BEST KING CAKES IN FRANCE 2026: Discover the top-rated Galettes des Rois for Epiphany. From the award-winning Maison Dumont to the legendary Stohrer and Cyril Lignac, find the best classic frangipane cakes in Paris and beyond.
As the holiday lights begin to dim, a new aroma is wafting through the streets of every French town: the sweet, buttery scent of roasted almonds and caramelized puff pastry. January 6, 2026, marks the official celebration of Epiphany, but for the French, the entire month is dedicated to the Galette des Rois (King Cake).
Whether you are a purist seeking the perfect frangipane or a gourmet explorer looking for the latest chef-driven creation, the 2026 season has officially reached its peak. From the historic boulangeries of Paris to the award-winning artisans of the suburbs, here is your definitive guide to the finest classic king cakes in France this year.
The 2026 Champions: Award-Winning Artisans
Every year, the “Grand Paris” competition crowns the best almond galettes, and the 2026 results have just been released by the Syndicat des Boulangers. If you want a guaranteed masterpiece of lamination and cream, these are the top-ranked addresses:
- Maison Dumont (Clamart): Taking the #1 spot this year, this bakery is being praised for its “crystalline” puff pastry and a frangipane that strikes a perfect balance between sweet and nutty.
- La Maillardise (Levallois-Perret): Coming in a close second, their galette is noted for its deep, toasted almond flavor.
- Boulangerie Moderne Rabineau (Paris, 5th): Located near the famous Emily in Paris filming spots, this boulangerie remains a top-tier choice for those staying in the city center.
The “Old Guard”: Timeless Parisian Classics
For those who believe tradition is sacred, these legendary houses continue to set the gold standard for the classic Galette à l’Amande:
- Stohrer (Rue Montorgueil): As the oldest pastry shop in Paris (founded in 1730), their galette is for the true purist. It features an “intense, raw” almond filling that is intentionally less processed than modern versions, offering a bold, rustic taste.
- Cyril Lignac: France’s most beloved TV chef delivers a galette that is consistently rated as the crowd favorite. It is famous for its “inverted” puff pastry, which provides an extra-flaky crunch that doesn’t crumble as easily.
- Maison Kayser: With locations across France, Éric Kayser offers a reliable, high-quality traditional galette that is perfect for a last-minute gathering without sacrificing artisanal standards.
The Luxury Tier: Palace Hotels & Signature Chefs
If you are looking for an “event” cake, the 2026 luxury collections are particularly spectacular:
- Maxime Frédéric at Louis Vuitton (Paris): A modern masterpiece featuring a hazelnut-infused frangipane and the iconic Monogram embossed onto the golden crust.
- Anne Coruble at The Peninsula Paris: The newly crowned “Pâtissière of the Year 2026” has created a galette that honors tradition while adding a floral, vanilla-bean depth that has critics raving.9
- Le Bristol Paris: Chef Maxence Barbot has introduced a “petalled” brioche-style galette for those who find the classic puff pastry too heavy.
Regional Rivalry: Galette vs. Gâteau
It is important to remember that France is divided by its king cake preferences.
| Region | Name | Style | Key Feature |
| Northern France | Galette des Rois | Puff Pastry | Filled with frangipane (almond cream). |
| Southern France | Gâteau des Rois | Brioche | Round, bread-like cake topped with candied fruits. |
Pro-Tip for Serving: To truly appreciate a classic galette, pastry chefs recommend preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F), turning it off, and then placing the cake inside for 10 minutes. This revives the crispiness of the butter layers without drying out the almond heart.
