La chandeleur
France’s National Crêpe Day (Yes, Really!)
France's National Crêpe Day (Yes, Really!)
Every February 2nd, something magical happens across France: the entire country makes crêpes. Welcome to La Chandeleur, one of France’s most beloved food traditions!
If you’re living in France or planning to move here, you’ll quickly discover that La Chandeleur isn’t some obscure holiday—it’s a full-on celebration. Supermarkets create special displays, families gather in kitchens, and crêperies do booming business. Think of it as France’s unofficial National Pancake Day, but taken much more seriously.
What Is La Chandeleur?
La Chandeleur (literally “Candlemas”) originated as a Christian feast day marking the presentation of Jesus at the temple, 40 days after Christmas. The name comes from “chandelle” (candle), as churches traditionally blessed candles on this day.
But here’s the French twist: while the religious significance remains for some, La Chandeleur has evolved into a beloved secular celebration centered entirely around crêpes. Catholics, Muslims, atheists—everyone participates. It’s just what you do on February 2nd.
Why Crêpes?
The tradition blends pagan and Christian origins. Ancient Romans and Celts made round cakes in late winter to symbolize the sun and celebrate the return of longer days. When Christianity arrived, Pope Gelasius I cleverly adapted this custom—the golden, round crêpe now represented both the sun and Christ as “the light of the world.”
France embraced this tradition with particular passion, and it’s been going strong since the 5th century. Crêpes were also practical: made from simple ingredients (flour, eggs, milk) available even in late winter when food stores were low.
The Fun Traditions
The Coin Flip: The most famous tradition involves flipping your crêpe while holding a coin in your other hand. Successfully flip it, and you’ll supposedly enjoy prosperity all year. It’s harder than it sounds and leads to plenty of laughter in French kitchens!
The First Crêpe: Some families place the first crêpe on top of an armoire for good fortune (yes, really), while others give it to the eldest or youngest family member.
How the French Celebrate
La Chandeleur is wonderfully unpretentious. No elaborate decorations or expensive gifts—just families gathered around the stove, taking turns at the crêpe pan, competing over who can flip them highest.
There’s no “right” way to eat your crêpes. Classic options include sugar and lemon, Nutella, jam, or savory versions with ham and cheese. Crêperies do booming business, and schools often organize crêpe-making workshops.
Classic French Crêpes Recipe
Ready to celebrate? Here’s a foolproof recipe that’s been passed down through generations.
Makes 12-15 crêpes
Ingredients
- 250 g (2 cups) flour
- 4 eggs
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk (whole or semi-skimmed)
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, but recommended for sweet crêpes)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp oil (or 50 g melted butter)
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar (optional, but delicious)
- 1 tbsp rum or orange blossom water (optional)
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Make a well in the center and crack the eggs into it.
- Start mixing gently, gradually incorporating the flour.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add the oil (or melted butter) and the rum/orange blossom water if using.
- Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes (ideally 1 hour).
👉 Resting makes the crêpes even lighter.
Cooking
- Heat a crêpe pan or a large skillet.
- Add a little oil or butter, then wipe off the excess with a paper towel.
- Pour in a ladle of batter and tilt the pan to spread it evenly.
- When the edges start to lift, flip the crêpe and cook for another 30 seconds.
Preparation
- The first crêpe is rarely perfect—that’s the cook’s snack!
- If batter’s too thick after resting, thin with milk
- Keep finished crêpes warm under a kitchen towel
Serving ideas:
- Sweet: Sugar and lemon juice (French classic!), sugar and salter butter (my favourite !), Nutella, jam, salted caramel, fresh fruits…
- Savory: Ham and Gruyère, spinach and ricotta, egg and cheese
Why It Matters for Expats
Embracing La Chandeleur is about more than making pancakes—it’s understanding the French relationship with food and tradition. The French find joy in small, seasonal rituals that mark time’s passage. La Chandeleur says, “Winter’s still here, but we’re halfway to spring, so let’s celebrate together.”
Participating in La Chandeleur, even if you’re not religious or new to France, shows you’re part of the community. Your French neighbors will be delighted when you mention making crêpes on February 2nd. It’s a conversation starter, a cultural bridge, and a delicious tradition worth adopting.
So this February 2nd, make the batter, invite friends over, attempt the coin flip (and laugh when you fail), and enjoy. That’s what La Chandeleur is really about—imperfect, joyful, delicious moments we create together.
Bonne Chandeleur !
