Newsletter
Shop

Christmas in the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France in Provence

Christmas nativity scenes and pastoral traditions in the Most Beautiful Villages of Provence

In Provence, Christmas celebrations are deeply rooted in traditions linked to pastoral life. This is particularly true in our three “Most Beautiful Villages” of Provence, which we invite you to discover at this time of year: Gassin (Var), Séguret (Vaucluse) and Les Baux-de-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône).

Christmas traditions in Les Baux-de-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône)

In the heart of the Alpilles, between Arles and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, the village of Baux-de-Provence has been keeping Nativity traditions alive for over four centuries. Every year, during the Christmas period, a wide range of activities are on offer for families.

During the Christmas holidays, the church square usually hosts the Christmas sheepfold, set against a nativity scene backdrop. This is an opportunity to chat with the shepherds about their trade, transhumance and pastoral traditions. Every day, the flock of sheep and ewes passes through the village, led by the shepherd and his dog. On 24 December, shepherds, drummers, women in traditional Arlesian dress and Mireilles parade through the village streets for the Aubade ceremony. Saint-Vincent’s Church then hosts the traditional Midnight Mass and its live nativity scene, as well as the pastrage ceremony.

Your Christmas activities in Les Baux-de-Provence

  1. Unleash your creative talents! Whether on your own or with your family, there are plenty of workshops on offer: washi paper, santon-making, modelling… Full details are available from the tourist office.
  2. Come and listen to Francis Cauli’s barrel organ, and enjoy his magic tricks! He’ll be performing from 20 December to 4 January, except on 24 and 25 December.
  3. Enjoy the ‘Intégrales des Carrières des Lumières’ evenings, a highlights programme of past immersive exhibitions.
  4. Take part in the Christmas courses and workshops run by the village’s artists and craftspeople.

Our top tips for Les Baux-de-Provence

Christmas traditions in Séguret (Vaucluse)

At the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a few kilometres from Vaison-la-Romaine, the village of Séguret brings the Christmas traditions of Provence to life every year.

In days gone by, every 24 December, the festivities began with the placing of the ‘Cache-fio’ at 4.30 pm. This is a log from a fruit tree which is placed in the fireplace at nightfall. Blessed with mulled wine by the eldest and the youngest of the shepherds, the log is then set alight and will burn until Epiphany on 6 January. This tradition echoes the St John’s Day bonfires marking the summer solstice, and here heralds the renewal of nature.

At 10 pm, the highlight of the evening takes place as villagers in traditional costume bring to life the ‘Mystery of the Shepherds of Séguret’ in Saint-Denis Church, a three-part re-enactment of the Nativity: the announcement of the Messiah’s coming, the angels’ call to the shepherds, and the final adoration around the nativity scene. This is followed by Midnight Mass, celebrated in Provençal.

Your Christmas activities in Séguret
  1. Discover the art of santons: in December, the Sainte-Thècle Chapel, in the centre of the village, hosts an exhibition of santons. You can also discover the work of Denis VEAUX, a santon craftsman in Séguret.
  2. Prepare your festive meals: you simply cannot leave Séguret without taking home the finest wines from this wine-growing village! AOC Côtes du Rhône and Village appellation wines will complement (in moderation!) your festive meals!
  3. Do your Christmas shopping at the Festival of Traditions on 21 December 2025, from 10am to 5pm, featuring craftspeople and producers, a tour of the santon-maker’s workshop, a visit from Father Christmas, mulled wine… and a performance at 6pm of the live nativity scene “Li Bergie” (booking required).
  4. Take part in the Christmas trail run, setting off from Séguret through the countryside with views of the Dentelles de Montmirail or Mont Ventoux… Starts at 9.00 am.

A family Christmas in Gassin (Var)

Overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, the Provençal village of Gassin welcomes young and old alike to experience the magic of Christmas. For the third year running, the tourist office has the honour of exhibiting theNeapolitan nativity scene by the artist Christian Léandre Ganga, from 1 December 2025 to 2 February 2026. For children, Gassin is organising a day of entertainment on 14 December. There’ll be a merry-go-round, a mini-farm, a face-painting workshop… A child’s paradise! The day will round off with a fireworks display.

Your Christmas activities in Gassin:

  1. Take part in the drawing competition organised by the Gassin Tourist Office! Children aged 3 to 10, imagine “the journey of the Christmas stars” and have a go at winning a prize.
  2. Go on a hunt for Christmas stars through the village streets! Join Etoilin the teddy bear and solve the puzzles with your family. 

Christmas in Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – Also worth discovering: