Christmas Market Cruises on the Rhône and the Canals of Provence

In France, each region has its own holiday traditions and legends. The season is jam packed full of local customs marking the end of the year. Come and share these experiences on a unique trip.

Discover the magic of Christmas in Provence, including the santons—clay figurines that decorate local nativity scenes— at the miniature village in Paradou and the origins of the 13 desserts as the traditional way to end a Christmas meal in the region.

Slip into the holiday spirit as you crisscross inspirational sites, intriguing cities, and charming villages in Provence.

Rich in symbols, emotions, and sensations, Christmas traditions in Provence bring meaning and color to the holiday. From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes, let yourself be enchanted by the magic of provincial Christmas markets. The Palace of the Popes in Avignon, an imposing Gothic fortress and a symbol of religious power in the 14th century; Les Baux-de-Provence, whose citadel overlooks natural sites of extraordinary beauty, and its santons museum with its traditional Provençal nativity scene; or Aigues-Mortes, where you can taste fougasse, a treat once reserved for the Christmas season.

Rich in symbols, full of emotions and sensations, Christmas traditions in Provence bring meaning and color to the holiday. From Avignon to Aigues-Mortes, let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Provence. In Aigues-Mortes, discover the fougasse, a traditional delicacy reserved for the holidays; in Arles, dive into the art of santon makers with the creator’s fair, a tribute to this iconic popular craft. Further on, explore the Château de Tarascon, a majestic fortress on the banks of the Rhône, or the perched village of Les Baux-de-Provence with its santon museum and traditional Provençal nativity scene. Don’t miss the Palais des Papes in Avignon, an imposing Gothic fortress, a witness to the religious power of the 14th century.