Santos and the Provence Christmas spirit

Everyone thinks about coming to Provence in summer, when the lavender fields are in bloom, the cicadas are singing, and you can enjoy your apéro rosé in one of the many charming little restaurants. But there is also magic in visiting Provence during the winter months. You can still enjoy the blue sky and wander through the beautiful landscapes with far fewer tourists around.

Aix-en-Provence is truly enchanting in December, with all its Christmas decorations and the Christmas market in town, as well as those in the surrounding wine estates.

Another beautiful part of the Christmas season in Provence is the Santons tradition. Santons, from the Provençal word santoun, meaning “little saint”, are hand-crafted clay figurines that represent not only the Nativity scene, but also everyday villagers from traditional Provençal life. You’ll find bakers, fishermen, shepherds, the mayor, the priest, the washerwoman, children playing, and many other charming characters.

The making of Santons is a cherished local craft, passed down through generations. Beginning in late November and throughout December, many towns and villages host Foires aux Santons, special markets dedicated to these figurines. Visitors can watch artisans at work, discover new characters each year, and slowly build their own nativity scene, which often grows into an entire miniature Provençal village.

If you book one of our Packages, we will let you know what to do and where to go in the winter months:)