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About Us
At A Little Taste of France, we bring the rich traditions of French cuisine directly to you. Our signature dish, the galette a savoury buckwheat crêpe from Brittany captures the essence of French culinary artistry. Each experience is authentically French. Explore the flavours, master the techniques, and savour every moment. Bon appétit!
Where did the Galette come from?
In the heart of Brittany, a land rich with tradition and a fiercely independent spirit, the galette was born. This beloved dish, made from humble buckwheat flour, has been a staple of Breton cuisine for centuries.
The story of the galette begins in the Middle Ages, when buckwheat was introduced to Brittany, possibly by Crusaders returning from Asia. Unlike wheat, which struggled to grow in Brittany’s rocky, acidic soil, buckwheat flourished. The Breton people, known for their resourcefulness, began to grind the dark, nutty grain into flour. This flour, mixed with water and a pinch of salt, was poured onto a hot griddle a "bilig" and spread thin to create a crispy, golden pancake: the galette.
The Origin of the French Galette
A Slice of Breton Heritage
Originally, the galette was a meal for the common folk farmers, fishermen, and villagers who needed something simple, hearty, and filling. It was cooked over open fires in hearths across Brittany and passed down through generations as a symbol of the region’s culinary heritage.
Who Was Cooking the Galette?
A Dish for the People
The galette was traditionally made by the women of the household, who would spend hours by the fire, carefully ladling batter onto the bilig. These women, dressed in the distinctive Breton attire lace caps and aprons were the guardians of this cherished recipe. They learned the art of galette-making from their mothers and grandmothers, ensuring that each generation carried forward the tradition.
In every Breton home, the galette was more than just food; it was a way of life. Whether served plain or filled with simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, and ham, the galette was the center piece of many meals. It was a dish that brought families together, symbolising warmth, comfort, and the enduring spirit of Brittany.
Savory vs. Sweet
Two Delicious Faces of the Galette
As the galette gained popularity beyond Brittany, it evolved into two distinct versions: savoury and sweet.
Savoury Galette: The original galette, known as "galette de sarrasin" or "buckwheat galette," is typically savoury. It’s filled with a variety of ingredients, from the classic "galette complète" with ham, cheese, and a runny egg, to more elaborate combinations like smoked salmon, mushrooms, and spinach. The savoury galette is often enjoyed with a glass of Breton cider, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Sweet Crepe: The sweet version most commonly called crepe, often made with wheat flour instead of buckwheat, emerged later as a dessert option. These galettes are lighter and are typically served with butter and sugar, honey, or fruit preserves. One of the most popular sweet galettes features caramelised apples, a nod to Brittany’s apple orchards, and is often topped with a drizzle of salted butter caramel a Breton specialty.
Whether savoury or sweet, the galette remains a true reflection of Breton culture—a dish that is simple yet versatile, rooted in tradition yet open to endless creativity. Today, the galette is celebrated in crêperies across France and around the world, a delicious reminder of Brittany’s rich culinary heritage.
The Rich History of Brittany A Land of Legends and Tradition
Nestled in the northwest corner of France, Brittany, or "Bretagne" in French, is a region steeped in history, mystery, and tradition. Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Brittany is a peninsula bordered by the English Channel to the north and the Bay of Biscay to the south. Its rugged coastline, dotted with lighthouses and dramatic cliffs, is as famous as its rolling green countryside and ancient forests.
The Celtic Connection
Brittany’s history is as unique as its landscape. Unlike much of France, Brittany has deep Celtic roots. The region was once part of the ancient Celtic world, along with Cornwall, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. This connection is still evident today in Brittany’s distinct culture, language, and festivals, which have more in common with its Celtic cousins across the sea than with the rest of France.
In the early medieval period, Breton kings ruled the region, fiercely defending their independence from their powerful neighbours. Although Brittany eventually became part of France in the 16th century, it has retained a strong sense of identity and autonomy. The Breton language, although no longer widely spoken, is still taught in schools, and traditional music and dance continue to thrive.
A Land of Legends
Brittany is also a land of legends, where history and mythology intertwine. It is said to be the home of King Arthur and the enchanted forest of Brocéliande, where the wizard Merlin is said to be buried. The region is dotted with ancient megaliths—standing stones and dolmens—that predate even the pyramids of Egypt, adding to its mystical aura.
