Epiphany 2022: A tour of France’s bakeries with Welkeys

Barely finished with the holiday feasts, it’s already time to enjoy the galette des rois! Epiphany takes place every year on January 6th, but the tradition of eating this king cake often continues throughout the entire month of January. For the most eager foodies, you can even spot a few of these cakes on display as early as late December.

Welkeys, your bnb concierge service, invites you on a tour of France’s finest pastry shops to discover where to enjoy the best galettes des rois for this special occasion. From the traditional frangipane galette to the brioche-style version, there is something for everyone! Let’s discover the must-visit spots to delight your taste buds. But first, let’s take a quick detour to find out exactly what Epiphany means.

What does Epiphany mean?

What is the history behind the celebration of the galette des rois, as many call it? Between tradition and indulgence, what story lies behind Epiphany? This holiday, celebrated by most in France, is a Christian celebration that resulted from the combination of two pagan festivals from Antiquity and the Roman Empire.

‍

The Festival of Light

Originally, Epiphany was first and foremost a pagan celebration honoring light. It took place at the beginning of a new solar cycle that starts at the winter solstice. This night, the longest of the year, signals the lengthening of days and thus the return of light. We draw a parallel between this festival and our Epiphany, as this winter solstice coincides with our current Christmas. The festival of light itself was celebrated a few days later, as is the case for Epiphany. It was also on this day in the equivalent of the Julian calendar that the twelve Olympian gods were celebrated.

The Saturnalia Festival

In a completely different vein, the Romans celebrated the Saturnalia. This celebration lasted 7 days and began in late December. This festival also coincides with our Epiphany, as it could end in early January, just like Epiphany. During these seven days, great freedom was granted to everyone, including slaves; everything was permitted.

It was also customary to choose a "young and strong" man to embody the god Saturn during the festivities. Furthermore, a king was designated among the soldiers, and he could demand whatever he pleased. It was also possible for masters and slaves to essentially swap roles during this period.

Epiphany, a Christian holiday

Subsequently, Christians defined this date as the day when the three wise men—Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar—visited Jesus, who had been born a few days earlier (on December 25th). We therefore celebrate the arrival of the Messiah on Earth, who came to bring light to Christians and guide them. Based on this foundation, the meaning of Epiphany can vary depending on denominations, faiths, and countries.

But why do we eat a galette des rois on this date? First of all, its name is linked to the tribute paid to the famous Wise Men. Secondly, the tasting of the galette is said to be a legacy that has remained from the two festivals mentioned above. Indeed, the round shape and golden color of the cake symbolize the sun and, more broadly, the light celebrated during the Festival of Light. Furthermore, during the Saturnalia, slaves and masters shared a cake containing a fava bean, a symbol of fertility. That is how they elected the king who could decide everything for that day.

Where can you enjoy a good galette des rois?

We begin our tour of France with a stop in Lille. This major city is known for its desserts and pastries like the Merveilleux, but there are many places to enjoy excellent galettes des rois. One of the most renowned pastry shops in this city is the Maison Méert. Established in 1677, it is one of the oldest pastry shops in France! You can find galettes with 4 different fillings: frangipane, apple, apricot, and almond, more commonly known as the "Hollandaise."

If you are planning a trip to Lille or if tasting the galettes from Maison Méert has made you want to treat yourself to a little weekend in Lille in January, Welkeys is there to help. Discover this high-end family 2-bedroom apartment in the center of Lille. You can come with your family; with its 82 square meters and sleeping capacity for 6, the accommodation can easily host your whole tribe.

‍

We continue our journey a little further south, to Paris. To enjoy delicious galettes des rois, we recommend a detour to the Michalak pastry shop. It is the shop of the renowned chef Christophe Michalak. His world is described as "gourmet, playful, and visionary." Between tradition and originality, you can find the usual flavors or discover new ones with the traditional almond galette or the Paris-Brest pistachio galette.

‍

A ten-minute walk from the pastry shop, discover this typical and cozy apartment in the heart of the Marais. With its understated decor in nude tones and its warm atmosphere, you will feel right at home. With its 4 sleeping spots, it is ideal for hosting your friends and exploring the city.

Our next stop is a little further to the southwest, in Bordeaux. Granted, it is the city of the Cannelé, but other pastry treasures await you there. The Mi Cielo pastry shop will satisfy all your cravings for galettes des rois. With its numerous awards of excellence every year since 2018, by recommending this address, we guarantee you high-quality products. You can find the traditional almond frangipane galette and a more original one: toasted hazelnut and dark chocolate. Your taste buds will thank you for this discovery!

If you are passing through Bordeaux to explore the city in January, don't forget to stop by this pastry shop and enjoy your galette in this beautiful apartment in the historic center of Bordeaux. Live and eat like a local in this accommodation with a magnificent view of the Garonne. The perfect place to spend a romantic weekend and enjoy the delicacies of this Epiphany season.

‍

We close this tour of France a little further to the southeast of Bordeaux, in Toulouse. We are taking you to the Maison Pillon, which is especially famous for its chocolate. However, the shop also offers to-die-for galettes des rois! There is, as everywhere, the traditional frangipane galette, but you will also find unique creations like the praline galette or the Limoux-style galette. The latter is a brioche topped with candied fruits.

In Toulouse too, Welkeys has a place for you if you get an irresistible craving to try one of these galettes! This 1930s family home near the center of Toulouse can accommodate all your loved ones. With eight beds, treat yourself to a family getaway in the Pink City and start the year in the best way possible.

‍

‍

This concludes our tour of France’s bakeries for Epiphany 2022. We hope we’ve helped you discover new destinations and inspired your next trips. The entire Welkeys team wishes you happy tasting!