Kick off the year with one of France’s most loved January traditions: Galette des Rois. This flaky, buttery pastry, filled with rich frangipane, celebrates Epiphany and the arrival of the Three Kings. Every January, Parisian bakeries fill their windows with golden galettes, and if you live in Paris or are visiting with kids, it’s almost impossible not to join in.
This guide is updated every year with my latest picks. Last update: January 2026.
Epiphany is officially celebrated on 6 January (in 2026, it falls on Tuesday 6 January), but in reality, galettes are enjoyed throughout the entire month. Between school invitations, family gatherings and my own curiosity to try different versions, we always end up eating far more galettes than planned and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
History of Galette des Rois
Celebrated on 6 January, Epiphany Day in France is often associated with the three wise men visiting baby Jesus in Bethlehem. However, some French historians argue that the roots of the Galette des Rois tradition stretch back to Roman times. During the Roman festival of Saturnalia, marking the winter solstice, grand feasts were held where even slaves joined their masters at the table. As part of the festivities, chance games were played to choose a “King for the Day,” a tradition that later influenced the customs surrounding the Galette des Rois.
In earlier times, the person who discovered the hidden charm inside the cake was tasked with hosting a meal for everyone the following year. To avoid this responsibility, some crafty participants would swallow the charm—easier to do when it was just a simple bean. However, in the 1870s, bakers began replacing beans with porcelain charms, transforming these tiny trinkets into collectible items. Finding a porcelain charm became associated with good luck, and the fève evolved into a cherished feature of the Galette des Rois.
The French Revolution posed a challenge to this royal-themed tradition. With references to monarchy becoming taboo in the spirit of equality, bakers rebranded the treat as the Cake of Freedom or Cake of Equality to preserve the beloved custom. Today, this reimagined tradition thrives. Interestingly, even the Elysée Palace partakes in the celebration by receiving a giant galette each year during Epiphany, though it’s always made without a fève. After all, the President of the French Republic can never be crowned a king!
A fun tradition kids love
Hidden inside each galette is a tiny surprise, called a “fève” (literally, a “bean”). Whoever finds it gets to wear the golden crown and is declared king or queen for the day. To keep things fair, kids often hide under the table while an adult cuts the slices and assigns them. This tradition adds suspense and excitement as everyone eagerly inspects their slice.
The lucky winner proudly wears the crown for the rest of the meal. Some families let the new “king” or “queen” pick an activity or decide what’s for dinner, a fun way to make memories together. Did you know the tradition dates back to the Romans, who used actual beans? Over time, these fèves evolved into collectible figurines, some so popular they’re traded like baseball cards! Feeling inspired? Try baking your own galette at home and hiding your own fève for a personal touch.
Where to find the best Galettes des Rois in Paris
Each bakery in Paris offers traditional classic versions of the galette. However, famous patisseries take it a step further, creating their own special versions for the holiday. While you don’t need to reserve galettes in advance from your local boulangeries, it’s highly recommended to pre-order from renowned bakeries, especially if you’re after a particular size or a signature flavor. These artisanal creations range from the traditional frangipane galettes to innovative varieties with chocolate, chestnut cream, and other exciting fillings. Each year, pastry chefs experiment with new tastes and flavors, making January the perfect month to sample a few different options.
Each year, professional competitions organised by the Syndicat des Boulangers du Grand Paris highlight outstanding almond galettes from Paris and the surrounding region. If you’re on the hunt for the finest galette this year, the prestigious title of the best almond galette in the Paris region for 2026 goes to Maison Dumont, located in Clamart in the Hauts-de-Seine department.
The 2026 Competition
This year’s competition, the 38th edition, saw 165 galettes submitted by bakers across Paris and the surrounding areas, including Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, and Val-de-Marne. A jury of 70 professionals and gourmets judged entries based on baking quality, decoration, puff pastry texture, and structural integrity when sliced. Out of the top 10 galettes, 4 Parisian bakeries earned spots on the leaderboard.
