Monumental Christmas nativity scene in the Pénitents Noirs chapel, Monteux

The Christmas nativity scene in Monteux occupies the Pénitents Noirs chapel, now used for exhibitions and cultural events. Across around twenty square metres, local designer Jean-Pierre Eysseric has recreated the steep rocks and houses of La Roque-Alric, a village in the Vaucluse. He built bories from stones gathered in the Monts de Vaucluse, cutting, washing and gluing them individually to make authentic scenery. A team of seven needs four days to assemble this monumental display.

Some 353 santons and 312 animals depict traditional Provence: farm life, the lavender harvest and vineyard work, including chicotage, the gathering of long vine shoots for cuttings. Camargue gardians, Roma and fishermen are there too. The seven-centimetre santons come from local makers: Cécile Clémente, Oustaù, Gigi Santons, Vincent, Gasquet and Chave.

Photographs of the Christmas nativity scene in the Pénitents Noirs chapel, Monteux: slideshow

Getting to Monteux

GPS coordinates: N 44°02’03’’ – E 4°59’43’’