When most people think of France, food often comes to mind. (Did someone say the home of the best crêpes? No? Just us?) And it’s no surprise why! Often hailed as the founding nation of some of the world’s most widely used cooking techniques, the French know a thing or two about exceptional cuisine.
This must-visit destination for foodies is synonymous with an array of delectable delights, from buttery croissants and hearty stews to delicate macarons. But there’s one food that holds a special place in French hearts (and stomachs), and this is the iconic crêpe.
These thin, versatile pancakes are more than just a breakfast staple; they’re a cultural icon, celebrated on a dedicated day in France known as La Chandeleur. To celebrate this day, Expat Explore has put together a list of the best crêpes as well as a brief history of this famous dish.
Related: Discover France on our Best of Europe guided group tour!
A guide to the best crêpes in France
Before we dive in to uncover the best crêpes in France, let’s discover more about the day that celebrates them and the history behind them.
The day that celebrates crêpes
Falling on 2 February, La Chandeleur (Candlemas) is a French holiday that’s steeped in both Christian and pagan traditions.
It originally commemorated the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem, 40 days after his birth. The name “Candlemas” stems from the tradition of blessing candles on this day. However, this day’s roots also extend to ancient Roman festivals celebrating the beginning of spring and the return of light.
Today, the most prominent tradition associated with La Chandeleur is the preparing and eating of crêpes. There’s even a superstition that if you can flip a crêpe without dropping it, you’ll have good luck for the rest of the year!
A taste of history
The crêpe’s origins can be traced back to ancient civilisations. Romans enjoyed a similar dish called “Aliter Dulcia” made with flour, eggs, milk, and honey. As centuries passed, this recipe evolved, eventually making its way to Brittany in northwest France around the 14th century. Here, the introduction of buckwheat flour, or “sarrasin,” gave birth to the savoury galette bretonne, a beloved Breton staple.
As time continued to pass, the crêpe carried on evolving. Sweet crêpes, made with wheat flour, became increasingly popular, often filled with delicious combinations of fruits, chocolate, and cream. Today, crêpes are enjoyed in various flavours around the world and can be found in being served by both street vendors and fine dining restaurants.
Related: Planning a trip to France? Read our Essential French phrases and tips for travelling.
Crêpes vs pancakes vs galettes
The age-old question… What is the difference between a crêpe, a pancake, and a galette? While these 3 dishes may look alike, they’re actually quite different.
Pancakes are made with all-purpose flour, and are typically fluffy and sweet, making them the perfect breakfast treat! Crêpes, on the other hand, although made with the same flour, the batter is runnier than pancake batter, making them a lot thinner. This makes them versatile enough for both sweet and savoury fillings! Lastly, galettes are made with buckwheat flour and are always savoury due to their distinct nutty flavour. They’re often filled with ingredients like ham, cheese, or mushrooms.
The best places for crêpes
While the best place to experience authentic crêpes is undoubtedly in France, especially in the Brittany region, there are many fantastic crêperies worldwide. We’ve listed only a few below to get you started on your crêpe escape.
Related: Discover more French food you don’t want to miss!
Where to find the best crêpes in France & Beyond:
La Crêperie du Palais, Rennes, France
This iconic crêperie located near the historic Palais du Parlement de Bretagne has been serving delicious crêpes for decades! They are well-versed in all crêpes, from sweet to savoury.
Crêperie du Port, Saint-Malo, France
Located in the heart of the historic walled city, this crêperie offers stunning views of the harbour you can admire while indulging in your favourite crêpe(s). Offering more than just a delicious dish, this is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the views and history that surround you.
La Crêperie du Château, Dinan, France
Perched high above the historic town of Dinan, La Crêperie du Château offers a truly magical dining experience! As you sample through their range of delicious crêpes, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the medieval city and its winding cobblestone streets.
Breizh Café, Paris, France
When looking for the best crêpes in Paris, this Parisian institution is a must-visit! Renowned for its exceptional crêpes, this beloved eatery has garnered a reputation for its commitment to quality ingredients and innovative flavour combinations. From classic Breton galettes to decadent sweet crêpes, Breizh Café offers a delightful culinary experience. Whether you prefer savoury or sweet, you’re sure to find a crêpe to satisfy your cravings.
Swan Café, Cape Town, South Africa
This popular Parisian-style crêperie is located in the heart of Cape Town’s East City Precinct. Known for its elegant ambience and delicious crêpes, it’s a favourite among locals and tourists alike. The café offers a wide range of both sweet and savoury crêpes, made with high-quality ingredients and presented with flair. If you’re looking for a taste of Paris when in Cape Town, Swan Café is the place to be!
Related: Escape to South Africa with us to uncover a land steeped in history, culture, and delicious cuisine from around the world!
Little Breizh Café, London, England
Craving a taste of Brittany in the heart of London? Look no further than Little Breizh Café. This cosy spot offers authentic Breton crêpes and galettes, made with traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a savoury galette filled with ham, cheese, and mushrooms, or a sweet crêpe topped with Nutella and bananas, this café has it all!
Crêperie Chez Suzette, New York, USA
This favourite restaurant has been delighting New Yorkers with its delicious crêpes for decades. With its lively atmosphere and authentic French cuisine, Crêperie Chez Suzette is a must-visit for the crêpe fanatics in the Big Apple.
Try your hand at making the best crêpes
Once you’ve tasted your way through the best crêpes around the world, the next logical step is to try and recreate your favourite dish at home!
How to make crêpes
Crêpes are deceptively simple. A basic batter of flour, eggs, milk, water, and a pinch of salt is whisked together before being cooked on a hot, lightly oiled pan. The key to a great crêpe lies in achieving a thin, even consistency and a golden brown colour. A good spatula and a confident flip are all you need to master this culinary art! Plus, lots of practise.
Related: Looking to make something a bit more spicy? These are the world’s spiciest dishes!
Must-try crêpes on your crêpe adventure
Top Crêpe fillings (sweet):
Crêpe Suzette
Flambéed with orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier, this is the iconic sweet crêpe that’s served worldwide. For added texture and a burst of fresh orange flavour, added orange supreme is used to transform this simple dessert into a decadent feast for the senses.
Crêpe Nutella et Banane
A classic combination of Nutella and sliced banana, perfect for any chocoholic.
Crêpe à la Confiture (Jam)
Fill your crêpe with your favourite jam, from strawberry to apricot, for a delightful afternoon treat.
Top Crêpe fillings (savoury):
Galette Complète
This buckwheat crêpe is filled with ham, cheese, and a fried egg – a hearty and satisfying lunch option.
Crêpe Savoyarde
Hailing from the French Alps, this cheesy delight is filled with Reblochon cheese, potatoes, and sometimes bacon.
Crêpe Forestière
This is a mushroom lover’s dream, filled with a creamy mushroom sauce and herbs.
The beauty of crêpes lies in their versatility. You can experiment with these classic recipes by adding what you like or combining two to make the ultimate crêpe! The only question you still need to ask yourself is, how to serve crêpes at home? The answer: any which way you like!
Are you ready to taste your way through the home of crêpes? Join us on an Expat Explore group tour to France and get your fill of this iconic French dish!