Christmas 2026: practical information
The “La ronde des crèches 2026 — Mane” listing announces visits to Saint-André church, 76 Place de l’Église, from 26 December to 2 January, then every Sunday in January, 14:00–17:00. Free admission.
The listing no longer specifies arrangements for 1 January. Check with the tourist office before planning a visit on that day.
Workshops and the concert remain to be confirmed for 2026: the programme still lists a concert on “Sunday 29 December”, although 29 December 2026 is a Tuesday.
Source: Alpes de Haute Provence Tourisme — La Ronde des Crèches in Mane, listing updated on 9 October 2026.
Information checked on 30 October 2026. The photographs and report below show previous editions.
The village of Mane, a few kilometres from Forcalquier, houses one of the oldest nativity scenes in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence department. Its twenty or so santons are protected as historic monuments. Their costumes date them to around 1837. The local dignitary wears the fashion of the July Monarchy: a top hat, black coat with large buttons and green cravat.
The figures have wooden or iron frames, padded with straw. Feet, heads and hands are made from papier-mâché, or more rarely wax, as with the Virgin and infant Jesus here.
As well as their age, the delicate features of Mane's santons are remarkable. Their costumes, some from the 19th century, are equally impressive.
Getting to Mane
Visit Mane: a Horizon Provence report
GPS coordinates: N 43°56’21’’ – E 5°46’06’’