Galette des Rois Tradition: Tips and Vocab to Celebrate Like the French

Every year on January 6th, France celebrates Epiphany, a Christian holiday commemorating the visit of the Three Wise Men to baby Jesus. While this tradition remains primarily religious for some, it has become deeply rooted in French culture, symbolizing a moment of sharing and conviviality. And as is often the case in France, such a moment happens around the table... or rather around a round cake topped with a small golden crown: the galette des rois!

Have you noticed these cakes prominently displayed in all Parisian bakery windows at the beginning of the year? Whether it's the frangipane version or the brioche style (called "Brioche des rois"), the galette des rois becomes the centerpiece of this celebration, bringing together friends, family, and colleagues. It's enjoyed everywhere - on the go, at the office, after a family dinner, or among friends - and often multiple times throughout January, without moderation. It has become an essential tradition of the new year: resolutions to diet will have to wait until February! In fact, every year, nearly 60 million galettes des rois are sold in France, half by industrial producers and half by bakers.¹ Yes, you read that correctly: 60 million. That's almost one galette des rois per person in France! And that doesn't even count homemade galettes!

After the holiday season, it's not hunger that drives the French to rush for this cake. The galette des rois is primarily an opportunity to reconnect after the holidays and exchange wishes for the new year - all in a playful and informal way. Inside the cake hides a small charm called a "fève." Whoever finds it is crowned king or queen for the day! You have to admit, that's no small honor... As you've probably gathered, sharing the galette des rois is a major ritual of the new year that French people of all generations and social classes eagerly participate in... And one that some of you will, willingly or not, be invited to take part in!

In this article, I'll provide you with essential reference points to understand and decode this beloved French tradition, as well as ready-to-use French phrases so you'll know what to say and how to react in conversations that inevitably arise during the traditional tasting of the galette des rois. Ready to participate naturally and confidently in these early year festivities? Follow the guide!

The Origin of the Galette des Rois Tradition

As an expatriate invited to share the galette des rois with neighbors, friends, fellow parents, or colleagues, it can be quite useful to know where this tradition comes from.

The galette des rois tradition dates back to antiquity, long before it became associated with the Christian feast of Epiphany. Originally, in ancient Rome, people celebrated the Saturnalia, a festival dedicated to the god Saturn that took place before the winter solstice, where cakes made from wheat and honey were already being offered. This custom gradually transformed over the centuries, and with the arrival of Christianity, it was incorporated into the celebration of Epiphany, which commemorates the visit of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus.

In France during the Middle Ages, a bean was hidden in the cake, and the person who found it became the "king" or "queen" of the day, a tradition that symbolized the reversal of roles. Anyone, regardless of social status, could become the most powerful man or woman of the day (without any real power, of course!) and for once, this privilege wasn't reserved only for lords or actual kings. In the 16th century, this tradition became popularized in the form of the frangipane galette, which became an essential part of Epiphany while maintaining this symbolic dimension of sharing and chance.

The fève (charm) itself evolved from a simple bean to porcelain figurines representing religious figures, and then to plastic trinkets depicting subjects of all kinds. You'll certainly find a nostalgic collector of porcelain fèves among the other guests sharing the galette!

Today, whether it's made with frangipane, in brioche form, or with other regional flavors, the galette des rois remains a moment of conviviality and a tribute to a centuries-old custom.

How to Enjoy the Galette des Rois Today?

Traditionally, the galette des rois is eaten during Epiphany or throughout the month of January. During this time, it reigns supreme in bakery windows! And you must take advantage because as soon as February arrives, it disappears from shelves until the following year... So hurry up!

Where to Find a Good Galette des Rois?

Have you been tasked with buying the galette des rois? Don't panic. Every bakery in France makes delicious ones during this time of year. They all redouble their creativity and ingenuity to offer original, unique, and sometimes surprising flavors, shapes, and designs that make the galette des rois often very tempting!

In Paris especially, there's an outpouring of imagination and craftsmanship among artisan bakers to create the best galette des rois in Paris. No arrondissement is spared. Under these conditions, it's difficult to go wrong with the quality of the galette des rois! And don't hesitate to ask your neighbors, colleagues, or your French teacher if they have a good recommendation for you! Everyone has a small (and often good) idea on the subject and will gladly share it with you.

Which Galette des Rois to Choose?

The choice of flavors can make the task more complicated, however: chocolate galette des rois, pear and chocolate, red fruits (not at all seasonal, but so good!), hazelnuts, walnuts, gluten-free, vegan... The galette des rois now comes in all tastes.

