From the Alpilles to the Cours Mirabeau, a photographic walk among chalets, local treats and Provençal traditions. The photographs show earlier editions.
Christmas markets in Provence
Christmas markets in Provence
Christmas markets in Provence
Planning Christmas 2026
- Mouriès: Christmas lights on 4 December 2026 from 18:00; market on 5–6 December. Detailed hours to follow.
- Pernes: traditional market on 20 December 2026, 09:30–18:30, beneath the covered hall and on Place du Cormoran and Place Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth. Free admission.
- Aix: Christmas market and santon fair, 13 November–31 December 2026. The fair on Esplanade Cézanne opens 10:00–19:00, closed 25 December.
Checked on 4 November 2026. Photographs show earlier editions.
Mouriès: olive oil and Christmas market
During our visit, Mouriès Christmas market occupied Cours Paul-Revoil. Festive lights brightened the village centre, where tents sheltered exhibitors and visitors.
The new olive-oil celebration accompanied the market. Beneath a large marquee, olive millers from the Alpilles presented their oils and offered tastings. Entertainment and groups in traditional dress brought Provençal colour to the occasion.
The Christmas market in Pernes-les-Fontaines
In Pernes-les-Fontaines, the market photographed here took place in the old town near the Notre-Dame gate. Colourful stalls offered gifts, local produce and treats to share during the festive season.
Beneath the covered market hall, galoubet pipes and tambourin drums accompanied visitors. These traditional instruments brought a Provençal sound to the winter day.
Mulled wine warmed the visitors. The Maison Fléchier, devoted to Comtat Venaissin traditions, displayed a nativity scene, a Christmas table and a santon maker’s workshop. Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth church also housed a nativity scene with large santons. These photographs show the displays encountered during our visit.
The Christmas market in Aix-en-Provence
In December, the Cours Mirabeau in central Aix-en-Provence lights up for Christmas. The market invites visitors to wander between the chalets, with the façades and cafés of the city centre as a backdrop.
The chalets photographed here offered pottery, jewellery, decorations, photographs and tableware. Food also had its place, from confectionery to cheese and cured meats.
Fairground rides add to the family atmosphere. The santon fair now takes place on Esplanade Cézanne, near the tourist office, where visitors can meet the makers and choose new figures for their nativity scenes. Its current venue differs from Avenue Victor-Hugo, the location in our earlier feature.
