The Provençal Crèche: A Living Tradition of Santons and Nativity Scenes

When Christmas approaches in Provence, France, a beloved tradition takes center stage in homes, churches, and markets: the Provençal crèche, or Nativity scene. But unlike most simple crèches, which typically feature only the Holy Family and a few animals, the Provençal version is much more elaborate and uniquely rooted in local culture. At the heart of this tradition are the “santons”—small, hand-painted figurines that bring to life the rural communities of Provence in the setting of the Nativity.

So, what makes the Provençal crèche and its santons so special, and how did this tradition come to be?

The Origin of the Crèche in Provence

The custom of setting up a Nativity scene dates back to the Middle Ages in France, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, who is credited with creating the first live Nativity display in 1223. By the 13th and 14th centuries, churches across Europe had adopted the practice of staging Nativity scenes at Christmastime. In Provence, this tradition grew to reflect the region’s deep Christian roots and its strong ties to agricultural life.

However, during the French Revolution in the late 18th century, public displays of religious devotion, including church crèches, were banned. This led Provençal families to create small Nativity scenes in their homes, sparking the rise of a tradition that would become central to Christmas in the region.

The Santons: Little Saints of Provence

The true stars of the Provençal crèche are the “santons,” a word derived from “santoun,” meaning “little saint” in Provençal dialect. These small clay figurines were originally handcrafted by artisans to represent not just the biblical figures of the Nativity but also the everyday people of the Provençal countryside.

Santons typically include traditional characters such as:

• The Holy Family: Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the manger.
• The Three Wise Men: Bearing gifts, symbolizing the universal reach of the Christmas story.
• The Shepherds: Carrying lambs and other animals, representing the humble witnesses to Christ’s birth.

But what makes the Provençal crèche so unique is the inclusion of local, everyday figures from 19th-century Provençal life:

• The Farmer: A man leading a donkey laden with sacks of wheat.
• The Fisherman's wife: Selling her fresh catch, symbolizing Provence’s Mediterranean coast.
• The Baker: Carrying a basket of fresh bread, an essential figure in village life.
• The Drunkard: A humorous figure, staggering with a bottle of wine.
• The Ravi: A character with arms raised in awe and joy at the birth of Christ, symbolizing innocent wonder.
• Boufareu: the angel who guides people to the stable.
• The blind man: who suddenly regains his sight.
• The priest: pot-bellied and bald, from the neighbouring parish.
• Marius: a central character who, like Alphonse Daudet's character Tartarin de Tarascon, is very talkative.
• The shepherd: facing the mistral and the other winds of Provence, holding his hat, with his cloak blowing.
• The gypsy girl, the fisherman, the water carrier, the holy fool, the grinder and many more.

These characters are not directly from the Nativity story but serve to ground the scene in the everyday life of Provence. They reflect the region’s rural customs and crafts, and each figure has a unique story that connects the sacred to the everyday world.

The Art of Making Santons

The tradition of crafting santons began in Marseille in 1797 when Jean-Louis Lagnel, a local artisan, started making figurines out of inexpensive materials like terracotta clay. His goal was to make crèche figures that were affordable for all families, not just the wealthy.

Over time, santon-making evolved into a specialized art form. Today, artisans follow the same techniques that have been passed down for generations. The process starts by molding the figures from clay, then hand-painting them in vibrant colors that give each santon its unique personality. Santons can range in size from tiny figures just a few centimeters tall to larger pieces meant for public crèches.

Each year, in towns across Provence, artisans showcase their work at santon fairs, known as “foires aux santons.” The most famous of these fairs takes place in Marseille and has been held annually since 1803. Here, locals and visitors alike can purchase new santons to add to their crèches, keeping the tradition alive.

The Provençal Crèche Today

The Provençal crèche remains a beloved part of Christmas in Provence, both in homes and in public spaces. Families will often build elaborate crèches that cover entire tabletops, complete with miniature villages, rivers, and fields. The crèche becomes a snapshot of Provençal life, blending the sacred story of Christ’s birth with the everyday life of the people.

In many villages, you can find life-size crèches displayed in public squares, and some towns even put on “living crèches,” where residents dress up as the traditional figures and act out the Nativity scene.

Santons as Cultural Heritage

Today, the santons and the crèche are more than just a Christmas tradition; they are a proud part of Provençal cultural heritage. Santon-making has been officially recognized as an “intangible cultural heritage” in France, and workshops are held year-round for those interested in learning the craft.

The Provençal crèche offers a glimpse into the heart of rural life in southern France, blending religious devotion with regional pride. The figures are not merely ornaments—they tell the story of Provence itself, reflecting the traditions, people, and culture of this beautiful region.

Whether you’re a visitor to Provence during the holidays or a local carrying on this centuries-old tradition, the crèche and its santons continue to captivate and enchant, reminding us of the simple yet profound connection between the sacred and the everyday.

So, when Christmas rolls around in Provence, remember to stop by a crèche—whether in a church, a market, or someone’s home—and experience the magic of the santons, who bring the story of the Nativity to life in a way that is uniquely Provençal.

The History and Legend Walking Tour of Avignon

Join me for an unforgettable journey through Avignon—book your tour today and experience the magic of this historic city firsthand!

• Personalized and Authentic Experience

• In-depth Knowledge and Fascinating Stories

• Exploration of Avignon’s Icons and Hidden Gems

• Connection with Local Culture

• Small Groups for a More Personalized Experience

Book your walking tour of Avignon today on GuruWalk, FreeTours, GetYourGuide or fill out the form on this website.