In France, there’s a day dedicated entirely to crêpes — and it’s one of the most loved (and delicious) traditions of the year. It’s called La Chandeleur, often called Crêpe Day, and it takes place every year on February 2nd.
Rooted in history yet joyfully simple, Chandeleur is the perfect excuse to slow down, gather in the kitchen, and enjoy a timeless French ritual.
🇫🇷 What Is Chandeleur?
Chandeleur has both pagan and Christian origins. Long before it became Candlemas, it was linked to the winter solstice and the return of light — a way to celebrate longer days and the promise of spring.
The round, golden crêpe symbolized the sun, prosperity, and renewal. Over time, the tradition evolved, but in modern France, Chandeleur is above all about making and eating crêpes together.
A popular superstition says that successfully flipping a crêpe brings good luck for the year ahead — extra points if you do it one-handed!
🥞 Why Crêpes Are at the Heart of the Tradition
Crêpes are simple, economical, and endlessly adaptable. Made with basic pantry ingredients, they invite creativity and sharing — which is exactly why they’ve remained at the heart of French family life for generations.
On Chandeleur, crêpes are often served one at a time, straight from the pan, warm and folded, as everyone gathers around the stove.
🍓 Favorite French Crêpe Toppings
In France, less is often more. Some classic and beloved toppings include:
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🍋 Butter, Sugar & fresh lemon juice (the most traditional)
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🍓 Jam
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🍎 Caramelized apples
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🍦 Whipped cream with fruits: strawberries and bananas
Each person customizes their crêpe, making the experience relaxed, playful, and convivial.
🍊 A French Classic: Crêpes Suzette
One of the most iconic French crêpe recipes is Crêpes Suzette — elegant, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make.
Crêpes Suzette are served in a warm orange-butter sauce, traditionally made with:
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Butter
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Sugar
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Fresh orange juice & zest
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A splash of orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
The crêpes are folded, gently simmered in the sauce, and sometimes flambéed for a dramatic finish. The result is a perfect balance of citrus, sweetness, and richness — a classic French dessert that feels both festive and timeless.
Perfect for Chandeleur if you want to elevate your crêpe night.
✨ Customize Your Crêpe Batter Like the French
Beyond toppings, the French also love to subtly flavor the batter itself. A small addition can completely transform your crêpes:
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🌸 Orange blossom water – delicate and floral, very traditional
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🌼 Vanilla extract – warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing
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🍸 Pastis – unexpected but very French, adds a subtle anise note
Just a teaspoon or two is enough to add character without overpowering the batter.
🌾 Don’t Forget the Savory Version: Galettes
In Brittany, crêpes take another form: galettes.
Made with buckwheat flour, galettes are naturally gluten-free and have a deeper, nuttier flavor. They’re typically served savory, filled with ingredients like:
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🧀 Cheese
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🥚 Egg
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🥓 Ham
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🍄 Mushrooms
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🥬 Spinach
In France, it’s common to enjoy:
➡️ A savory galette as the main course, followed by
➡️ A sweet crêpe for dessert
🏡 Bringing Chandeleur Home
Celebrating Chandeleur doesn’t require elaborate preparation. All you need is:
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A simple batter
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A good pan
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A few beautiful, reliable kitchen tools
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And people to share the moment with 🤍
At Clémentine Boutique, we love traditions that turn everyday cooking into something meaningful and joyful.
✨ A Simple Tradition Worth Keeping
Chandeleur isn’t about perfection — the French joke that the first crêpe is always a test. It’s about gathering, sharing, and enjoying life’s small pleasures.
This year, whether you keep it simple with sugar and lemon or go all out with Crêpes Suzette, we hope you’ll make Chandeleur a tradition of your own.
🥞 Happy Chandeleur!
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