La Chandeleur: It’s Crêpe day in France!

Move on Galette des Rois! Welcome, Crêpe Day!

It’s February and this month France is indulging in crêpe parties with abandon.

February 2nd. C’est la Chandeleur (Candlemas) originally a Christian Holiday celebrated 40 days after Christmas.

It’s 2023. Everyone’s pressed for time: Boulangeries celebrate Crêpe day with a generous selection of crêpes, pre-made, pre-filled, pre-folded in a triangle shape so school kids can pick them up on the way home, so adults can partake too.

At home, “maman” (ou “papa”) might prepare a special “goûter” for the younger ones.

If a birthday is coming up, it might very well turn into a French crêpe party. How else would we celebrate Crêpe day?

Stores have got us covered offering products, from the simple flat pan (“la crêpière”) to a line of appliances. One can make a very professional-looking crêpe using “une billig” like restaurants do.

There’s another option, the one I chose today: Head to a local crêperie. Will it be a savory crêpe (or “galette bretonne”) made with “sarrazin” (buckwheat flour) or a sweet one (made with “froment,” wheat?)

Don’t forget the cider, whether it comes from Brittany or Normandy. Choose between “brut” (dry) “Demi-sec” (medium-dry) or “doux” (sweet.)

Tours, my city, has quite a few good crêperies, but to celebrate la Chandeleur (Crêpe day) on my way to an appointment I headed to “Le Timbre Poste” (the Postage Stamp) recommended by a new friend who hails from Brittany (02.2024 update: Please note “le Timbre Poste” closed permanently in December 2023.)

An intimate room, one (efficient) waitress, cute decor (Post-office themed) and delicious specialties made proudly with quality products await.

I got there early (at noon sharp!) and had no problem getting a table. At 12.90 Euros the “Formule du Jour” (prix fixe meal) does not break the bank and includes 1 galette, 1 crêpe… and a coffee. Cider is extra.

Lunch took under 45 minutes. This is the only type of “restauration rapide” (fast food) I’ll still have these days.

What about you?