Christmas 2019: Michel Bonnaud opened his nativity scene from Saturday 7 December until 2 February 2020, welcoming visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 17:00–19:00, and Sundays, 15:00–19:00.
For more information, contact Michel Bonnaud directly on 06 89 16 71 43.
Michel Bonnaud displays an animated nativity scene at his home in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas, a village in the Rhône Valley area of the Gard near Orange and Roquemaure.
A retired farmer, Michel Bonnaud has known the tradition of Provençal nativity scenes and santons since early childhood. His father also displayed an animated nativity scene.
The scale buildings are reproduced in stone: Goudargues' wash-house with its timber roof, and a church whose doors open to reveal pews and a lit altar.
Each year, Michel Bonnaud creates an extraordinary display that delights young and old. Hundreds of hours of work and great dedication go into this jewel, surely one of the finest nativity scenes in Provence.
The santons were made by Mrs Vallat, a santon maker in Sauveterre.
Photographs of Michel Bonnaud's Christmas nativity scene (Christmas 2019)
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Michel Bonnaud's animated Christmas nativity scene in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas
Getting to Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas: GPS coordinates N 44°03’40’’ – E 4°43’14’’