The Christmas markets of Provence

`Celebrate Christmas in Provence! Vaucluse is world famous for its rolling fields of lavender, impressive mountain ranges and the fine wines produced in lush vineyards, not to mention the impossibly pretty perched villages that pepper the countryside. At its heart is Avignon, which was the seat of the papacy in the 14^th century and where the Palace of the Popes is still the jewel in the crown of this magnificent historic walled city. But, go at Christmas and you’ll find Vaucluse takes on a very special sparkle. Discover the most lovely Christmas markets of Provence in historic towns and pretty villages – festive, feel good and utterly fabulous!

Christmas in Vaucluse

In the south of France, they love their Santons, ‘little saints’, of Provence that are produced and feature in almost every home during the Christmas season. These often intricate nativity figures are traditionally made from clay, hand-painted and often painted as religious figures or in local costume. It’s a custom dating back to the Middle Ages that originated in Italy and spread France. During the French Revolution religious expression was frowned upon so people began making their own crèche figurines secretly at home.

No visit to Vaucluse in December is complete without a visit to a santon fair or the studio of a santonier like that of Denis Voeux in Séguret. And it’s a great chance to buy a ‘Santon’ to take home. (Read more about Santons in The Good Life France Magazine, Issue 36, which is free to read).

Cultural, fun and foodie activities

Vaucluse celebrates Christmas with a wealth of cultural and fun activities. Music, craft workshops, children’s activities, firework displays, and other events take place across the region. With a whole host of concerts, activities and events to accompany them, these pretty and vibrant Christmas markets are the ideal way to enter into the spirit of the season.

Provence is renowned for its food and drink and at Christmas it’s traditional to enjoy les ‘treize desserts’ – thirteen desserts! Consisting of crysallised fruit, nuts, nougat and orange blossom flavoured fougasse. It’s a delicious custom and you’ll find sweet versions of this famous Christmas foodie tradition in chocolateries and patisseries – the perfect gift for sharing.

Avignon Christmas markets

The streets of Avignon are twinkling and festive and throughout December, a traditional Christmas market takes place in the Place Saint-Jean le Vieux. It’s the perfect place to discover Provençal Christmas traditions with about 30 wooden chalets offering all manner of gift ideas and tempting winter treats. You’ll find traditional santons, jewellery, decorative gifts and accessories and beautiful household linens. If all that shopping makes you peckish, there are gastronomic specialities such as earthy truffles, delicious chocolates and plentiful wine and champagne on offer too.

At the Carmes Cloister, in the very heart of Avignon, another event takes place over two weekends and offers completely local and craft-based market stalls. This eco-responsible market features the work of 80 local artisans, creators and producers and some 20 special events for every age group, with concerts, face-painting for children and shows all in this magical historical setting. Visitors can enjoy a glass of mulled wine, Alsatian biscuits and thoroughly embrace the magic of Christmas.

By the Canals of l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

The Christmas market in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue plays host to a wide range of festivities throughout December including a fabulous light show on the canals that criss cross the town. As well as many craft stalls, there are all sorts of events running in the village. Children’s activities run from 3pm to 6pm most days with concerts from 6.30pm to 10pm. Children can write letters to Santa, play board games, decorate Christmas trees, have their faces painted with festive designs, take part in festive colouring activities and create balloon sculptures. Father Christmas will of course also be paying a visit. A free tourist train runs on some days and evening concerts include rock, pop, jazz and DJ led music, as well as festive songs.

La Mirande 5* Hotel in Avignon

The Christmas market in La Mirande features ceramics, art, textiles, jewellery, cosmetics, perfumes and soaps among many other gift ideas. Food stalls offer seasonal and regional delicacies, such as the Buche de Noël, or chocolate Yule log, and savoury dishes flavoured with truffles. Quintessentially French dishes such as Crêpes Suzettes will warm you up and there’s even a chance to take part in a cookery class and make your own Buche de Noël filled with praline. And don’t miss the chance to enjoy a delicious hot chocolate in the courtyard or lobby of this exquisite 5* hotel.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

In Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Tauléjades is a food market with a distinctly Christmas flavour. An excellent opportunity to meet the wine-growers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and pick a few bottles for your end-of-year celebrations, but also to meet producers from all over France, all of them from the “Slow Food” movement (Comté cheese, Cancale oysters, etc). Tasting workshops (wine & spices, wine & chocolate…) will also be running throughout the day, and don’t miss the gourmet dinner on the “pepper & spices” theme, served with Châteuneuf-du-Pape wines on the Friday night!

Pernes-les-Fontaines Christmas market

A traditional Provençale Christmas market takes place for one day in Pernes-les-Fontaines, known for its 40 fountains and the many artisan workshops in the quaint streets of the town centre. Organised by the local folklore society it focuses on food and drink and in particular the ingredients needed for a traditional Provençal Christmas meal served on Christmas Eve with 13 different desserts. Representing the 12 apostles and Jesus, these include dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruits, sweets, biscuits and, of course, the Buche de Noël.

Orange Christmas Market

In the pretty town of Orange, against the backdrop of its UNESCO listed Roman heritage, are the twinkling lights of the town’s Christmas market. With stalls selling gifts, sweet treats and wine there will also be fanfares, parades, choral events and workshops.