The Christmas nativity scene in Notre-Dame des Doms cathedral in Avignon occupies a chapel near the church entrance, protected by glass. Its large traditional santons were made by Avignon's Carmelite nuns around 1830. They are among the oldest in Provence.
The Carmelite nuns still care for and restore these fragile santons. Their delicately coloured faces and hands are made from wax, and some clothes are original. The photographs on this page were taken in two different years.
Getting to Notre-Dame des Doms in Avignon: GPS coordinates N 43°57’5’’ – E 4°48’28’’