5 specialities from the Grand Est region to enjoy this Christmas!

The amusing mannele

A speciality of the Grand Est region, mannele is a brioche in the shape of a little man given out to celebrate the arrival of St Nicholas on 6 December. Served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, it is decorated with chocolate or sugar chips. As well as being a comforting winter treat in eastern France, mannele is above all a tradition that rewards children for good behaviour throughout the year. If they've been good, they get one (or more) mannele!

Legend has it that this little man represents one of the three children that St Nicholas saved from a butcher who wanted to kill them.

Delicious bredele

The first recipes for bredele date back to the 14th century in Strasbourg, Alsace. These little Christmas biscuits, shortbread and/or spiced, come in a wide range of shapes and flavours, so everyone can be as creative as they like. Stars, hearts, fir trees and even little angels - these small, multi-shaped biscuits mark the start of Advent. They're usually shared with friends and family, but you can also find them at Christmas markets!

We're salivating over them: cinnamon, almonds, covered in icing and even aniseed, there's a bredele to suit every taste!

The essential gingerbread

France's first gingerbread was made in Reims in the 14th century, by the first master gingerbread confectioners. Since then, gingerbread recipes have been passed down from generation to generation, with just one rule: choose the spices you like! Do you prefer the comforting taste of cinnamon or the gourmet flavour of aniseed? And don't forget honey, which adds the sweet touch that stops you being satisfied with just one slice. At Christmas, gingerbread comes in the shape of St Nicholas, or even Father Christmas, and is all beautifully decorated. Gingerbread is often given to children during the festive season, and is also one of the typical treats at Christmas markets.

Did you know? Gertwiller, a village in Alsace, is known as the capital of gingerbread!

The emblematic mulled wine

Extremely popular, mulled wine* is the winter speciality par excellence for warming hearts! Fragrant and comforting, this emblematic drink finds its place at every Christmas market, as its scent wafts through the aisles. Why do we love it? There's a recipe for it around every corner, and it's always tasty! And for a taste of a speciality from the Grand Est region, try mulled white wine: made from a blend of local wines, it celebrates the expertise of the region's winegrowers.

Around the world: mulled wine crosses borders with different recipes. In Quebec, maple syrup is used, while in Sweden honey is added.

Champagne, a tradition

Champagne, a staple of the festive season, has a long tradition in the Grand Est region. Reims was once the crowning place of the kings of France, so it was regularly drunk at festive meals. Over the centuries, Champagne* has retained its image as a drink of excellence. With its infinite range of tastes from different grape varieties, everyone can find a Champagne to grace their festive table.

Tradition dictates that a glass of Champagne should be enjoyed with a pink Reims biscuit: the only biscuit allowed to be dipped in Champagne!

*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health and should be consumed in moderation.