Have you decided to spend Christmas in Marseille? The little people of the Santons welcome you. Fairs, shops and picturesque churches are ideally located on the Old Port of Marseille… and this is precisely the address of your hotel.
Between shows, fairs and workshops
The Christmas nativity scenes are on display at the end of the year: open the doors of the churches which are located on the Old Port and Panier district.
It’s a safe bet that you will discover some very pretty ones.
For those who want to treat themselves to a figurine, the first piece of advice is to choose the material. In fact, there exists figurines made of clay, wood, wax…
You must also choose your size. Some santons are so large and elaborate that a single representative is enough to animate a pedestal table or a table low.
Others are small and only bring a nativity scene to life if there are several of them.
If you like them design santons, you can also find subjects that are two-tone: clay and white.
Christmas activities near your hotel
Here are 2 essential addresses to find the santon you like:
⇒ The Escoffier house
Certified by the Santons de Provence label, this production of santons has offered constant quality since 1970: creation and manufacturing by hand, precise and meticulous gestures, far from standardized creations. Result: each figurine is unique.
It is located right next to the Belle Vue hotel, 96 quai du port. You can also order online.
⇒ The Carbonel house
This is also a family business. It was founded by Marcel Carbonel who started his santon-making activity in 1935.
The strong point: there are small special topics like the olive picker, the spinning wheel spinner or the gypsy with the guitar.
The store is located on the other side of the Old Port, 47 rue Neuve Sainte-Catherine. Here too, you have the possibility of ordering directly on the Internet.
Finally, don't miss Santon Fair which takes place every December at Place Charles de Gaulle in Marseille, a 5-minute walk from your hotel. And above all, visit the Christmas market which you can admire directly from your room because it is located on the Old Port.
