The galette des rois, traditionally enjoyed during Epiphany on January 6, continues to delight taste buds across France every January. This year, the culinary spotlight is on various regional bakeries and supermarket offerings of this beloved pastry. According to local reviews, notable bakers are changing up the classic recipe, introducing exciting new flavors to celebrate this time-honored tradition.
Starting with Lyon, renowned for its gastronomic heritage, Lyon Capitale has identified five standout locations for this year's galette des rois. One of these is Soha cookie, where the twist on the classic galette is delivered via round cookies filled with frangipane. These cookies, priced at €5 each or €24 for large family packs, are infused with vanilla and rum for added flair.
The Merveilleux de Fred offers another unique option with its galette flamande, which is quite different from the traditional frangipane style. This flan-like pastry features soft brioche filled with mousseline cream, dusted with icing sugar, and is priced at €16. Meanwhile, Caroline Hubert combines tradition with creativity by crafting a 'babka des reines,' which merges brioche, frangipane, and caramelized almonds for €18.50.
Suzanne Brioches continues to uphold its commitment to classic flavors with two variations of “brioche des rois,” one with candied fruits and orange blossom, and the other featuring roasted almond frangipane. Prices range from €6 for individual sizes to €27-37 for sharing sizes.
For those who prefer traditional renditions, Au Pain du Gone offers square-shaped galettes, including the highly praised chocolate-frangipane combo, available for €22.90 for family servings.
Shifting gears to Toulouse, the emphasis has also been on celebrating the galette des rois with inventive spins. The bakery Aux Petits Bannetons has captured hearts with its frangipane galette, which won the top prize for Haute-Garonne 2025, available in various sizes ranging from €9.50 to €38. Recently, the bakery gained widespread recognition after appearing on the show 'La meilleure boulangerie de France.'
Another prominent establishment, Maison Pillon, presents several traditional and modern recipes, including the frangipane and chocolate-hazelnut variations, all receiving accolades for quality and taste. Their galettes range from €6 for the individual to €25 for larger servings.
Meanwhile, Au Pain de mon Grand-Père showcases top-notch ingredients, consistently delivering high-quality galettes, including specialized frangipane flavors, priced at €33/kg. They also offer special seasonal flavors on select Sundays.
For consumers watching their wallets, supermarket chains like Auchan have become competitive players. UFC-Que Choisir recently evaluated various supermarket galettes for quality taste alongside their affordability. The standout, according to their assessment, is the Auchan frangipane galette at just €7.99, which received high marks for flavor, presentation, and texture.
"Les galettes des rois vendues en grande distribution sont-elles toutes de piètre qualité, ou certaines tirent-elles leur épingle du jeu?" queried UFC-Que Choisir, probing the quality of supermarket options. Their analysis found surprises, indicating some supermarket offerings are worth the purchase, particularly under €8.
Notably, Picard's frozen options also received commendations, with some choices coming close to artisanal standards. Other notable mentions included the galette des rois frangipane from Aldi and other chains, albeit these were criticized for containing excessive additives.
Wrapping up, the galette des rois remains not just a delicacy but also a reflection of both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary bakery innovation. From exquisitely crafted pastries of renown bakeries like Soha and Aux Petits Bannetons to the surprising quality of supermarket options like Auchan’s offering, this year’s selection caters to all preferences and budgets. Enjoy the sweet flavors of this traditional celebration, and may the finder of the fève reign supreme!