Top 10 Galettes des Rois in Paris for 2026
- Maison Dumont – 201 Avenue Jean Jaurès, 92140 Clamart
- La Maillardise – 11 Rue Voltaire, 92300 Levallois-Perret
- Boulangerie le 111 – 111 Avenue Gambetta, 93170 Bagnolet
- Boulangerie Moderne Rabineau – 16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris
- Maison Landemaine Monge – 123 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris
- Aux Délices de Glacière – 90 Boulevard Auguste Blanqui, 75013 Paris
- Fred Boulangeries – 137 Rue de Paris, 94220 Charenton-le-Pont
- Carton Paris – 6 Boulevard de Denain, 75010 Paris
- Les Pains de Gagny – 8 Rue Jules Guesde, 93220 Gagny
- Colbert – 49 Rue Houdan, 92330 Sceaux
What makes a winning Galette?
The secret to an exceptional galette lies in its details. The puff pastry must be golden, flaky, and buttery, while the almond filling, known as frangipane, should balance richness and sweetness perfectly. Decorations add a touch of artistry, often featuring intricate patterns. A winning galette also maintains its structure when sliced, ensuring each piece is flawless.
Award-winning and consistently excellent bakeries
While every bakery in Paris offers its own version of the galette, some stand out for their creativity and craftsmanship. Here’s a selection of 2026 Galette des Rois that look particularly appealing to me:
1. Maxime Frédéric
Maxime Frédéric: If you want to taste galette from one of the most celebrated pastry chefs in the world right now, this is a must-try. In 2025, Maxime Frédéric was named World’s Best Pastry Chef by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and is widely regarded as one of the leading talents in contemporary French patisserie. Frédéric splits his time between Cheval Blanc Paris, where he oversees pastry across several restaurants, and his own neighbourhood bakery PleinCœur in the Batignolles district of Paris. He also collaborates with Louis Vuitton’s café on the Right Bank, where his refined desserts and chocolate creations are showcased in a stylish setting. For Galette des Rois season, you can find versions of his galette, from a classic almond frangipane to variations like galette noisette or pear and chocolate, at these venues, often available to order or pick up via click-and-collect. There’s also a special galette crafted under his name at the Louis Vuitton café.
2. Cyril Lignac
One of France’s most recognisable chefs, Cyril Lignac is known for combining classic French pastry with bold, crowd-pleasing flavours. Through his pastry brand La Pâtisserie Cyril Lignac, he offers refined yet accessible creations that appeal to both adults and children, which is exactly why his galettes are so popular every January.
For Galette des Rois season, Lignac usually proposes several versions alongside the traditional almond frangipane. This year he is offering a Pear and Pistachio version with caramelized puff pastry, tender pear pieces and a pistachio–orange blossom frangipane.You can pre-order his galettes online and collect them from one of his many Paris boutiques.
3. Pierre Hermé
Often referred to as the Picasso of Pastry, Pierre Hermé is celebrated for his precision, creativity, and refined flavour pairings. His galettes tend to be elegant rather than showy, with a strong focus on balance and texture, ideal if you appreciate classic French pastry with a thoughtful twist.
This year, his Galette des Rois is inspired by a pain perdu (French toast). This galette features inverted puff pastry and a soaked brioche dough that is incredibly soft. Pierre Hermé galettes are available from his Paris boutiques and via pre-order during January.
Whether you’re a galette enthusiast or a first-timer, January is the perfect time to explore this delicious tradition. From award-winning bakeries to creative variations, Paris offers endless opportunities to discover your favorite Galette des Rois.
Have you tried one yet? Share in the comments below and join me on Instagram to get more inspiration for things to do and see in Paris.
If you’re looking for Paris itineraries with kids, then check out my free Paris Itineraries with Kids. My Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids is also packed with family-friendly tips and recommendations on things to see and do in Paris.
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