Every year on the occasion of Epiphany, the Élysée Palace celebrates a strong gourmet tradition: the presidential galette des rois. It’s a symbol of conviviality and craftsmanship, but it’s different from the one you eat at home! Here’s how to get it!
The presidential galette, to be enjoyed at home!
The galette des rois présidentielle has been a tradition at the Élysée Palace since 1975, when the first galette was shared in the presence of Valéry Giscard-d’Éstaing and his guests to celebrate Epiphany. Since that day, and year after year, the current President has welcomed bakers, pastry chefs and guests for this symbolic occasion.
Unlike the traditional galette, the Élysée’s version does not include a bean or crown, in reference to the fact that France has been a republic since the French Revolution and has no king. Participants are therefore not “crowned”, but share this moment in a spirit of conviviality and shared reflection around craftsmanship and republican values.
The recipe itself is often a 1m20 frangipane galette, designed to feed a large number of guests. During the annual tasting, the Head of State and his entourage take the opportunity to highlight the work of artisan bakers, promote French culinary traditions and encourage vocations in these trades.
If you can’t get your hands on a giant version of the presidential galette, head for the 15th arrondissement and the Moulin de la Croix-Nivert. For the fifth time, this establishment and its chef Jean-Yves Bouiller have been chosen to make the centerpiece of this tradition. The house offers a “family version” of the galette, based on the same homemade puff pastry and frangipane filling as that served to the palate, but this time with an integrated bean! It’s up to you!
📍Moulin de la Croix-Nivert – 39 rue de la Croix-Nivert, 75015