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
Christmas nativity scenes are on display at the end of this year: push open the doors of the churches located on the Old Port and in the Panier district.
It’s a safe bet that you will discover some very pretty ones.
For those who would like to buy a santon, the first piece of advice is to choose the material. Indeed, there are santons made of clay, wood, wax…
You also need to choose its size. Some figurines are so large and elaborate that a single one is enough to liven up a side table or coffee table.
Others are small and only bring a nativity scene to life if there are several of them.
If you like designer figurines , 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 santon production has offered consistent quality since 1970: creation and manufacture by hand, precise and meticulous gestures, far removed from standardized productions. The result: each santon 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 business in 1935.
The highlight: there are special little subjects like the olive picker, the spinning wheel woman 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 the Santon Fair, which takes place every December in 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 as it's set up on the Old Port.
