As the end of the year approaches, Provence is decked out in its finest Christmas finery. With its age-old traditions, enchanting markets and picturesque villages, the South of France offers an enchanting setting for celebrating the festive season. We share with you the best destinations for an unforgettable Christmas in Provence.
Where to go to celebrate Christmas in Provence?
To celebrate Christmas in Provence, several destinations offer unique and memorable experiences. Aix-en-Provence is particularly popular for its Christmas market, where you can discover local crafts and specialities. The illuminations on the Cours Mirabeau create an enchanting atmosphere for young and old alike.
For a total immersion in Provencal traditions, don't miss the living nativity scenes in Allauch. Bringing the Nativity scene to life with costumed performers, the nativity scenes are strikingly realistic. Visitors can also explore the village of santonniers in Arles, where artisans reveal their exceptional skills.
If you're looking for a more intimate atmosphere, head for the hilltop villages of the Luberon. Here you'll find traditional markets and the chance to taste the famous vin cuit. Saint-Rémy-de-Provence also offers shows and entertainment that capture the imagination, promising an unforgettable Christmas.
The most beautiful Christmas markets in Provence
The Carpentras gourmet market
The Carpentras gourmet market, located in the heart of Provence, is a true celebration of local flavors. From December 22 to 24, visitors can wander among the wooden chalets, where a variety of delights await. You'll find Provencal specialties such as candied fruit, black and white nougat, and the famous Truffes Noires du Ventoux.
Gourmets can also enjoy tastings of local products such as vin chaud and roasted chestnuts. For those wishing to enrich their festive table, the market offers handcrafted decorations and unique gifts.
A visit to the Carpentras market is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Christmas, with enchanting illuminations and entertainment for all ages. It's the perfect place to share a moment of conviviality with family and friends.
Aix-en-Provence Christmas market
The Aix-en-Provence Christmas Market festivities kick off on November 15 and run until December 31, 2024. Set on the Cours Mirabeau, this market is a veritable hymn to Provencal tradition.
Visitors can look forward to a fairytale atmosphere, with sparkling illuminations and a multitude of wooden chalets. These chalets are home to some 49 exhibitors offering handicrafts and local specialties.
Not to be missed:
The thirteen desserts, symbolizing the Nativity in Provence.
Santons, little clay figurines depicting everyday village life.
Stalls selling mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to warm the heart.
The market also features carol concerts and other entertainment to delight young and old alike. Take advantage of this magical time to immerse yourself in Provencal culture.
Avignon Christmas market
The Avignon Christmas market is a real plunge into the magic of Christmas. Located in the heart of the city, it stretches from Place Saint-Jean le Vieux to Place Pie. Each year, the wooden chalets welcome local artisans offering a variety of handcrafted products and Provencal specialties.
Not to be missed:
The famous santons, the little clay figurines that embellish the nativity scenes.
Unique handmade Christmas decorations
Culinary specialties such as nougat, gingerbread and candied fruit.
There's no shortage of entertainment, with concerts, children's shows and even an enchanted forest. It all adds up to a friendly, festive atmosphere, ideal for a stroll with family or friends. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine while soaking up the warm atmosphere of the market.
Discover the villages of Provence during the festivities
The villages of Provence are jewels to be discovered during the Christmas festivities. Gassin, Séguret and Les Baux-de-Provence, ranked among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, offer a magical setting for celebrating the season. The illuminations and Christmas markets create a magical atmosphere that delights young and old alike.
In Apt, the “Made in Apt en Luberon” illuminations are a spectacle not to be missed. You can also discover the Luberon's hilltop villages, such as Bonnieux and Roussillon. These places are perfect for enjoying breathtaking scenery and an authentic atmosphere.
For an even more enriching experience, visit the Provencal cribs, true works of art. The santons, symbols of tradition, come to life in detailed settings. Each village offers a unique experience, blending Provencal charm with the spirit of Christmas.
Travel in Provence: Christmas breaks
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: a traditional gourmet stopover
Saint-Rémy-de-Provence is a veritable treasure trove for lovers of Provencal culinary traditions and festivities. During your stay, immerse yourself in the authenticity of the local gastronomy, rich in flavors and ancestral know-how. Downtown restaurants offer a blend of creativity and tradition, perfect for discovering regional specialties.
Don't miss the Petit Marché du Gros Souper, where you'll find the essential ingredients to prepare this traditional meal. You'll be able to buy local products such as santons, symbols of Provencal culture, and the thirteen desserts that are a must-have for the festive season.
You can also enjoy the illuminations and street shows that bring the town to life, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. To take part in these events is to experience Christmas in the purest Provencal tradition.
Staying in Gassin: the magic of Christmas overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez
When you stay in Gassin during the Christmas holidays, let yourself be transported by the enchanting atmosphere that reigns over this perched village. Overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Gassin offers an idyllic setting for celebrating the magic of Christmas.
