How to Celebrate La Chandeleur The Parisian Way

The History of La Chandeleur

La Chandeleur, or Candlemas, is celebrated every year on February 2nd in France. Originally a religious holiday, it marks the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, 40 days after Christmas. Furthermore, the word “Chandeleur” comes from the Latin “candelorum”, meaning “candles,” as the day was historically marked by candlelit processions to symbolize purification and light.

Over time, La Chandeleur has become a cherished cultural tradition in France, with a strong focus on food and family. Today, it is less about religious observance and more about gathering around the table to enjoy crêpes—thin pancakes that have become synonymous with the celebration.

Why Is La Chandeleur Important in France?

La Chandeleur holds a special place in French culture, as it blends history, gastronomy, and a sense of togetherness. For French families, it’s an opportunity to:

• Celebrate the nearing end of winter and the hope of brighter days ahead.
• Share a beloved culinary tradition that dates back centuries.
• Engage in playful rituals, such as flipping crêpes while holding a coin in your hand for good luck and prosperity.

Beyond its historical roots, La Chandeleur has evolved into a celebration that embodies the French appreciation for simple pleasures—good food, good company, and a sense of continuity with the past.

The Traditions of La Chandeleur

1. Crêpe-Making: The highlight of La Chandeleur is making and eating crêpes. On the holiday, families gather to prepare these thin pancakes, which symbolize the sun and the coming of spring. In addition to being an opportunity for a family gathering, it is said that flipping a crêpe with your right hand while holding a coin in your left will bring good fortune for the year ahead. In some variations of this tradition, the first crêpe is cooked with a gold coin placed on top. This crêpe, along with the coin, is then stored in a safe place for the year. At the end of the year, the coin is often given to someone in need, symbolizing charity and ensuring continued prosperity.
2. Candle-Lighting: While less common today, lighting candles is a nod to the holiday’s origins. In some regions, these candles are blessed in churches and kept to protect homes from harm.
3. Seasonal Ingredients: While crêpes can be sweet or savory, the focus is often on using simple, seasonal ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk—making them accessible to everyone.
4. Historical Connection: The origins of crêpes can be traced back to the region of Brittany during the 1200s. Crêpes evolved as a simple recipe of flour, eggs, and milk eaten without toppings to the more sophisticated recipes eaten today. Their round, golden shape symbolized the sun, linking them to the end of winter and the return of brighter days.

Hervé Cuisine’s Perfect Crêpe Recipe (Adapted Measurements for the U.S.)

If you’re ready to join in the La Chandeleur celebrations, try this foolproof crêpe recipe from Hervé Cuisine. This is my family’s go-to recipe and it’s always a success in our household thanks to its slight vanilla taste and lightness. This version uses U.S. measurements and swaps corn starch for an all-flour base, with the option of a blonde beer like 1664 for an authentic French touch.

Recipe Details:

• Difficulty: Very easy
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs (preferably organic)
• 1 3/4 cups lukewarm milk – don’t skip this step, helps avoid lumps
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract or 1 packet of vanilla sugar
• 2 tbsp sugar
• A pinch of salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for the pan)
• 1/4 cup non-alcoholic blonde beer like 1664 or regular alcoholic beer depending on your personal preference

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter and gently warm the milk until lukewarm (this helps avoid lumps).
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour and add the sugar and salt. Create a well in the center.
3. Crack the eggs into the well and start whisking, gradually incorporating the flour.
4. Slowly pour in the melted butter and lukewarm milk while continuing to whisk to create a smooth batter.
5. Add the beer and vanilla extract, then mix well. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes to improve the texture.
6. Heat a small knob of butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, swirling it to coat the surface thinly.
7. Cook each crêpe for about 1-2 minutes per side until golden. Stack on a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
8. Serve with your favorite toppings: sugar, lemon, Nutella, strawberry jam, salted butter and sugar, whipped cream, or even savory options like ham and cheese.

Recipe credit: Hervé Cuisine

Tips for Perfect Crêpes

1. Prevent Dryness: Cover cooked crêpes with aluminum foil or parchment paper to keep them warm and soft.
2. Avoid Lumps: Use a blender or whisk vigorously when mixing ingredients.
3. Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for at least 30 minutes to ensure a smoother texture and better spreadability.
4. Use the Right Pan: Opt for a thick-bottomed, non-stick crêpe pan for even cooking.

Ideas for Serving Crêpes on La Chandeleur

• Sweet:
  • Nutella
  • Strawberry jam
  • Plain with sugar
  • Salted butter and sugar
  • Whipped cream
  • Lemon and sugar
• Savory:
  • Galettes de Sarrasin: Savory crêpes made with buckwheat flour, typically filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, or egg. Buckwheat flour gives these crêpes their distinctive brown color and nutty flavor. These galettes are traditionally eaten for savory meals in France.
  • If using the white flour crêpe recipe for savory toppings, omit the sugar from the batter for a more neutral taste.
  • Ham and cheese
  • Smoked salmon with cream cheese
  • Sautéed leeks with goat cheese
  • Potato, bacon, and melted cheese

When Do the French Eat Crêpes?

While crêpes can be enjoyed year-round, La Chandeleur on February 2nd is the most popular day for eating crêpes in France. In fact, known as “Crêpe Day” in English, it’s a day when families gather to prepare and share these delicious treats, both sweet and savory. To celebrate, crêpe stands and restaurants often offer special menus to mark the occasion.

What Does La Chandeleur Celebrate?

La Chandeleur originally marked the end of the Christmas season and the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple. Though over time, it evolved into a day of celebrating light, renewal, and community, symbolized by the sun-like shape of crêpes. The tradition is also linked to Roman customs celebrating the harvest and ensuring good fortune by preparing crêpes.

How to Pronounce “Chandeleur“

“Chandeleur” is pronounced as “shahn-duh-luhr” in French. The name stems from the word “chandelle,” meaning candle, reflecting the holiday’s origins in candlelit processions.

Discover the Best Crêperies in Paris

Looking to enjoy authentic crêpes while in Paris? Check out our guide to the Best Crêperies in Paris, where you’ll find recommendations for the most delicious sweet and savory crêpes the city has to offer.

Conclusion

La Chandeleur is more than just a day for eating crêpes; it’s a celebration of French heritage and the joy of simple pleasures. By understanding its history and traditions, you can bring a touch of French culture into your own home. And with Hervé Cuisine’s recipe, you’re sure to impress your guests with delicious, authentic crêpes. Bon appétit!