Galette des Rois: A French Tradition Explained for Expats
- Chann Faucheur
- Jan 5
- 3 min read
Every January, the galette des rois appears on tables all across France. For expats living in France, this delicious tradition is a wonderful opportunity to discover French culture and take part in everyday social life. But what exactly is the galette des rois, and how does this tradition work?
What Is the Galette des Rois?
The galette des rois is a cake traditionally eaten to celebrate Epiphany, on January 6th. While it has religious origins, today it is mostly a cultural and social tradition enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.
In modern France, the galette des rois is mainly an excuse to get together, share food, and enjoy a friendly moment with family, friends, colleagues, or teammates.
The Fève and the King or Queen
Hidden inside the cake is a small object called a fève. In the past, it was a real dried bean, but today it is usually a small porcelain figurine.
👉 The person who finds the fève becomes the king or the queen. They wear a paper crown and sometimes choose another person to be their king or queen for the day.
How the Cake Is Shared: Under the Table!
To make sure the cake is shared fairly, a fun and very traditional ritual is followed:
The youngest person goes under the table.
Without seeing the plates, they decide who gets each slice.
This custom symbolizes fairness and adds a playful moment, especially for children — but adults enjoy it just as much.
A Tradition Throughout January
In France, people don’t eat galette des rois just once. It is very common to share one:
with family,
with friends,
at work,
or in sports clubs and associations.
As a result, many people eat galette des rois several times during January. For expats, these moments are perfect opportunities to socialize, practice French, and feel more integrated into French life.
Frangipane and Modern Variations
The traditional galette des rois is filled with frangipane, an almond-based cream. This is the most classic and popular version.
Today, bakeries also offer many modern variations, such as:
apple and caramel,
pear and chocolate,
praline,
or other creative flavors depending on the region.
Where to Find a Galette des Rois as an Expat
If you live in France, finding a galette des rois in January is very easy:
Artisan bakeries (boulangeries): usually the best quality and most traditional option.
Pastry shops (pâtisseries): ideal for more creative or premium versions.
Supermarkets: affordable and convenient, especially if you want to try it for the first time.
👉 Expat tip: don’t hesitate to ask colleagues or your baker which galette they recommend — it’s a great way to start a conversation.
Why Expats Should Try the Galette des Rois
The galette des rois is much more than a cake. It is a moment of sharing and connection. Taking part in this tradition helps expats understand French cultural codes, bond with locals, and feel more at home in France.
Useful Vocabulary: Galette des Rois
la galette: a flat, round cake, usually made with puff pastry
la fève: a small object hidden inside the cake
le roi / la reine: the person who finds the fève
la frangipane: an almond-based cream filling
l’Épiphanie: a Christian celebration in early January
une part: a slice or portion of cake
partager: to divide food among several people
une tradition: a custom passed down through generations
Want to Go Further with French Language and Culture?
Living in France also means understanding local traditions — and knowing how to talk about them in French. If you are an expat and would like to improve your French, feel more confident in everyday conversations, and better understand French culture, I offer personalized French lessons for expatriates.
👉 Practical lessons, real-life vocabulary, and cultural insights to help you feel truly at home in France.
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