On Candlemas, celebrated every year on February 2, it is traditional to eat crêpes. Because of their shape and color, crêpes evoke the sun and thus the end of winter. On the French Riviera, this holiday heralds the upcoming arrival of Carnival.
You can enjoy traditional crêpes with sugar, chocolate, jam, or Nutella at any café that serves them for the occasion. But you can also try some original “French Riviera” variations. Here are my favorites:
The Monegasque at the Métropole Monte-Carlo:
Specially created to pay tribute to the principality, this creation by Patrick Mesiano—one of the Côte d’Azur’s master pastry chefs—features raspberry confit and light vanilla whipped cream, all served with a raspberry coulis. White and red—evoking the colors of the Monegasque flag. Prepared right before your eyes—elegant and delicious! 17 Avenue des Spélugues, Monaco.
Lilian Bonnefoi’s “VIP Chandeleur”:
Lilian Bonnefoi, the renowned pastry chef at the Hotel Cap-Eden-Roc, has created a truly delightful dessert for us: this crêpe cake topped with a citrus confit and rum, just in time for Candlemas. You can also choose the Raspberry VIP or the Chocolate-Hazelnut VIP—a favorite among the younger crowd. A creative twist on crêpes, served as a chic cake. 2 Place du Safranier, Antibes.
Crêpe Suzette at the Café de Paris, Monte Carlo:
On the French Riviera, people like to believe the legend that the crêpe Suzette was invented at the Café de Paris. In the 19th century, the Prince of Wales, who was having lunch at the Café de Paris with his companion Suzette, asked Chef Carpentier to prepare some crêpes with liqueur; the pan accidentally caught fire, which pleased the Prince, who asked that this new recipe be named after his companion. Orange, butter, Grand Marnier, and sugar… a delight you absolutely must try at the Café de Paris! Place du Casino, Monaco.
“When Candlemas comes to your door, the fallen leaves are gone.” A proverb from my grandmother
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