For Epiphany, Nîmes bakers are ready to delight the city with their delicious galettes des rois!

Comme chaque année, Antonio Bassi propose ses galettes des rois aux Nîmois. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

À l'approche de l'Épiphanie, les boulangeries de Nîmes se préparent à accueillir une affluence de clients avides de la frangipane et des royaumes.

Here we are… After the Christmas presents, New Year's Eve, now comes the time to celebrate the Epiphany. For the occasion, the streets of Nîmes are adorned with the delicious aromas of the galette des rois, marking the start of a crucial economic period for local bakeries. Celebrated on January 6, this traditional festival offers artisan bakers the opportunity to shine, both culturally and in terms of economic prosperity.

The Galette des rois, a deep-rooted gourmet tradition

The galette des rois is much more than a simple pastry. It embodies a gourmet tradition deeply rooted in French culture and marks the end of the Christmas festivities. This iconic pastry, made with delicious frangipane or almond cream, often contains a hidden bean. Traditionally, the person who discovers the bean becomes the king or queen of the day.

This custom has lasted for centuries and remains a real institution in France. Local bakers, true artisans of the tradition, play a key role in preserving of this custom and in stimulating the local economy.

Maison Villaret offers four different sizes of pancakes ranging from mini to large. Midi Libre – Pierre Meuriot

A notable economic impact

In Nîmes, bakeries anticipate a significant increase in their activity as Epiphany approaches. The sale of king cakes represents a significant part of their income during this period. Bakers are stepping up their efforts to meet growing demand by producing a diverse assortment of pancakes, from classic versions to more daring creations.

"Frangipane ? Kingdom ? We have everything you need, smiles Virginie, manager of the Maison Villaret bakery and pastry shop. Whether for one or the other we have four different sizes with prices varying between 4 € and 24 € depending on the format and the cake chosen." And for those who are wondering if the cakes are successful, "we sold two scales today. That represents around 20 pancakes for each of the eight sizes we offer!", she says.

"A peak over the first 15 days"

Two pancakes or kingdoms purchased, a free bottle of cider. This is what Le Pétrin Nîmois has been offering since Tuesday, January 2. Behind the window, several types of galettes des rois are offered: “Customers can choose between a Signature with frangipane, apples and caramel, a classic kingdom, a chocolate chip kingdom for those who “I don't like candied fruits, as well as a classic frangipane,” explains Marine, an employee at the establishment for three months.

For Antonio Bassi, merchant at Focacceria, "we have a peak over the first 15 days". Filled with traditional porcelain beans, the pancakes from the artisanal bakery located on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville are also quite successful. "It's simple, I only have two kingdoms left and no  frangipane", says the man with the salt-and-pepper beard and accent. pronounced Italian.