* Aubagne : Pagnol's Provence and Christmas Creches

Nativity scenes adorned with elaborate hand-carved figures are all over Provence at Christmas time, the traditions of creating “santons”, the little figures, being very much alive. Every two years, at the start of December, the most talented craftsmen gather in Aubagne to show off their handicraft in the local fair: the ideal occasion for a short break in Provence.

3 days/ 140 km - 3rd to the 5th December

Ref: 10B026

Dates

December

D1 Aix en Provence Christmas Market (50 km)

Lunch in Aix en Provence, the much loved city of Good King Rene, 15th century count of Provence, and Impressionist painter Cezanne. Visit the Craft Fair to admire local handicraft, in particular the figurines sculpted for Noel, or “santons”. Afterwards, time free to enjoy the Christmas Market. Aix is also famous for its soft sweets, or “calissons”, a sort of fruit and almond pastille with a sugar glazed coating, and you can visit a producer and sample some for yourself. Dinner and overnight.

D2 Aubagne : Pagnol’s Provence and the Bi-annual Santons Fair (40 km)

Novelist, playwright and director Marcel Pagnol often chose his home of Provence’s as the setting for his tales. Take a tour of the house where he was born, as well as picturesque spots that have featured in his films such as Raimu’s Well, or the Mas de Massacan stone cottage. Provencal lunch then visit a craftsman making the santon figurines. On the cours Foch you can enjoy the Santons Market and marvel at the creche before the torchlight procession at 5.30pm accompanying some 200 or so “santons” through the Aubagne streets. Dinner and overnight.

D3 Christmas Creches Circuit (50 km)

Tour some of the villages in the hills of Provence to admire some of the loveliest Christmas Creches in the region. Lunch.