WELCOME TO 60 DAYS OF HAPPINESS!

In Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, the Christmas festivities last over two months. On December 4th, on Saint Barbara's Day, many people continue to set up the traditional crib scene, with its little clay figurines nestling amid moss and olive branches. They will continue to share everyday family life until Candlemas on February 2nd.

Welcome to a – moderate – feast for the senses.

Christmas in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur has a surprisingly salty and even iodine flavour! A taste of the Mediterranean... Of course, we love great food and drink and we have it all – the wines, the truffles, the shellfish and the wild game. To appreciate this fine fare even more, the eating traditionally begins with the humble-yetdelicious "Gros Souper" or big supper on December 24th. And although it's followed up with Thirteen Desserts (no less), they consist of dried fruit, melon, nougat and other simple pleasures of yesteryear we not be less!"

Welcome to the Three Kings

Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to visit our local santon figurine makers - experts in moulding human figures from clay -, bakers who perfume their brioche with orange blossom water for the occasion, and the potters, ceramists, perfumers, weavers and craftsmen whose creations promise to bring a happy smile to every face. Push open the doors to the magical worlds of the region's artisans and roam our many Christmas markets and santon figurine fairs.

Welcome to newfound spirituality

Christmas is a great time to celebrate serenity and reflect on the meaning of life. In addition to the traditional shepherd's offering in Les Baux-de-Provence, midnight mass, nativity plays, carols and processions add a spiritual dimension to our festivities. The local villages invite visitors to admire their treasures of religious art. It's a marvellous opportunity to discover the new "In the Footsteps of Mary Magdalene" pilgrim's route too, spanning 222 kilometres between the regional nature reserves of Sainte-Baume and Camargue. Legend tells that the Saint's rowing boat washed up on these shores in ancient times. The city of Marseille continues to commemorate the event with its delicious, boat-shaped navette biscuits, blessed at Saint Victor's Abbey on February 2nd every year. Unique.