Christmas traditions in Provence

CHRISTMAS CHEER! Provence’s magnificent Christmas traditions, which kick off on December 4th and officially wind up with Candlemas on February 2nd, are a really great excuse to visit Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and discover the region’s local customs and gastronomy. Here are just some of the key moments, markets, fairs and flavours of Christmas!

CHRISTMAS IN PROVENCE

Christmas in Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur offers up a feast of festivities and traditions: Saint Barbara’s “wheat of hope”, Saint Lucia’s lanterns, the crib scene decorated with “Santon” clay figurines, culinary rituals such as the “Gros Souper” supper and Thirteen Desserts on Christmas Eve, the “Pastrage” shepherds’ procession, “Pastorale” nativity play and, finally, the Epiphany and Candlemas…

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Mouth-watering Christmas markets, remarkable crib scenes, world-famed “Santon” figurine markets, magical illuminations, Provencal mass, “Pastrage” processions and “Pastorale” nativity plays…

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS

Christmas in Provence traditionally last 40 days, from Saint Barbara’s Day (La Sainte-Barbe on December 4th) to Candlemas (Le Chandeleur, February 2nd), and the region’s time-honoured celebrations come into full swing as the year draws to a close.