The city's most famous food shop is worth a visit, particularly for the beautifully packaged gift items and the stunning pastries and cakes – or, as Fauchon likes to call them, 'le snacking chic'...
What? Officially celebrates the coming of the Three Kings to the infant Jesus.
When? Wednesday January 6 2016 (officially – pastries in stores on either side of this date).
Where? Patisseries everywhere.
In northern France Galette des Rois are buttery, almond-filled pastries, traditionally reserved for Epiphany celebrations at the end of the Christmas period (Wednesday January 6 2016). But Paris's bakers are ahead of the game these days, and the moreish dessert starts appearing in the shops before Christmas and stays there until late January, adding to the general seasonal feeding frenzy.
A proper Galette party will probably take place closer to the official date, though. The traditional Galette des Rois comes topped with a paper crown, and hidden inside is a ceramic or plastic fève or figurine (originally, it would have been a bean). Whoever's lucky enough to get the slice with the fève gets to wear the crown, and is then king for the day. This sweet tradition is a staple around family tables across France (though in the south, the Galette has a different recipe).
High-end bakeries really go to town on this, as you might expect. Jean-Paul Hévin's version has boasted green tea and chocolate drops, while Fauchon have added pineapple and coconut notes. Whether you splash out on a top tier Galette or go traditional, this is our pick of patisseries for your 2016 Galette des Rois.
