Later, when I worked in Alsace and Paris, the tradition followed me.
Offices turned into mini Epiphany parties.
Sharing galettes with colleagues was a simple but heartfelt way to connect.
No one ever turned down a slice.
The Galette: A Feast for the Senses
The galette des rois comes in two main forms.
In the North, it’s all about flaky pastry and creamy frangipane.
This was the galette of my childhood. Rich, buttery, and indulgent.
In the South, it’s a different story.
They have the brioche des rois—crown-shaped, studded with candied fruits.
Lovely to look at, but for me, nothing beats the Northern classic.
Then there are the supermarket versions.
Honestly? Not a fan. Too greasy. Too heavy.
A proper galette comes from an artisanal bakery.
The kind where you can almost taste the craftsmanship.
Finding the best one in town? That’s half the fun.
The Hidden Treasure
The fève is the soul of the galette.
Originally a humble bean, it’s now a tiny porcelain figurine.
Some are kitschy, others collectible.
But the real joy is in finding it.
As a child, I used to scrutinise the galette, carefully observing the pre-cut slices to guess where the fève might be hiding.
My mother, being the only woman in the household, was always assured of becoming the queen!
Let’s be honest: parents often cheat so their kids get the fève.
And why not? Watching a child light up as they’re crowned king or queen for the day?
That’s what the tradition is all about.
Epiphany Beyond the Galette
Of course, Epiphany isn’t just about pastry.
It’s a feast rooted in faith.
A day to remember the journey of the Magi, guided by a star to Bethlehem.
Their gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—carry deep symbolism.
For Christians, Epiphany is a celebration of light.
Of hope. Of Christ revealed to the world.
Yet in France, the galette adds something special.
It’s a bridge between the sacred and the everyday.
A chance to gather. To share. To create memories that linger far beyond January.
Your Turn to Celebrate
Whether you’re in France or far away, why not bring a bit of this tradition into your home?
Hunt down a galette des rois.
Or make one yourself.
Crown someone—young or old—the monarch of the moment.
As children, we loved imagining that if the President of the Republic at the Élysée found the fève, he’d become the king of France for the day!
What a cheeky nod it would be to the history of France—a republic turned monarchy for just one day.
And as you savour each bite, think of the Magi.
Think of light in the darkness.
Think of how, sometimes, joy is as simple as a slice of pastry and a golden crown.
Now it’s your turn!
What does Epiphany look like where you are?
Do you have a version of the galette des rois, or a completely different tradition?
Share your story in the comments—I’d love to hear how you celebrate.
Pierre
Ps. If you want to learn more about this tradition, check out my website:
- Epiphany in France
- Galette des Rois