If you’re looking for a meaningful French January cultural activity that students actually enjoy, teaching L’Épiphanie is one of the best ways to bring authentic culture into your classroom. And the star of the show?
👉 La galette des rois.
In this post, we’ll explore why Epiphany is such a beloved French tradition, why it belongs in every French class, and how you can use my French La Galette des Rois – L’Épiphanie Activities/Worksheets to create the perfect Epiphany French culture lesson—complete with French Epiphany reading, vocabulary practice, games, and research tasks.
⭐ What Is L’Épiphanie? A Quick French Culture Snapshot
On January 6th, French people celebrate L’Épiphanie, a holiday that honors the arrival of the Three Kings (les rois mages). And of course… they celebrate with food.
Specifically: la galette des rois.
This tasty almond-filled pastry hides a small charm inside called la fève. The person who finds the fève becomes the king or queen for the day and wears a golden paper crown. It’s simple, fun, and one of the most accessible French traditions to teach in any classroom.
This makes it the perfect moment for a Galette des rois French lesson that blends culture, reading comprehension, and authentic vocabulary.
⭐ Your New Go-To L’Épiphanie Reading Comprehension Activity
My resource French La Galette des Rois – L’Épiphanie Activities/Worksheets gives your students everything they need to understand the tradition through a scaffolded and engaging format.
Here’s what’s inside:
✔️ French Epiphany Reading (English + French versions)
Differentiation is built in. You can give the English text to beginners or struggling learners, while your stronger readers dive into the French version. Teachers consistently say this saves them time and lowers stress.
✔️ L’Épiphanie Reading Comprehension Questions
Both English and French sets are included so you can use them across levels, groups, or as extension work.
✔️ Galette des rois French lesson mini-project
Students research the recipe for la galette des rois—perfect for real-life cultural connection (and maybe a class baking day if you’re brave!).
✔️ French fève activity
A dedicated research task on les fèves, their history, and why they are such a big part of French Epiphany traditions.
✔️ Epiphany French vocabulary practice
A word search lets students review key vocabulary from the reading while having fun.
✔️ Game: Aide Jules à rejoindre la galette
A cute, student-friendly activity that brings smiles (especially great for younger grades or when your class needs something hands-on).
French Epiphany Reading: A Fun & Easy L’Épiphanie French Culture Lesson for January
⭐ Why French Teachers Love This Epiphany French Culture Lesson
Here’s what real teachers have said:
“This is a fun little resource! I loved the differentiation—it worked for both my first-years and my more advanced students.”
“My students enjoyed learning about the history and tradition of la galette des rois. The English reading helped my struggling learners, especially online, and my stronger ones loved the research project.”
Teachers keep highlighting the same strengths:
✨ Easy differentiation
✨ Engaging cultural content
✨ Accessible for mixed-level classes
✨ A complete lesson with zero prep required
⭐ How to Use This French January Cultural Activity in Your Classroom
Here are some ways teachers incorporate the packet during the first week of January:
1. Start with the French Epiphany reading
Let students compare the English and French versions to build confidence.
2. Move into L’Épiphanie reading comprehension
This helps reinforce culture and vocabulary.
3. Add Epiphany French vocabulary practice
Use the word search or create flashcards from key terms (galette, fève, couronne, roi, reine…).
4. Finish with the research projects
Older students love discovering different kinds of fèves or comparing regional galettes.
5. Crown your classroom king or queen
Because… why not?
⭐ Make L’Épiphanie Unforgettable This Year
If you want a no-prep, high-engagement, all-in-one Epiphany French culture lesson, you’ll love this packet. It’s perfect for:
✔️ French 1
✔️ French 2
✔️ French immersion
✔️ Sub plans
✔️ January routines
✔️ Culture Friday activities
Your students learn real French culture, get meaningful reading practice, and have fun discovering one of France’s most beloved traditions.
You can check out the full resource here:
French La Galette des Rois – L’Épiphanie Activities/Worksheets – French Culture