If you're hesitating, I strongly recommend opting for the classic galette des rois à la frangipane. Made with a perfectly flaky puff pastry and a rich almond cream (or frangipane cream), it is sometimes flavored with vanilla or rum.

If you're in the south of France, know that the galette des rois is different there, and you should wisely turn toward a "brioche des rois" instead. This king cake is often flavored with orange and garnished with candied fruits. It takes a round and golden shape, looking more like a crown.

How to Serve the Galette des Rois?

Very often, you'll be recommended to warm it up for about ten minutes at a low temperature in the oven at 150°C, placing it at mid-height. When served warm, the galette des rois reveals all its flavors, making it lighter and crispier, and enhances the taste buds. But at the office, it's not always possible to access an oven, and consuming it as is, without warming it up beforehand, is absolutely no problem for anyone.

It's now time to serve the galette des rois to the guests. And here we are in the midst of the ritual! The galette must be cut into triangular pieces – starting from the middle of the cake toward the outside – and of equal size. Be precise! Because if the pieces aren't equal, not everyone will have the same chance of finding the fève and being crowned king or queen for the day... People might hold it against you and tease you, so concentrate!

You'll always notice a certain tension when cutting the galette des rois, and don't be surprised if the guests scrutinize you. Not that they suspect you of cheating, but everyone empathizes with you and hopes you won't find the charm while cutting a piece! And here, I'm sorry to confess that I really don't have any trick to help you... Even though it's not uncommon that some bakers now put a small flag or decoration at the exact spot where the token is placed: clever and considerate for the person who will have to cut the cake, isn't it?
To avoid this unbearable tension, some won't hesitate to isolate themselves to cut the galette away from prying eyes. Quite a ritual, I told you!

Now that the cake is cut into equal pieces, it's time to distribute them... And here the ritual continues. Know that it's advisable to start with the youngest people to respect tradition. The youngest person can even hide under the table or close their eyes while answering the question C'est pour qui? ("Who is this for?") before serving each piece.

The galette is generally enjoyed with a drink, such as cider or champagne, to make this moment even more festive. And if you're crowned king or queen, don't forget to wear the crown that comes with the galette des rois. It's a sign of recognition and respect for the tradition. And admit it, it will give you a regal air, won't it?

Crowning the King or Queen of the Day

Everyone is served and the tension builds—because with every bite, someone might discover the fève (the charm hidden inside the galette).

There are those who eagerly hope to find the fève (they've promised themselves that this year, they'll be the one to wear the crown!), and then there are those who secretly wish they won't... Because finding the charm means being exposed to the eyes of all the guests...

Is there something hard under your tooth? Congratulations! You are the luckiest person of the day! Make yourself known by saying Ah, j'ai trouvé la fève! ("Ah, I found the charm!") and showing it to everyone!

Quickly, a golden cardboard crown will be placed on your head, and some will acclaim: Vive le roi! Vive la reine! ("Long live the king! Long live the queen!")

Some will push you to choose from the assembly your king or queen because a king without a queen and a queen without a king, that simply can't be done! While in a family and friendly environment, this choice can be simple, but at the office, it can put you in an awkward position. If you choose your colleague over there, then does it mean that you're dating? If you choose your boss, might people suspect you of wanting a promotion?

My advice? Don't worry too much: the important thing is to play along with lightness and savor your luck. Whatever your choice, everyone will find something to say about it anyway, and that will contribute to the conviviality of the moment!
And don't feel remorseful about having more luck than everyone else: others will still have the entire month of January to also become kings or queens of the day in their turn!

Conversations Around a Galette des Rois

This is the real reason why I encourage you to participate in and adopt the galette des rois tradition if you're in Paris during this time of year. More than just a moment of indulgence, it's primarily an opportunity to share moments of conviviality, to debrief about your holidays, to exchange New Year's wishes, to reconnect with those you haven't seen for a while... It's therefore an excellent opportunity for you, as a learner, to practice your French and to participate naturally and easily in group conversations. And to make an impression, there's nothing like learning a few ice-breaker phrases that you'll certainly hear or be able to use in this context.

Commenting on the Galette Itself

This is very practical when you don't really know what to talk about and the weather isn't a great topic at a time of year when it's inevitably cold and gray... Being able to express your tastes is important to the French because appreciating good things or criticizing bad ones is a true sport and carries certain consensus.

Talking about what you think of the galette des rois can be a real ice-breaker for speaking with those around you. The subject might seem too ordinary and uninteresting to you: I promise you, however, that the discussion will quickly take another turn and that this topic will quickly allow you to learn more about your neighbor!