Stroll through the village's illuminated streets and discover the charms of the local Christmas markets. These markets are brimming with artisanal products, perfect for finding unique gifts and savoring Provencal specialties.
Enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Gassin is the ideal setting for walks with family or friends, where every corner reveals a new panorama.
For an authentic experience, don't miss the entertainment on the church square:
Traditional song concerts
Santon-making workshops
Guided tours of local heritage
Experience the spirit of Christmas in the heart of Provence.
Staying in Aix, Arles and Avignon: the magic of Provencal festivities
For a memorable stay in Aix, Arles and Avignon during the festive season, plunge into the heart of Provencal traditions. In Aix-en-Provence, the illuminations on the Cours Mirabeau begin at the end of November, creating a magical atmosphere. Take advantage of the Christmas markets to discover local crafts and specialities.
Arles will charm you with its living nativity scenes and street shows. The town has a rich heritage and offers cultural tours for young and old. Don't forget the famous santons, true works of art.
Avignon's Christmas market offers a wide range of entertainment:
Open-air concerts
Shows for children
Enchanted forest
This is the perfect time to sip mulled wine and let yourself be transported by Christmas carols. Experience the enchantment of Provence as you discover these towns with their authentic traditions. The festivities guarantee an unforgettable experience, rich in discovery.
Not-to-be-missed Provencal Christmas events
Provence, with its unique traditions, offers a series of not-to-be-missed events to celebrate Christmas. Discover the magic of the Pastorales provençales, theatrical performances that combine storytelling and music, adding a touch of enchantment to the festive season.
Christmas markets, showcases of local know-how, offer handicrafts and culinary delights. Here are a few not-to-be-missed highlights:
Santon fairs, where artisans display their creations, symbols of the Nativity.
Concerts and shows in the streets, immersing visitors in a warm atmosphere
Calendal evenings, a time for sharing Provencal traditions.
These events, rich in history and emotion, promise total immersion in the spirit of Christmas in Provence. Experience memorable moments as you immerse yourself in local culture and customs.
Celebrating Sainte-Barbe: the start of the Christmas festivities
The celebration of Saint Barbara on December 4 marks the start of Christmas festivities in Provence. This tradition is steeped in symbolism and ancient beliefs. Families plant grains of wheat in bowls, hoping for a prosperous year. These seeds must germinate and remain green until Christmas, symbolizing fertility and abundance.
The sprouted wheat is then incorporated into the table decorations, adding a touch of greenery to the Big Supper meal. This ritual, deeply rooted in Provencal culture, is a time for sharing and conviviality. For a festive touch, the wheat bowls are often accompanied by candles or traditional decorations. To take part in this tradition is to immerse yourself in the Provençal Christmas spirit, rich in history and emotion.
Christmas traditions in Provence
Le gros souper et les 13 desserts, a Provencal tradition
The “ gros souper” and “13 desserts” are essential Christmas traditions in Provence. This symbolic meal of seven lean dishes precedes midnight mass. Dishes often include cod, snails and seasonal vegetables.
After this meal, the thirteen desserts are served. They represent Christ and the twelve apostles. Among these sweets are mendicants, which include:
Almonds, symbolizing the Carmelites
Dried figs for the Franciscans
Raisins for the Dominicans
Hazelnuts for the Augustinians
Other common desserts include pompe à l'huile, black and white nougat, and calissons d'Aix. These desserts must remain on the table for three days, allowing each guest to enjoy them to the full. This culinary ritual reflects the Provencal art of living and invites convivial sharing.
Cribs and santons, symbols of the Nativity in Provence
Cribs in Provence are much more than simple representations of the Nativity. They embody the very soul of Provence, blending tradition and craftsmanship. The santons, small clay figurines, illustrate the daily life of Provencal villages of yesteryear. Each character, from miller to fisherman, enriches the crib scene.
The santonniers, true artists, perpetuate an ancestral know-how. Each santon is modeled and painted by hand, guaranteeing its authenticity. Santon fairs, held from mid-November onwards, are the perfect opportunity to discover these little marvels and add to your collection.
In Provence, the creation of nativity scenes evolves from year to year. Families add new characters, paying homage to local traditions. This living art, deeply rooted in Provencal culture, continues to amaze young and old alike.
Midnight mass and the Epiphany, a highlight of the year
The midnight mass in Provence is a moment charged with emotion and fervor, where tradition and spirituality come together. Provencal songs echo through the church, accompanying the procession of shepherds, a ceremony known as pastrage. These shepherds, dressed in traditional garb, bring their offerings, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere.
After mass, it's customary to taste the thirteen desserts, prolonging the evening in a spirit of sharing and conviviality. Epiphany, celebrated on January 6, marks the end of the festivities. Provençals honor this day with the galette des rois, often flavored with orange blossom and garnished with candied fruit.
These traditions, deeply rooted in Provençal culture, offer a unique experience, where every moment is an invitation to discovery and celebration.