The Christmas nativity scene in the Célestins church, Avignon

Avignon's large Provençal nativity scene was set up in the newly restored Célestins church. For the second year, it was installed by Romain Rodriguez, an enthusiastic young nativity scene designer and santon maker who has also created the Comps Christmas nativity scene since 2007. This year, his challenge was to build a circular, 360-degree display that visitors could walk around.

Craftspeople and santon makers set up stalls around the display. Santon maker Isoline Fontanille was there in 2019, though not in 2020, along with sellers of fine foods for Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Outside, a carousel and a farm occupied the church square.

The restoration of the Célestins church is a splendid achievement. The event offers a chance to admire this historic building, which was Avignon's wealthiest church before the Revolution.

Photographs of the Christmas nativity scene in the Célestins church, Avignon (2019): slideshow

Photographs of the 2018 Christmas nativity scene in the Célestins church, Avignon

Getting to the Célestins church in Avignon

GPS coordinates: N 43°56’39’’ – E 4°48’29’’