Roussas is a small village in Drôme provençale, a few kilometres from Grignan, crowned by a medieval castle. On a neighbouring hill stands the Saint-Joseph sanctuary. Nearby, hidden among oak trees, is a modest chapel also dedicated to Saint Joseph. From it, there is a splendid panorama over the Drôme provençale hills and the Rhône Valley.
Inside this little chapel is Roussas' nativity scene. It depicts the village and its distinctive landmarks. The santons, around thirty centimetres tall, were made by Muriel Jermer, a santon maker in Grillon, and Mr Canut of Tulette. Local resident Mr Delorme made the houses from real stone. The heaviest weighs 120 kg, the wash-house 60 kg and the chapel 80 kg. Roussas' municipal works team assembles the display.
The route from the village to the chapel is signposted. You can go by car or on foot.
The nativity scene can be seen from December to February. Between May and October, the council installs a Provençal village display.
Getting to Roussas: GPS coordinates N 44°25’54’’ – E 4°48’09’’