If you’re looking for a fun way to explore the South of France at this time of year, touring the area’s famed Christmas markets might just be the thing for you. Not only will you enjoy some crystal clear weather, but you will also get to experience one of France’s more beloved traditions. Starting at the end of November, those much-awaited seasonal gatherings start popping up all over the region and display all kinds of local fares until early January.
Avignon, already a prime travel destination thanks to, among other things, its glorious Palace of the Popes, is even more so during the entire month of December, when about sixty chalets take over the gorgeously lit up Place de l’Horloge to offer a wide range of time-tested goodies. There, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the holidays with a provençal twist, from colorful fabrics and hand-made jewelry to local produce and traditional santons, the small terra cotta figurines depicting the people native of the area.
Once you’re done shopping, you can move on to the live festivities which include the “chemin des crèches” a delightful path where you’ll be able to admire numerous animated nativity scenes, various parades, featuring Santa, of course, but also clowns and cartoons characters, and many organized and spontaneous performances of folk dances and Christmas carols.
If you’re lucky enough to be there on Christmas’ Eve, you can even partake in the “Gros souper” (Big Dinner) which never fails to end with the 13 traditional desserts (Don’t get too excited. Those are composed of mostly fruit), and then attend the Midnight Mass.
To help you take full advantage of all that Avignon has to offer during the holidays, or any other time for that matter, New York Habitat has some accommodations right in downtown Avignon.
If you’re a fairly large group, you will like our fully furnished 3 bedroom Duplex apartment in the Historic Center of Avignon PR-858 right in the historic center. Totally renovated in 2007, it has all the modern amenities topped by a sweeping view over the neighborhood from its inconspicuous balcony.
If you’re looking for a smaller place, you cannot go wrong with our light-drenched, fully furnished Studio in Downtown Avignon PR-996, right near Pont Bénézet, the bridge that was immortalized in the famous children’s song.
Enjoying the holiday season in Avignon only duplicates the pleasure that wonderful town brings to people at any other time of the year. Have you ever been there? What was your most lasting impression?
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