Kick off the year by indulging in a French tradition with the best Galettes des Rois in Paris! This delightful pastry, which translates to “Cake of Kings,” is a tribute to the three wise men (or kings) who brought gifts to baby Jesus on the Epiphany. In 2025, Epiphany is celebrated on Monday, 6 January, and throughout the month of January, Parisian bakeries are full of these flaky, buttery pastries filled with frangipane (a mixture of almond cream and pastry cream). With kids being invited to friends’ houses and my own curiosity to try different varieties, we always end up eating plenty of galettes throughout January! Read on to discover where to find the best Galettes des Rois in Paris in 2025.
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
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.
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 2025 goes to La Fabrique aux Gourmandises, located in the 14th arrondissement. This coveted award is part of the annual competition organized by the Syndicat des Boulangers du Grand Paris, which celebrates the artistry of this iconic French pastry.
The 2025 Champion: La Fabrique aux Gourmandises
Crafted by renowned artisan baker Lionel Bonnamy, the winning galette features perfectly golden puff pastry and an almond filling praised for its balance of flavor and texture. Bonnamy is no stranger to success, having won this title previously in 2021. A trip to 82 rue de l’Amiral Mouchez in the 14th arrondissement is essential to taste this award-winning creation.
The 2025 Competition
This year’s competition, the 37th 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, 5 Parisian bakeries earned spots on the leaderboard.
Top 10 Galettes des Rois in Paris for 2025
- La Fabrique aux Gourmandises – 82 rue de l’Amiral Mouchez, 75014 Paris.
- Maison Mauvieux – 59 rue d’Orsel, 75018 Paris.
- La Boulangerie Bleue – 1 rue Paul Vaillant Couturier, 92500 Rueil-Malmaison.
- Maison Lardeux – 63 rue Caulaincourt, 75018 Paris.
- Boulangerie Fred – 8 avenue du Château, 94300 Vincennes.
- La Maillardise – 11 rue Voltaire, 92300 Levallois-Perret.
- Maison Lherault – 81 rue Mirabeau, 92160 Antony.
- Maison Charles Etienne – 44 Grande Rue Charles de Gaulle, 92600 Asnières-sur-Seine.
- Yacine – 24 place de la Nation, 75012 Paris.
- Pâtisserie Rayonnance – 17 rue de Maubeuge, 75009 Paris.
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.
Other Notable Bakeries for Galettes des Rois
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 2025 Galette des Rois that look particularly appealing to me:
- Nina Métayer: Voted the Best Pastry Chef in the World, she has unveiled three inventive galettes, including La Boussole (caramelized cocoa nibs, almond, and buckwheat praline), L’Ambrée (rum), and the stunning La Notre-Dame with its unique rosette-shaped tile and caramelized cinnamon. Find these at Printemps du Goût (64 boulevard Haussmann) or order through her website Delicatesserie.
- Jeffrey Cagnes: Offers an array of options, from a hazelnut-filled Galette Noisette to a pistachio praline Babka des Rois and a chocolate lover’s brownie galette with almond and hazelnut praline. There are a few stores in Paris and I like his boutique at 73 rue Montorgueil.
- Cyril Lignac: Presents three gourmet variations—Galette des Rois Yuzu with almond and yuzu lemon cream, Galette des Rois Gianduja with chocolate-hazelnut ganache, and a classic almond version. You can order online and pick up at one of the many boutiques in Paris.
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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