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Lights sparkle on the Cours Mirabeau in Aix, wooden chalets surround the Vieux Port in Marseille, and the Ferris wheel returns to Nice - December is a festive time in the South of France. The holiday traditions begin on December 4th, Saint Barbara's Day, which marks the start of fêtes calendales ending 40 days later on February 2nd with Candlemas Day (la Chandeleur).
The Feast of Sainte-Barbe involves a bit of light gardening. Purchase a package of wheat seeds from local markets or bakeries and "plant" the blé.
The grains are placed on a wet paper towel or cotton. The wheat germinates in the weeks before Christmas with the right mix of sun and water. Finally, the sprouted wheat is placed on a Provençal holiday table to signify the promise of a prolific year ahead.
Christmas celebrations in France centre around family and food (try the Galette Provençale recipe below). There are holiday-themed markets throughout the region, from cities to villages to vineyards, where you find local products, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, foie gras and gingerbread (pain d’épices), the santons the little clay figures for créches. For the festive season, Martine of Goût et Voyage has created this delicious multi-course meal.
If you are looking for holiday gifts, please check out our 2022 Gift Guide with great products from brands we love, including Rose et Marius, L'AUGUSTE Provence, French Address, Remember Provence, and Okanagan Lavender & Herb Farm.
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Enjoy the season,
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