Brittany Today
Today, Brittany is a vibrant region known for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and, of course, its unique cuisine. The Breton people are proud of their traditions, from the distinct Breton dress to their world-famous crêpes and galettes.
When you enjoy a galette from Brittany, you’re not just tasting a delicious dish—you’re savouring a piece of Breton history, culture, and identity. Whether you’re exploring the cobblestone streets of a Breton village or indulging in the region’s culinary delights, Brittany offers a taste of a France that is both timeless and utterly unique.
The History of the Brittany Flag,
A Symbol of Pride and Identity
In the heart of Brittany, where the rugged coastline meets the rolling green countryside, a striking black and white flag waves proudly in the wind. This is the Gwenn ha Du, the flag of Brittany, a symbol of the region’s unique identity and enduring spirit.
The Origins of the Gwenn ha Du
The Gwenn ha Du, which means "white and black" in Breton, was designed in 1923 by Morvan Marchal, a Breton nationalist and artist. Inspired by both the medieval coat of arms of Brittany and modern flag design, Marchal sought to create a flag that would embody the region’s history, culture, and aspirations.
The flag’s design is simple yet powerful: nine horizontal stripes alternating black and white, and in the upper left corner, a field of ermine. The ermine symbol itself is steeped in history, dating back to the Middle Ages when it was used as the coat of arms for the Dukes of Brittany. According to legend, the ermine—a small, white-furred animal—would rather face death than allow its pure white coat to be soiled, symbolizing purity and honor.
The Meaning Behind the Stripes
The nine stripes of the Gwenn ha Du represent the traditional dioceses of Brittany. The black stripes symbolise the dioceses of Lower Brittany, where the Breton language and culture are strongest: Léon, Cornouaille, and Trégor. The white stripes represent the dioceses of Upper Brittany: Nantes, Rennes, Dol, Saint-Malo, and Saint-Brieuc. This design reflects Brittany’s cultural diversity, uniting the region’s different areas under a single banner.
A Flag of Resistance and Unity
Since its creation, the Gwenn ha Du has become a potent symbol of Breton pride and resistance. During World War II, it was flown by members of the Breton resistance against the Nazi occupation. In the decades that followed, it became a symbol of the Breton cultural revival, representing the region’s desire to preserve its language, traditions, and autonomy within France.
Today, the Gwenn ha Du is more than just a regional flag—it’s a statement of identity. It is flown at festivals, protests, and cultural events across Brittany and even by the Breton diaspora around the world. Whether on a flagpole, a car bumper, or a tattoo, the Gwenn ha Du is a proud reminder of Brittany’s rich history and the enduring spirit of its people.
Brittany’s Flag in Modern Times
In modern times, the Gwenn ha Du continues to be a unifying symbol for the people of Brittany. It represents not only the region’s past struggles and victories but also its ongoing efforts to maintain its cultural heritage in an ever-globalising world. Whether seen fluttering above a medieval castle or worn as a badge of honor by a Breton fisherman, the Gwenn ha Du stands as a testament to the region’s resilience and pride.
When you see the Gwenn ha Du flying, you’re witnessing a piece of living history—a flag that tells the story of a people who have fought to preserve their unique identity for centuries. It’s a symbol of Brittany’s past, present, and future, united under the black and white stripes of the Gwenn ha Du.
The Traditional Costumes of Brittany:
A Symbol of Heritage
Brittany's traditional costumes are a vibrant reflection of the region's rich history and cultural pride. For women, the costume often features a distinctive lace headpiece known as the "coiffe," varying in style and height depending on the specific region within Brittany. The ensemble typically includes a richly embroidered bodice, a full skirt, and an apron, all adorned with intricate patterns that tell stories of the wearer's community and status.
Men's traditional attire, while simpler, is equally symbolic. It usually consists of a tailored jacket, a waistcoat, and breeches, often accompanied by a wide-brimmed hat. The fabrics and designs are chosen to reflect both the rugged coastal lifestyle and the pride in Breton heritage.
These costumes are not just clothing but a living tradition, worn proudly during festivals and cultural events, preserving the spirit and identity of Brittany
