Tis the season for Santons in Provence

Contributor blog post by Michel:

You know I love santons, the hand-made clay figurines that depict the colorful people, traditional trades, activities and costumes of Provence. In Provence, they are set out at Christmas in a Provençal crèche (nativity scene).

…Continue reading here for Michel’s description of these tiny clay figures (ok some are not that small at 15cm). The santons generally make an appearance as Christmas approaches and nativity scenes are added to the holiday decorations. However, there are no hard and fast rules related to santons, Michel says that they keep their collections in place all year long at their homes in California and Sablet, France.

Michel explains the difference between santons d’argile (all clay) and the santons habillés (dressed). Enjoy his post as you too may be tempted to visit:

Oustau d’Antan
Santonier-Crechiste
220 Impasse des Alpilles
84450 Jonquerettes
Tel: +33 (0)6 11 65 71 83
Email: oustau.dantan@hotmail.fr

Via:: Our House in Provence