Christmas 2026: practical information
The sources consulted have not yet confirmed dates or opening hours for the Saint-Siffrein cathedral nativity scene for Christmas 2026.
Another nativity scene to discover in Carpentras: Alain Favier and Gérald Roux's display is announced at the tourist information office, 97 Place du 25-Août-1944, from 23 November 2026 to 5 February 2027. Open Monday to Saturday, 09:30–13:00 and 14:00–17:30, except 25 December and 1 January. Free admission.
Source: Vaucluse Tourisme — the large Provençal nativity scene at the tourist information office. This announcement concerns a different location from the cathedral photographed below.
Information checked on 30 October 2026. The photographs and report below show previous editions.
The Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Siffrein cathedral is set in a side chapel dedicated to Saint Anne. It is a traditional church display with around thirty large wax and clay santons.
The beautiful Saint-Siffrein cathedral is an example of late-medieval Southern Gothic architecture. It was commissioned by Benedict XIII, Avignon's antipope, during the Western Schism, replacing a Romanesque church whose vault had collapsed. Construction lasted from 1405 to 1519. Among its treasures is a triptych attributed to Enguerrand Quarton of the Avignon School: “The Coronation of the Virgin between Saint Siffrein and Saint Michael”.
The richly carved south doorway is known as the “Jewish door”. Above it, the cornices bear remarkable gargoyles. As well as directing rainwater away from the building, they are traditionally said to protect the church from demons.
Photographs of the Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Siffrein cathedral, Carpentras: slideshow
Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Siffrein cathedral, Carpentras
Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Siffrein cathedral, Carpentras
Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Siffrein cathedral, Carpentras
Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Siffrein cathedral, Carpentras
Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Siffrein cathedral, Carpentras
Saint-Siffrein cathedral in Carpentras
Saint-Siffrein cathedral in Carpentras
Triptych by Enguerrand Quarton of the Avignon School
Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Siffrein cathedral, Carpentras
Gargoyle on Saint-Siffrein cathedral in Carpentras
Getting to Carpentras
GPS coordinates: N 44°03'21'' – E 5°02'56''