La Galette des Rois is a tradition that whole France is celebrating. On the 6th January and also already several weeks before (you might have seen the cakes around different supermarkets and bakeries already), the French share what they call the Galette des Rois, the cake of the kings. The French have three different cakes depending on the region and taste: cake with frangipane (the main one in Toulouse and the South-West), galette with candied fruits or the more natural galette with sugar. All three taste great, all depends on your taste.
The tradition of the Galette des Rois
The tradition goes back to the 14th century and celebrates the Epiphany, a religious feast day commemorating the arrival of the Three Kings to the manger where Jesus was born. Nowadays it is a festive way to finish the Christmas season and celebrate the new year.
In the cake the baker hides a so called “fève”, a little charm in all different forms. The tradition says that whoever finds the charm inside the cake gets to wear the crown that comes with the tart and then names their king or their queen. For kids this means being the king for the day, for adults this means the person is responsible for purchasing next year’s cake.
Where to buy the best one in Toulouse
My favourite place to buy the Galette des Rois is at a patisserie. You will quickly taste the difference between a Galette des Rois from the supermarket or one from a good patisserie. The taste of almonds is just much better and they also look even shinier.
Pâtisserie Conté
Pâtisserie Conté is still one of my favourite pâtisseries in Toulouse and their Galette des Rois is so delicious. They sell them in all different sizes, so get one and surprise your friends with it.
Tuesday to Saturday 7h45-19h30 | Sunday 8h00-13h00
37, Rue Croix-Baragnon, Toulouse
La Bonbonnière
La Bonbonnière is in my opinion also one of the best ones in Toulouse. Their Galette is delicious, certainly thanks to the tasty butter they use.
Tuesday to Saturday from 8h30-19h30
41, rue des Tourneurs, Toulouse
Here are more of the great patisseries and bakeries where you can find great Galette des Rois in Toulouse:
Au Poussin Bleu
Tuesday to Saturday 8h00-19h00 | Sunday 8h00-12h30
45 rue du Languedoc, Toulouse
Perlette
Monday 11h00-19h30 | Tuesday to Saturday 9h30-19h30 | Sunday 9h30-13h30
5 rue du poids de l’huile, Toulouse
Saint Criq
Tuesday to Saturday 6h30-20h30
7 Place de la Patte d’Oie, Toulouse
Maison de Oliveira
Tuesday to Sunday 6h-20h
2 Avenue Etienne Billières, Toulouse
I really hope you enjoy this great French tradition. If you thought to go on a diet straight after Christmas, then this is not the right moment. Rather start on 7th January….
Bon appétit,
We only get the frangipane variety here in rural France surrounding Geneva. I must look into acquiring the other regional types next year, to feel like I’ve had the full experience!
LikeLike
You definitely should! It’s more like a brioche but also very nice.
LikeLike
Thanks for the tip!
LikeLike