On November 11, 2024, the medieval town of Provins in the Seine-et-Marneregion of France pays tribute to its pastry speciality: niflettes! But what exactly are niflettes? Niflettes are small pastries, sold by the dozen, which hide an orange blossom-flavored custard under their puff pastry. Their origins date back to the Middle Ages, when they were distributed to orphans leaving cemeteries on All Saints' Day.
That's where they get their name from, since the Latin injunction "Ne flete!" means "Don't cry! Since those ancient times, Provins' many pastry chefs have been offering these gourmet cakes to their customers every All Saints' Day. Once again this year, the town has thought big and is paying tribute to this famous and delicious pastry with a new edition of its Fête de la Niflette!
Right in the heart of Provins, a medieval town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fête de la Niflette attracts locals and tourists alike every year. This local delicacy, emblematic of All Saints' Day, comes in a variety of flavors for the occasion. The gourmet market held in the cobbled streets of the old town allows visitors to discover a variety of artisanal and regional products, with stands dedicated to cheeses, charcuterie and other regional specialties.
As soon as you set foot in Provins for the Fête de la Niflette, the festive atmosphere kicks in. The sweet smells of freshly baked niflettes greet you, and it's hard to resist this golden puff pastry, both light and generously topped with a creamy custard. Local pastry chefs vie with each other in creativity to offer modern variations, with vanilla, chocolate or red fruit niflettes. But it's the traditional recipe, subtly flavored with orange blossom, that continues to seduce purists.
As well as tasting niflettes, the gourmet market offers a journey through local flavours. Local producers proudly display their wares: mature cheeses from Seine-et-Marne, artisanal terrines and jams, not to mention local honey and crusty breads. You can stroll between the stalls while enjoying a niflette, while chatting with the artisans who share their know-how and anecdotes.
The Fête de la Niflette is more than just a culinary event. It's also an opportunity to discover Provins from another angle. Between two mouthfuls of niflette, guided tours of the medieval town are offered, as well as activities for children, such as pastry-making workshops where they can learn to make their own niflettes. Older children are also catered for, with cookery demonstrations and lectures on local traditions.
As you stroll through the narrow streets, live bands enliven the main squares, creating a convivial and festive atmosphere. Each year, the Fête de la Niflette evolves, but retains its authentic, warm spirit, bringing together all generations around a shared passion for delicacies and traditions.
The Fête de la Niflette 2024 takes place during the first weekend in November, just after All Saints' Day. Don't forget to bring warm clothes, as temperatures can be chilly, but the warm atmosphere will more than make up for it. Don't forget to discover all the wonders of Provins ' old town during your visit!
Provins, Île-de-France's largest medieval city, with many treasures to discover
In Seine-et-Marne, just a few kilometers from the capital, lies the medieval town of Provins, a testimony to its trading past and lively fairs. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town straight out of the Middle Ages is brimming with historical treasures, from the Tour César to its rose-based culinary specialties, not to mention its imposing ramparts! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On November 11, 2024
From 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Location
Medieval town of Provins
4 Chemin de Villecran
77160 Provins
Prices
Free
Official website
provins.net
Provins, Île-de-France's largest medieval city, with many treasures to discover
