Santons, small hand-painted clay figures, are at the heart of Provençal Christmases. More than just decorations, they tell the story of village life: trades, gestures, and colorful characters. Around the Grand AvignonThe nativity scene season is the perfect time to explore markets, workshops and nativity scenes and embark on a living, warm and incredibly endearing tradition!
The tradition of santons: a very Provençal know-how
It's impossible to imagine Christmas in Provence without santons. These small clay figurines, which originated in the late 18th century, embody all aspects of life in a Provençal village: the baker, the fishmonger, the simpleton, the shepherd. Each character depicts a scene from daily life and completes the nativity scene around the Holy Family.
Beyond their decorative aspect, santons are above all a tribute to Provence as it once was: its trades, its gestures, its expressions, and its gentle way of life. It is this authentic dimension that explains their enduring popularity for over 200 years.
How are the santons made?
Behind each santon lies a very specific artisanal know-how. The santon makers work the clay in their workshops, sculpt a model, create a mold, then shape, unmold, dry, fire and paint each figurine by hand.
The colors, the fineness of the clothing, the subtle facial expressions—nothing is left to chance. Each workshop has its own style, from the most traditional to the most modern, and collecting the figurines quickly becomes a pleasure, almost a ritual.
Characters, professions and symbols: who are the santons?
In a Provençal nativity scene, each figurine has a role. Among the essential ones:
- The delighted, arms raised, a symbol of naive joy;
- The fishmonger, historical figure linked to the markets of Provence;
- The shepherd and his sheep, very present in the pastoral tradition;
- The drummer, which announces the celebration;
- The miller, the baker, the knife grinderr witnesses of the old trades of yesteryear.
And of course, the religious figures traditionally installed on the evening of December 24th, except for the baby Jesus, which is only placed at midnight.
Nativity scenes: a living representation of Provence
The figurines never live alone: they are part of a nativity scene, a true miniature landscape.
Montagnette, a river made of aluminum foil, a Provençal farmhouse, olive groves. Each family invents its own setting, sometimes passed down from generation to generation.
In the Grand AvignonSeveral churches, villages and associations offer each year monumental nativity scenes, often animated and accompanied by incredible sets. A perfect outing during Advent.
Where to buy nativity figurines around the Grand Avignon ?
Around Avignon, several renowned artisan santon makers welcome you to complete your nativity scene with authentic pieces.
Among them, the Santons Fontanille Isoline carries on the Provençal tradition by creating clay figurines in their workshop. Although their showroom in Goudargues is currently closed, they can be contacted for orders in Nîmes.
Another must-see address: The Oustau of Yesteryear, in Jonquerettes, just a few minutes from Avignon. Their workshop gives free rein to a creative spirit: there you will find traditional santons, scenes of life, accessories and colorful characters in baked and hand-painted clay.
If you prefer to discover these creations with your own eyes, the artisans open their workshops by appointment or during their seasonal nativity scene fairs, the ideal opportunity to meet the creators and choose unique pieces.
A living tradition that is passed down
More than just an object, the santon is a small piece of Provençal history. Each figurine evokes a trade, a scene from daily life, or a childhood memory. It's a tradition that brings people together, even today: children set up the nativity scene, families add to their collection year after year, and everyone contributes a little bit of their own story.
In Provence, setting up a nativity scene is already celebrating Christmas.
What is a santon?
A santon is a clay figurine representing a character from everyday life or the Nativity. Made and hand-painted, it is integrated into the Provençal nativity scene to recreate a miniature village.
Where to buy nativity figurines around the Grand Avignon ?
You can find nativity figurines at Christmas fairs and markets, in some craft shops in Avignon and Villeneuve, or directly from local nativity figurine makers. The nativity figurine fairs in November/December remain the best opportunities to choose and meet the creators.
Here are some examples of accommodation for your unusual weekend:
- Hotel with spa
- Bed and breakfast in the heart of nature
- Period castle
- Typical Provençal farmhouse
How do you care for a santon?
Nativity figurines are fragile: avoid excessive humidity and impacts. Gentle dusting with a dry brush is sufficient. Store them in bubble wrap or fabric between seasons to protect them.
Here are some examples of services and activities offered:
- Hiking in the great outdoors
- Swimming pool and spa
- Children's play area (swings, slides, etc.)
- Petanque ground
- Massages, facials
What is the price of a santon?
Prices vary according to size and workmanship: small, simple figurines can start at around ten euros, while decorated or large pieces can reach several tens or even hundreds of euros for pieces by renowned artisans.
Here are some examples of towns and villages to visit in the Grand Avignon :
- Villeneuve lez Avignon (Gard) and its Provençal charm
- Rochefort du Gard and its bucolic landscapes
- Les Angles (Gard) and its rich history
- Vedène (Vaucluse) and its hilltop castle
- Gordes in the Luberon (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Vaucluse) and its regional natural park
- Morières-lès-Avignon (Vaucluse)
- Velleron (Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur, Vaucluse) at the gateway to the Ventoux Regional Natural Park
When should the baby Jesus be placed in the manger?
Traditionally, the statue of the Infant Jesus is placed in the nativity scene at midnight on December 24th. But everyone does it according to their family customs.
Here are some traditional dishes to enjoy in the Grand Avignon :
- Anchoïade
- Grilled or stuffed cuttlefish
- The ratatouille
- The Camargue bull herdsman
- The Great Aioli
- The bouillabaisse
- Provençal stew
Can we modernize the nativity scene with contemporary characters?
Absolutely. Many nativity scenes blend tradition and modernity by adding contemporary figures or symbolic figurines. The most important thing is the presentation and the meaning you give to your nativity scene.
Here are some activities to do during a stay in Avignon:
- visit Palais des Papes
- cross the Saint-Bénezet bridge
- Cross the Jardin des Doms
- Discover the Calvet Museum
- Stroll along the Avignon Market Halls
- Along the ramparts of Avignon
- Discover the Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral from Avignon
Where can I see remarkable nativity scenes near Avignon?
Churches, museums, and local associations often set up monumental nativity scenes during Advent. Check the cultural calendar of Grand Avignon for the locations and times each winter.
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