As is the custom in Provence and in the Comtat Venaissin, Christmas crèches are displayed in the churches to celebrate the Nativity. Crèche scenes appeared in Italy in the 13th century. Here in Provence, the crèche scene with the santons represents all the different persons in Provençal society,
The crèche was created in Italy in the 13th century, to celebrate the birth of Christ. The original Crèche scene showed the baby Jesus with the Holy Family and the ox and ass, around the manger where the baby lay. Over time, other figures were added, and in the 19th century in Provence, countless santons - little saints - were added to represent the different inhabitants of the Provencal villages, such as the miller, shepherd, drummer (tambourinaïre), wood carrier, fisherman, farmer, knife-sharpener (rémoulaïre), the village simpleton (lou Ravi), all gathered, with the Mistral wind blowing, around Mary, Joseph and the three Kings.
Opening times
Opening times
From 20 December 2025 until 2 February 2026 - Open everyday
