Catch the Festive Spirit Christmas Markets the Holidays in Provence

The South of France is a wonderland during the holidays, with colourful markets transforming historical settings into scenes from fairytales. I visited Christmas Markets in the South of France, within a two-hour drive of Uzès. Here’s a journey through some of the region’s enchanting holiday experiences.

Ménerbes at Christmas

My shopping travels started at Montpellier’s large Marché de Noël. After that, I headed to a Provencal village and chose lovely Ménerbes. In the heart of Provence, Ménerbes hosted a unique Christmas event at La  Maison Dora Maar, the former home of Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse and a talented artist in her own right. Today, this historic mansion serves as an artist retreat, providing inspiration and a creative haven for global artists.

The holiday event showcased art, ceramics, fashion, and gourmet goods beautifully arranged within the house’s elegant interior. Outdoor gardens overlooking the Luberon Valley featured modern sculptures, adding a contemporary touch to the timeless charm.

While in Ménerbes, stop at the Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon, located in the 17th-century Hôtel d’Astier de Montfaucon. Once a hospice and boys’ school, the mansion celebrates the region’s truffles and wines. Its holiday market featured local specialties, artisan crafts, and wine tastings.

Practical Information

Dora Maar House (website)
58 rue du Portail Neuf,
84560 Ménerbes
The holiday market is usually in early December.

Maison de la truffe et du vin du Luberon (website)
43 Place de l’Horloge
84560 Ménerbes

Hôtel d’Astier de Montfaucon (web information)
Place de de l’horloge,
84560 Ménerbes

Christmas Markets in Provence

Like most, there will be Christmas markets galore this year, and you will find them dotted all around, offering familiar crafts, foods and objets d’art. Vin chaud becomes our beverage of choice somehow, despite the odds. Little clay figures of village allegorical characters (santons) take on such splendour that we must have them in our homes after we marvel at the nativity setups in every church and hotel de ville we pass. Merchants share their chocolat chaud and pain d’épices and wrap our purchases with extra decorative ribbons, whether they are gifts or not. There is something so undeniably charming about les marchés de Noël, even the tiny ones in unfamous villages, so I would encourage visiting any that you happen to find.

Horses and Cars for the Holidays

Also, be on the lookout for events at local écuries and farms that offer exciting treats for children (of all ages) who love animals. Living crèche presentations, calèche rides and vrai local arts and crafts during open days at riding centres such as Cavaliers Du Ranch Hidalgo and Pas Du Loup provide family entertainment. 5* Coquillade Provence presents Saint-Nicolas with an event so tempting adults may search for a child to bring along. Vintage car lovers want to check out the Parade de Voitures Vintage Illuminee in Vaison La Romaine.

Rosé all day: wine tour with sommelier-guide and 3 winery visits in Provence

Splash of rosé here, splash of rosé there, splash of rosé everywhere. Let's explore three wonderful wine estates in the world-famous rosé area that is Provence!

Book this Experience

Deborah Bine

The Barefoot Blogger, aka Deborah Bine, loves to share tales of her solo life in France as an American expat who speaks no French. Retired from a career in advertising and marketing communications, and divorced after a 40-year marriage with children, Deborah left Beaufort, South Carolina and all of her belongings last year to move to the south of France. Now that she has found her "bliss," her passion is to encourage others to break away from whatever is holding them back and to go after their dreams. "We're on life's journey alone. Be certain you love where you are."

Visit Barefoot Blogger here