December 2009 Newsletter

Christmas & New Year Traditions in France

On the night of the 5th to the 6th December, children in the Alsace & Lorraine regions of France leave their shoes and boots outside the door in the hope that Saint Nicolas will fill them with sweets and toys. Traditionally, the naughty children will find a branch in theirs.



St Nicolas was a kindly and benevolent bishop from Asia-Minor (now Turkey) who died on December 6th and was named the patron saint of children and of the Lorraine. The legend goes that he is accompanied by père Fouettard - a sinister figure - who punishes the children who have been naughty. In northern France, fetes are held where St Nicolas arrives by donkey, followed by père Fouettard and the children wait patiently for presents.


Properties of Interest:

Ref: 1149 Carcassonne Apartment


Holiday apartment located in the heart of the Bastide area of Carcassonne. Quiet aspect yet with all amenities on doorstep. Five minutes walk from Canal Du Midi and train station and just 15 minutes walk from medieval city.

Ref: 2447 Gites Fleuris


Two gites, ideal for couples or small family, with private terrace, shared swimming pool and jacuzzi, located on a quiet semi-private lane, framed by acres of orchards, forests, and gardens. Situated in a small hamlet near the majestic Chateau de Hautefort.


Ref: 3427 A Place in the Vines


A gite for two with stunning panoramic views of vineyards and mountains and use of large swimming pool. Set in a superb location on the edge Montpeyroux close to Clermont l'Hérault and St Guilhem-le-Desert.

New Properties this Month:

Ref. 7931 Maison Lussais


Unusual house with indoor swimming pool in a rural, but not isolated, setting. Maison Lussais is situated in a small hamlet near Cherveux north of Niort in the Deux-Sevres.

Ref. 5635 LOree du lac


Breton holiday villa with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and heated, fenced pool set in an acre of grounds bordered by the village lake and parkland. Situated in Guenin 2km from Baud and 30 minutes from sandy beaches.

Ref. 4914 La Prairie



A choice of three quality gites within easy driving distance of the chateaux and vineyards of the Loire Valley. Situated at Vernantes, 10 minutes from Saumur. Horse riding, fishing and cookery courses are all available on site.

Ref. 0622 Villa Mes Nuits Blanches



Large villa with swimming pool set in 3/4 acre of private grounds in the hills above Nice. This villa, with a kitchen and lounge on both levels, is ideal for two families sharing. On the Côte D’Azur.

The Nativity in France

Nowadays, nearly every French home at Christmas time displays a Nativity scene or crèche, which serves as the focus for the Christmas celebration. The crèche is always peopled with santons. In addition to the usual Holy Family, shepherds, and Magi, the craftsmen also produce figures in the form of local dignitaries and characters. The craftsmanship involved in creating the gaily coloured santons is quite astounding and the moulds have been passed from generation to generation since the seventeenth century. Throughout December the figures are sold at annual Christmas fairs in Marseille, Aubagne and Aix.

The Santonniers of Aubagne in Provence

Aubagne in the Provence region of France is renowned for clay pottery and handmade santons. The rich clay soil surrounding the town has enabled craftsmen to produce and manufacture fine amphoras and ceramics for centuries. Even today, many ceramists, faience manufacturers, potters and santonniers are installed there.

The Provençal santons were born during the French Revolution to replace the crèches of the churches which were closed during this period.

Instead of celebrating Christmas in the church, people created their own nativity scenes and celebrated in the home.

"Santon" comes from the Provençal word "santoun" meaning little saint. A santon is formed from clay, then baked.

The Santon makers (known as "Santonniers") paint each piece by hand in meticulous detail. No two santons are identical.