Fêter noël en Provence

A Christmas in Provence

Christmas markets in Provence

The Christmas markets in Provence are a true institution that you absolutely must visit! How wonderful it is to stroll among the little wooden chalets that spring up everywhere in the villages and towns at the foot of Mont Ventoux, to breathe in the scent of truffles, roasted chestnuts, and cheeses from our surrounding mountains, and to savor a delicious mulled wine flavored with cinnamon and ginger to warm up as night falls...

Christmas festivities in Provence

Christmas in Provence is synonymous with celebration ! The towns and villages of the Vaucluse region are adorned in their finest attire with enchanting illuminations that will delight young and old alike . Illuminated and musical parades, as well as other festive events, are organized on weekends in the town centers. Christmas in Provence guarantees a successful family holiday .

Provençal Christmas traditions

The Provençal Christmas traditions are quite a ceremony! The festivities usually begin on December 4th , the date which corresponds to Saint Barbara's Day, when wheat and lentil seeds are sown in three saucers, which announce a prosperous year for families and the coming harvest if a good shoot appears on Christmas Day.

Provençal nativity scenes and figurines

Small nativity scenes with santons (Provençal figurines) can be found everywhere in villages, churches, and homes, and have become a true tradition since the French Revolution. Indeed, it was the ban on live nativity scenes during this period that gave rise to the tradition of creating small nativity scenes in each home, using painted clay figurines representing the Provençal characters of the village walking towards the live nativity scene celebrated in the church. These little figures are called "Santaun" in Provençal, which means "little saint." Today, they are a genuine local craft that you can find at Christmas markets in Provence .

Christmas dinner in Provence

On Christmas Eve, before going to Mass, the "Gros Souper" (Big Supper) is served, a codified meal of seven meatless dishes that recall the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. Upon returning from Mass, the famous "Thirteen Desserts of Provence" are served, representing the Last Supper, the meal Jesus shared with his twelve apostles, which preceded the misfortunes that followed. The number thirteen is still considered unlucky at the table today. These thirteen desserts feature Provençal flavors such as quince, candied fruit, almonds, and nougat. They remain on the table for the three days following Christmas, corresponding to the three days between Christ's death and his resurrection.

The Provençal Christmas log

In Provence, the Yule log is not eaten as a pastry. It is a real log of wood from an olive tree that died naturally during the year and must be harvested. On Christmas Eve, the eldest member of the family, helped by the youngest, must burn the log in the fireplace, blessing it with mulled wine and saying these words in Provençal:

"Yule log,

Give the fire

Let us rejoice!

God gives us joy

Christmas is coming, everything is going well

God grant us the grace to see the coming year

And if we haven't been more

"That we may be no less."

Looking to enjoy the Christmas holidays with your family in our beautiful Provence region during your vacation? Discover now all our vacation rentals in Provence at the foot of Mont Ventoux available during this period.