Vente de Gâteaux: A Sweet School Activity

“Mom!

We’re doing a Vente de Gâteaux (selling sweets) at school tomorrow. Can you make some crêpebatter? I’ll bake them myself when I get home!”

That was the surprise phone call I got from my younger daughter the other day.

“Ah, it’s that time of year again,” I thought as I got to work preparing the batter. But if you’re wondering, like I initially did, what exactly is Vente de Gâteaux? then let me explain.

Fundraising, French Style

When I first heard about Vente de Gâteaux, I was completely confused. Selling sweets at school? That concept would’ve never crossed my mind growing up in Japan.

At the French school my daughter attends, students participate in fundraising to help cover class trip expenses. The idea is simple and brilliant: students bring homemade sweets, sell them during lunch breaks, and use the money raised to offset travel costs.

For example, my daughter’s class once visited Brno, a charming city in the Czech Republic. To stretch their budget, they organized a Vente de Gâteaux. Even my older daughter did the same before her Spanish class set off for Spain

A Menu Full of Temptations

The sweets are as French as it gets—Madeleines, gâteau au chocolat, crêpes, and other irresistible treats. Priced at just 1 euro, they’re an easy sell to both students and teachers.

“It’s such a sweet-tooth thing, very French,” I thought. My older daughter confessed she couldn’t resist either: “I saw the desserts, and I just had to buy some!”

Crêpes + Nutella = A Winning Comb⭐️

On her assigned day, my younger daughter brought 30 crêpes made from our family’s favorite recipe. And the star of the show? Nutella! This iconic chocolate hazelnut spread is beloved in both France and Germany, and it’s no surprise that it made her offering an instant hit.

When she came home, she was thrilled. “We sold out and made 90 euros! It was the best sales day yet!” she said excitedly.

Come to think of it, I’ve never seen a crêpestand in France or Germany without Nutella. It’s the ultimate combination, and her crepes were no exception—they disappeared in no time.

A Cultural Difference Worth Noting

This kind of activity reminds me of how different French schools are from the ones I attended in Japan. In Japan, selling homemade sweets at school might seem challenging. Strict regulations and hygiene concerns would likely make the process difficult, if not impossible, without prior approval.

But in France, there’s a sense of freedom and openness that encourages these initiatives. Students work together, supported by their teachers and community, to make activities like this a success.

Seeing my daughter negotiate prices, split the proceeds with her classmates, and enthusiastically recount the day’s events is so rewarding. She’s learning about teamwork and the value of effort—all while having fun.

Our Family’s Crêpe Recipe

Now, let me share our family’s go-to crêperecipe! Originally passed down from my husband, it’s been perfected by my younger daughter, who is undeniably the best crêpemaker in our family.

Her crêpes are wonderfully chewy (mochi-mochi in Japanese) , surprisingly easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Try them at home—you’ll see why they’re such a hit in ours!
Click here for the recipe. Crepes – Les crêpes