At the Elysee Palace, the King's cake isn't just a dessert: it has become a modern republican symbol. Since 1975, when Valéry Giscard d’Estaing initiated the tradition, it has been baked in a giant size for sharing… and without a fève. No king, no queen, and therefore no crown, but a cake designed for staff, guests, and sometimes journalists. The 2026 edition will be served on Monday, January 5th, during the Epiphany celebration held as part of the Rabelais event, a culinary gathering bringing together 36 young talents around the Head of State. Both a symbol of representation and a showcase of French artisanal craftsmanship, it exemplifies the popular tradition reimagined within an official setting. Its colossal size isn't a whim; it symbolizes unity, transmission, and sharing.
For the 2026 edition, the French Bakery Confederation has once again entrusted the prestigious task to Jean-Yves Bouiller, a master baker from the 15th arrondissement of Paris, and head of the artisanal bakery Le Moulin de la Croix Nivert. He previously secured this honor in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. This streak was temporarily broken in 2025 when Thierry Meunier, France’s best craftsman, crafted the Élysée Palace’s galette, based in Boulogne-Billancourt. Now 52 years old, Jean-Yves boasts 37 years of experience and has been rooted in the 15th arrondissement for over a decade, working alongside a team of six and supported daily by his wife Florence. His first major galette was created as part of the Pièces Jaunes campaign for Necker Hospital.
The challenge matches the setting: a King Cake measuring 1.10 meters in diameter — not an inch more to prevent breakage, cooking issues, and most importantly, to fit into the van! — 12 kg of pure butter puff pastry, including 6 kg of butter, 7 kg of frangipane, and nearly two hours of meticulous baking. During the busy holiday season, this feat requires ample space, specialized ovens, precision, and a cool head. Experienced with large-scale creations, Jean-Yves Bouiller produces around 40 to 45 XXL Galettes each year and has previously crafted special editions for the Minister of the Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2026, he's set to make his first King Cake for Notre-Dame.
Sticking to tradition, he will be at the Élysée during the cutting ceremony, before diving back into a year he plans to mark with another round of competitions—aiming for the title of Best Traditional Baguette in Paris and the finest butter croissant.
The good news? This presidential-style galette can be enjoyed far from official protocol, right in your own home. At Moulin de la Croix Nivert, the same recipe served at the Élysée Palace is now available in a family-sized version: same homemade flaky pastry, same almond cream filling made with pastry cream… and this time with the fève, so everyone can be king or queen for a slice. It’s the same galette as the one at the Palace, but designed for your gatherings! As for the taste? A simple, classic flavor that’s not overly sweet. Regarding the price, expect €19 for a four-person galette, €28 for six, €38 for eight, and €4.70 for an individual piece.
A tasty tidbit for those familiar with Jean-Yves Bouiller's accolades: he received the 2024 Excellence in Craftsmanship Award, was ranked the third-best croissant and flan in Île-de-France that same year, took sixth place for the best regional croissant in 2025, and finished ninth at the Grand Prix of the Baguette de Tradition in Paris.
A piece, a slice of republican tradition, and suddenly the Elysée… just a forkful away!
Dates and Opening Time
From February 22, 2026 to December 31, 2027
Location
The Nivert Cross Mill
39 Rue de la Croix Nivert
75015 Paris 15
Access
Metro Line 6, Cambronne station
