Img 5385Experience the magic of the festive season on the Côte d'Azur
THE FESTIVE SEASON
ON THE CÔTE D'AZUR
Experience the magic of the festive season
in the Côte d'Azur resorts
Wind your way through the stalls of the Christmas markets
In summer, sun-drenched fruit and vegetables reign supreme on the markets, but in winter, the stalls give way to local traditions. Come and discover them with the whole family.
The scorching sun has gone, the fruit is crystallised and the nativity scenes are set up in town and village squares. From now on, it’s wood fires like the cacho fio that warm up the whole of the Côte d’Azur. Between the wooden chalets and the illuminated decorations, the ancestral customs of the Côte d’Azur live on. Processions, songs and traditional rhythms mingle with fireworks and Christmas attractions. Like a condensed version of Provence and the Côte d’Azur, the Christmas markets immerse you in this very special atmosphere, a blend of modernity and age-old traditions.
Take part in traditional festivities
From the streets of the towns to the steep lanes of the villages on the Côte d’Azur, the melodies of Christmas ring out.
Follow the sound of the tambourines. They’ll take you to the heart of the villages, where traditional dances, plays and processions are in full swing. As the year draws to a close, the people of the Côte d’Azur dress up in their finest costumes and parade through their villages in events such as the pastoral, calendar festivals and cacho fio.
An ode to Côte d’Azur culture, these festivities reveal all the region’s customs. Attend one of these performances and join the locals in perpetuating these age-old traditions.
Taste the flavours of a Côte d’Azur Christmas
The culinary traditions of Provence mean that Christmas is a time of plenty. Do you like the Côte d’Azur’s summer recipes? You’ll love our winter specialities! In a region teeming with gustatory treasures, these products of the land and sea are the perfect accompaniment to any festive occasion. And when New Year’s Eve rolls around, the tables of the Côte d’Azur are decked out in their finest to welcome the traditional dishes of the Gros Souper and the Treize Desserts. Steeped in legend, these gourmet ceremonies have their origins in scenes from the Bible. Three candles for the trinity, thirteen desserts reminiscent of the Last Supper and an important place given to charity… These codified meals are a heritage and a source of pride for all the people of the Côte d’Azur. Try these refined recipes for yourself. Featuring both Provençal culture and local flavours, they are sure to delight every palate.
Explore Santon Fairs and Christmas cots
At Christmas, the villages of the Côte d’Azur shrink in size, and the characters that usually liven up the streets find themselves nestled in little nativity scenes: santons.
In each village, admire the finest regional works and start your own collection. These colourful figurines are the standard-bearers of Provençal Christmas, depicting scenes from traditional life. From the miller to the mayor, from the Three Wise Men to the farandoles, this incredible know-how has spread beyond the borders of the Côte d’Azur.
Listed as an intangible cultural heritage site, this tradition is a real tribute to the rich history of Provence.
Every year, Lucéram invites you to explore its cot route.
Our accommodation for the festive season
Soak up the magical atmosphere of Christmas on the Côte d’Azur, in one of our accommodation options.
Whether you’re on the shores of the Mediterranean enjoying the mildness of a Côte d’Azur winter, or under the peaks of the Pre-Alps, the region has so much to offer at this time of year.
Take part in the festivities, browse the Christmas markets and sample some traditional dishes.
Spend the festive season on the Côte d’Azur and discover the local culture and customs.
Find the ideal accommodation to spend Christmas on the Côte d’Azur
