- Vacations in Nice
- 5 good reasons to go to Nice
- Where to eat in Nice
- Bars, clubs, discos, casinos...
- Nice, in what season?
- Castle Hill Nice
- The Promenade des Anglais
- Old Nice, a stone's throw from Le Royal hotel
- Discover Nice's port district
- The Promenade du Paillon in the heart of Nice
- Mont-Boron, a haven of peace to discover
- An unforgettable weekend at the Nice Carnival
Vacations in Nice
Discover the traditions of Christmas in Provence
If there's one region where Christmas is deeply rooted in the hearts of its inhabitants, it's undoubtedly Provence. Filled with symbols, beliefs and traditions, the end-of-year festivities are synonymous with conviviality and sharing. Take advantage of your stay at our hotel in Nice to discover the rites and customs that mark the end of the year.
Vacation in Nice to plant Sainte Barbe wheat
If you're visiting Nice around December 4th, don't be surprised to see wheat seed stands springing up all over Provence. This is because the traditional wheat of Saint Barbara's Day launches the official countdown to Advent. The little sachets are often sold for charity. The seeds are planted in 3 saucers on damp cotton. If the stems grow straight and green, the year will be prosperous. The resulting wheat sprouts are then used as decorations for Provençal nativity scenes.
Nativity scenes, santons and Christmas markets in Provence
In Provence at Christmas, there are no nativity scenes without Santons, and no Santons without Christmas markets. From mid-November onwards, each village organizes its own fair for the little clay figures. While most people think of the nativity scene as just the Holy Family and the animals in the stable, the people of Provence have turned it into a veritable institution. From the fishmonger to the petanque player, from the shepherd to the washerwoman, village life is represented. There are over a hundred local santon workshops throughout the PACA region. From your hotel in Nice, don't miss the village of Lucéram in the Alpes-maritimes, where over 450 cribs are on display.
Big supper and 13 desserts
Of course, we can't talk about Christmas in Provence without mentioning the “gros souper” and the 13 desserts. On the evening of December 24, while waiting for mass to begin, the “gros souper” is served. It's a veritable staging ground for white tablecloths, candles and holly decorations. As the name suggests, it's a lean meal, with no meat served. Instead, we feast on seasonal vegetables, cod or celery with peppers. On returning from midnight mass, believers can finally enjoy the 13 desserts that will adorn the table for the 3 days. Although these may vary from town to town, traditionally they include the 4 mendiants (figs, almonds, raisins and walnuts) as well as dates, 2 nougats, pompe à huile, pâte coin, oreillettes and fresh fruit.