Talking About Your Holidays

The holiday season in France is marked by several public holidays, and it's quite common for the French to take one or two weeks off to spend time with their families. These holidays can often be very exhausting, and for several reasons that are frequently discussed during conversations around the galette des rois:

• Parents have to manage children who are overly excited about Christmas and those long family evenings.
• The holidays are often spent with family or in-laws. It's great, but it can also create tensions when it comes to living together and requires a bit of extra attention to one's behavior.
• The food is heavy and rich, people drink a lot, and no one can resist chocolate – especially when the gloomy, cold weather makes us prefer indoor board games over outdoor physical activity.
• Gastroenteritis, indigestion, colds, the flu, or even COVID often show up as unwelcome party crashers during this time of year.

In short, you'll often hear that family holidays were wonderful, but everyone is quite happy to return home and get back to a healthier routine.

Talking About Your New Year's Resolutions

The start of the year is always the time when it's fashionable to make New Year's resolutions for the upcoming year. Trying to correct some bad habits, trying new activities, giving a new direction to your career or your life, etc. These are things that most people might consider very personal. But don't be surprised if you're asked openly about your resolutions for the year. So, be prepared!

It's not about sharing everything, but depending on how close you are to the person, feel free to share a few resolutions that are important to you, ones that might spark empathy or even make people laugh. You can also easily defend your choice to not make any resolutions at all!

When sharing a galette des rois, this is a light, simple, and easy subject to either joke about or offer encouragement and approval. So, what's the top 5 list of resolutions for 2025?

• Choosing not to make any resolutions this year
• Losing a few pounds after all the holiday indulgence
• Getting into more exercise
• Finding more time for yourself
• Doing Dry January this year (but only after that last glass of champagne 😁)

Wishing Others Well

In France, it's customary to say that you have the entire month of January to offer your New Year's wishes. To your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and clients. This makes for a lot of people, and one month is rarely enough!

It's the simplest way to break the ice and start a conversation with the other guests at the galette des rois gathering. And it's always appreciated. So don't hold back: go ahead and offer your best wishes!

Bonus: A Homemade Galette des Rois Recipe

From neighbors to friends, colleagues to clients, you're bound to have plenty of opportunities to share a galette des rois and honor this social ritual at the start of the year.
But with a galette des rois costing anywhere from 24 to 30 euros at a good Parisian bakery, it can quickly add up!

So, to save a bit but also, most importantly, to impress your French or foreign friends, Fabienne is sharing her quick and easy recipe for making a delicious homemade galette des rois. So, put on your apron, grab the ingredients, and follow this simple and scrumptious recipe, which we hope will delight your guests just as much as it delights us here at Novexpat!

Ingredients

• 2 round butter puff pastries
• 80 g sugar
• 80 g butter
• 1 egg
• 125 g almond powder
• 1 vanilla pod
• 2 tbsp rum (optional)
• 1 egg for glazing the galette, with a pinch of salt

Preparation of the Galette des Rois

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
• Melt the butter in the microwave (in a bowl) and add the sugar, almond powder, egg, and rum. Mix well until you have a smooth dough.
• Lay one puff pastry flat on a baking sheet. Spread the mixture on the pastry, leaving 2 cm from the edges. Place the fève inside (don't forget it!! 😱).
• Place the second puff pastry on top. Use a knife to make decorative cuts on the top (I like to draw sun rays by making curves from the center to the outside with a knife).
• Beat one egg with 2 tablespoons of water and a pinch of salt. Brush the top of the galette with the egg wash.
• Let the galette rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
• Bake for 20 minutes at 200°C (390°F), then reduce the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake for another 20 minutes.

Once it's out of the oven, let it cool for a bit (if you can wait!). And there you go! You're ready to enjoy this homemade galette des rois, piping hot and delicious. Don't forget to send us photos of your galette des rois on our Instagram !

That's it. I hope you now feel ready to fully embrace the galette des rois tradition this year. The galette des rois is the perfect opportunity to put your French into action right at the start of January. At Novexpat, the first conversation class of the year always starts with the friendly sharing of a galette des rois. Because, in addition to delighting the taste buds of our learners, it helps them feel more at ease during their next galette des rois experience in “real life!”
And feeling comfortable in these convivial moments is what makes life in France so enjoyable—the pride of speaking and interacting in French, and the confidence to meet new people who will shape your expatriation in Paris.

So, this year, don't hesitate to invite your loved ones to share a galette des rois, crown a king or queen, and enjoy together this little interlude that marks the first days of the year. Until February, when Mardi Gras will offer us another opportunity to celebrate with family or friends.

Long live the kings and queens of this January!