Christmas 2019: the nativity scene in the lower church opened on 21 December 2019. The church was open during the holidays from 14:00 to 17:00, and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in January.
For exhibition dates and visiting hours, see the village website.
On this bright Sunday afternoon in January, visitors flock to the church in Banon, a village in Haute Provence at the foot of the Montagne de Lure. They have come to see the Christmas nativity scene, and they are not disappointed.
The old village of Banon has been recreated on a large 10 m² table. All the traditional figures and trades of Haute Provence surround the Nativity: the baker bakes his bread, pétanque players battle it out on the village square, and a farmer and his horse bravely plough furrows in the stony soil. The lavender fields and distillery are there too.
Enchanted visitors pause to admire scenes of everyday life in Haute Provence, brought to life by colourful santons and magnificent scenery.
Banon is also famous for its goat's cheese wrapped in a chestnut leaf. You will probably not leave without taking some home. Horizon Provence has a report on Banon and its cheese.
Photographs of Banon's Christmas nativity scene: slideshow
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Christmas nativity scene in Banon, Provence
Photographs of Banon's Christmas nativity scene in 2019
Getting to Banon in Haute Provence
GPS coordinates: N 44°02’17’’ – E 5°37’46’’