As one drives toward Les Alpilles, along the D24 between the tiny villages of Orgon and Eygalières, about 30 minutes from Lourmarin, there’s a very tiny chapel. Framed by lovely cypress trees van Gogh surely would have painted had he ventured a little further from the hospital in St Remy, the 12th century chapel stands atop a stony knoll now dotted with olive and almond trees and an occasional patch of grass. Chapelle St-Sixte was erected on the site of a pagan temple that was built in reverence to a nearby spring. Rituals involving that spring still exist today: a couple must drink water from the spring on the day they are engaged and marry within a year or the husband-to-be will die. It is one of the most photographed sites in Provence.

Chez Bru

There is much that draws visitors to Provence in the late fall and winter, otherwise known as the “off-season” and, in fact, some people prefer to visit then.

Santons

Creche with Santons

The word “Santon” is said to stem from the Provençal word for little saint, “Santouon,” but it is no doubt related to the shortened version, “santoni,” of the Italian word for beautiful saints, “Santi Belli.” Although the first church crèches in Provence date back to at least the 13th century, they became more common in the 16th and 17th centuries and also included living crèches.

Santons, as we know them today, were introduced in the late 18th century when the Revolution caused crèches and nativity plays to be banned and churches to close. Not to be deterred, the Provençals created their own crèches in their own homes and, in 1797, entrepreneur Jean-Louis Lagnal who had originally made figures for church nativity scenes, created a few Provençal characters to add to family crèches. The Santons were an immediate hit,…
 a cottage industry was launched, and Santons are now enmeshed in Provençal tradition.

Santon Market in Aix-en-Provence

Our own collection, purchased throughout the years at festivals in Aix, Marseille, and Aubagne, as well as other specialty shops, includes the baker, the hunter, the fisherman, the musician, the mayor, the village policeman, the Gypsy, the Mistral, Cezanne, the crazy person, lots of animals, and many more characters. Santons range in size from just a couple of centimeters to thirty centimeters high and are dressed in typical 19th century clothes, as they would have been when first introduced by Monsieur Lagnal in Marseille.

The festivals also include music, lots of traditional holiday foods, and gift ideas. You will also see sets of three terra cotta dishes—the Trinity—with a few grains of wheat or lentils on moss. The seeds are traditionally planted on December 4th with the hopes of successful germination that will bring a successful year!

Traditional 13 Desserts for Christmas

While all the holiday festivals have many culinary delights, for a real treat, consider visiting the Le Marché des 13 Desserts in Aix-en-Provence, where you may sample (and purchase) all of the 13 desserts traditionally served after Christmas Eve Midnight Mass.

There are other more secular festivals devoted to food and wine such as those festivals to celebrate just wine, olive oil, olives, lemons, and, of course, truffles.

Blessing of the truffles in Richerenches

Truffle markets abound this time in Carpentras, Asps, Rognes, Richerenches, and Vaison-la-Romaine, to mention just a few places. A friend of ours is working with the owner of a truffle farm (a trufficulteur?)to set up visits to his property where there are hectares galore of oak trees under which the coveted truffles lie.  (More on this later!)

Pam and d’Agneau enjoying the aroma of a fresh truffle

Towny is hugely successful at the auction

And, then there are sales! Les Soldes! Sales are strictly regulated by the government: French stores are only allowed to hold sales two times a year, in the winter and in the summer. This year’s Winter Sales, soldes d’hiver, will take place in Provence (and most of the rest of France, including Paris) from 12th January through 15th February, 2011 (http://www.date-soldes.fr/date-soldes-hiver-france ). Steep discounts are offered, making that exchange rate look a little better!

Winter Sales not impressing the dogs of Lourmarin

There are many reasons to consider a short trip to Provence. From pristine days to truffles, from fewer tourists to more opportunities to practice one’s French, the “off” season can be very inviting! The average temperature is in the mid- to high-50s Fahrenheit (12 to 14 degrees Celsius). International flights are less expensive.  For example, Air France has flights in February from JFK to Marseille for only $692 Round trip!

Working dog demonstration at the Lourmarin market

Vineyards in the winter

Laundry day in Lourmarin

Pam and d’Agneau keeping warm at Les Deux Garcons in Aix-en-Provence

There is much to do, but you may find that you fall into the Provence style of living and move a little more slowly. Maybe enjoy a café and croissant in the morning, cruise the markets for ideas for dinner, have a leisurely lunch, and luxuriate in the Provençal moment.

Market at Forcalquier

Cafe in Cassis in December

Pack your woolies – it can be cold if the Mistral wind decides to visit, too – and come knowing that some attractions and restaurants may be closed. But, what could be nicer that a hearty Provençal daube with a bottle of earthy Gigondas wine, a baguette and a little cheese? Okay, how about some Vin Chaude around the fireplace? Should you find yourself near Eygalières, stop by the chapel and have lunch in Chez Bru. You won’t be disappointed.

On horse back in front of Chez Bru

A walk by Daudet’s windmill in Fontveille

Susan and Alex in 2002

Les Baux in the winter – no tourists!

Santa arrives by helicopter in Lourmarin

Aix en Provence decorated for the Holidays

Roussilon in winter

Bandol wine festival

Bandol Wine Festival

Bandol Wine Festival

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