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The holiday season is the perfect time of year to visit France. A country steeped in tradition, there are many types celebrations that take place throughout the month of December, all leading up to Christmas. The Christmas markets are a perennial favorite, and while the largest one may be in Strasbourg, the South of France has some great markets as well, in Menton and Avignon. Thanks to New York Habitat’s wide range of accommodations in the region, markets in both towns are easily accessible this December!
Avignon accommodation: 2-bedroom apartment in the South of France
Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages and began in the Germanic parts of Europe, but quickly spread throughout the continent. You will usually find a nativity scene among the many stalls selling food (roasted chestnuts), drink (hot mulled wine), and handmade toys and ornaments among other things. However, every market is different and manages to include some local flavor with the traditional.
In Menton, a town along the Riviera near Nice, the theme of this year’s Christmas market is “Les Comptines” or nursery rhymes. Running from December 12th to January 4th, these festivities will delight children and the child within. Animatronic figures act out some classic French nursery rhymes and there’s even a small train to guide you through them all. Also for the kids, there are daily shows featuring clowns or puppets and short classes to make Christmas decorations. For the kid in all of us, there is an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel and other carnival rides. And don’t forget to stop by the market itself to enjoy warm crepes or hot chocolate and to pick up some unique souvenirs!
The Provincial town of Avignon takes a more traditional approach to its annual Christmas market festivities. Throughout the month of December, you will find shop and food stalls set up around the Place de l’Horloge in the center of town. Folk dancers, dressed in traditional costumes, will perform, but Santa will also be around to greet the children. Walk down the “Chemin des crèches”, an alley of large, animated and lighted nativity scenes. Avignon truly uses its history to its advantage since all of this takes place right by the Palais des Papes, the seat of Catholicism for much of the 14th century!
Menton apartment: 1 bedroom apartment in the South of France
New York Habitat offers numerous accommodations in the area of both Menton and Avignon so that you can enjoy both Christmas markets. Maybe one of these will suit your needs:
• This 1 bedroom rental in Roquebrune Cap Martin, French Riviera (PR-699) is not far from Menton or the beach! The charming apartment is brightly decorated to match the fantastic Mediterranean sunlight!
• This 2 bedroom maison de village rental in Avignon (PR-137) is perfect the spot to take the whole family on vacation. The apartment may be newly renovated but the classic touches, such as exposed wooden ceiling beams, remain and so does the provincial charm!
A trip to a Christmas market is a wonderful tradition to add to your holiday vacation. The wonderful markets put on by the towns of Menton and Avignon are great reasons to visit these areas of the South of France, whether you’ve never been or even if you’re a frequent flyer. Let New York Habitat provide you with a luxurious vacation apartment and really make this holiday season a memorable one!
What’s your favorite part of the holiday season? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.
Related apartment rental posts from New York Habitat:
- See an unexpected side of the South of France in the Camargue
- Christmas in Paris: the City of Lights
- Fête de la Musique in the South of France
- Pont du Gard: Roman Aqueducts in the South of France
- A Different Kind of Beach in the South of France
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I believe that when people think of South France, many have glorious thoughts of warm weather and sunshine. This is actually the case, so long as you go there during the right season. In the winter, though there may not be snow, it can get pretty chilly. Enough to wear a jacket, anyways. The celebration of Christmas time is in abundance, and there is always something to do. I am easygoing an was entertained during my entire vacation, whether it be ice skating, going to a small coffee shop to warm up, or staying in and reading and watching the life of the city scatter by on the street below. I most definitely plan on returning!
December 22nd, 2008 at 6:16 pm
My favorite part of the Holidays is th Christmas market in the French Riviera/Provence area. You can buy little figurine called “Santons” they are made of clay and nicely painted. They usually represent a caracter of the nativity scene.