La Chandeleur: 8 Spots for the Best Crêpes in Paris

La chandeleur, or candlemas, is a Christian holiday celebrated on February 2 that commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem. The French word chandeleur evokes the chandelles (candles) that were symbolically lit that day, Jesus being recognized as the “light of the world.” 

Decades ago, French churches would distribute candles that had been blessed by the priest to parishioners for processions des lumières (processions of lights). Afterwards, families would return home and continue with an evening vigil around a large dish of crêpes. Their golden color and round shape recall the solar disk, and thus light, evoking the imminent return of spring after the dark and cold winter.

The festival is not without its superstitions. For example, if farmers didn’t make candlemas crêpes, it was believed that they would have a bad harvest the following year.

These days if you’re not religious, la chandeleur is simply crêpe day – a great excuse to eat a delicious crêpe ! So without further ado, here are my 5 favorite places for crêpes in Paris.

1. BREIZH Café

Did you know that “Breizh” is the Breton word for Bretagne (or Brittany), where crêpes are a traditional dish? Easily one of the most popular crêpe restaurants in Paris, serving both sweet and savory, you can’t go wrong by eating at BREIZH Café. Their stone-milled wheat and organic buckwheat flour (also gluten-free) are part of what makes this such a good crêperie. They also have a cellar with a wide range of options when it comes to cidres from Bretagne and beyond. It’s a great place whether your taste buds are craving savory crêpes or sweet ones.

various locations

2.Au P’tit Grec

This crêperie has Greek owners, hence the name. Au P’tit Grec has been making sweet and savory crêpes since 1981 on rue Mouffetard in the Latin Quarter. But the huge savory ones are their claim to fame. My personal favorite is the savoyard, filled with raclette cheese, potatoes, ham, and salad. It’s one of the best places for crêpes in town. Due to their huge popularity (there’s often a line down the street), they have opened a second address, also in the 5^th arrondissement.

68 Rue Mouffetard, 75005, Paris

3. Chez Alain Miam Miam

Another restaurant you can expect a long line at is Chez Alain Miam Miam. I love their massive sandwiches, but they also make equally large crêpes with savory ingredients as well as sweet ones, using organic eggs and flour. The owner, Alain, is a real character, often shouting out “miam miam” (French for “yum yum”) at random intervals. They have a restaurant in the 3^rd arrondissement as well as a stand at the nearby Marché des Enfants Rouges.

26 Rue Charlot, 75003, Paris

4. La Crêperie Mon Ami

Get your chandeleur crêpe from what must be the smallest crêperie in Paris, located at the end of rue des Abbesses. La Crêperie Mon Ami was my local crêperie when I lived in Montmartre. I’m half Dutch, so my go-to was the sweet speculoos crêpe, but you can get savory too (though they’re much simpler than the above addresses!)

7 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris

6. Crêperie Le Goéland d’Aligre

This artisanal creperie serves Bretonne crêpes with a Lebanese twist. Situated in the beloved Marché d’Aligre, the atmosphere of Crêperie le Goéland d’Aligre is warm, inviting and a favorite with locals. You’ll find the classic favorites like a galette with egg, ham and cheese and crêpes with salted butter and sugar mingling with middle eastern influences like buckwheat crêpes filled with olive oil, labneh and zaatar, or Makaneks- small Lebanese sausages with fresh herbs, cornichons, pine nuts and roquette.

7. Crêperie des Arts

This charming crêperie has a charming traditional décor and is a long time favorite of many Parisians. It’s easy to see why, with delicious fare that you can enjoy for around 10 euros or less. This is not the place to deviate from the tried and true. Salted caramel and ham and cheese crêpes are our go-to’s here.

27 rue Saint Andre des Arts, 75006