Brioche des Kings vs Galette des Kings: What’s the Difference?

The difference between brioche des rois and galette des rois lies in regional tradition and composition. Brioche des rois, typical of southern France, is a soft brioche topped with candied fruits, while galette des rois, more common in northern France, is a flaky pastry filled with almond cream.

During Epiphany, the same question comes back every year in France: should you choose Brioche des Kings or Galette des Kings? These two iconic French pastries reflect distinct regional traditions and culinary cultures.

Brioche des rois vs galette des rois: what’s the difference?

Brioche des Kings: the Southern tradition

Originally from Southern France, Brioche des Kings is a soft, ring-shaped brioche flavored with orange blossom water and generously decorated with premium candied fruits. It symbolizes sunshine, generosity, and conviviality.

Discover the full recipe: Provencal King Cake Brioche with Candied Fruits

Galette des Kings: the Northern tradition

More common in Northern France, Galette des Kings is made with flaky puff pastry filled with almond cream. It is known for its crisp texture and rich, buttery flavor.

See the related recipe: Galette des Kings with Candied Fruits

Brioche or galette: how to choose?

• You enjoy light, fruity flavors: choose Brioche des Kings
• You prefer rich, flaky textures: opt for Galette des Kings
• Curious to try both?: serving both is the perfect solution

Why do some regions eat brioche while others prefer galette?

The difference between Brioche des Kings and Galette des Kings is not only a matter of taste, but above all a deeply rooted regional tradition shaped by history and local ingredients.

In Southern France, particularly in Provence, Occitanie, and Mediterranean regions, Brioche des Kings with candied fruits became the traditional Epiphany cake. These areas historically had easier access to sugar, orange blossom water, and candied fruits, which symbolically represent the gifts offered to the Three Kings.

By contrast, in Northern France, where butter and almonds were more readily available than candied fruits, the puff pastry galette filled with almond cream became the dominant tradition. Richer and more filling, it suited the climate and agricultural resources of these regions.

Today, both cakes coexist and tell different chapters of French culinary history. Choosing between Brioche des Kings and Galette des Kings ultimately means choosing between two regional heritages, each celebrating sharing, tradition, and indulgence.

Whatever your preference, ingredient quality remains essential. The artisan candied fruits selected by Passion du Fruit enhance both brioches and galettes with authentic flavor and premium quality.