The South of France is a wonderland during the holidays, with colorful markets transforming historic settings into scenes from fairytales. This year, I visited Christmas Markets in the South of France, within a two-hour drive of Uzès. Here’s a journey through some of the region’s enchanting holiday experiences.
Montpellier: A German-Inspired Christmas Wonderland
Montpellier’s Marché de Noël is a must-visit for all who enjoy the energy of a big city during the holidays. Near the regal Arc de Triomphe at the Promenade du Peyrou, this German-style market features chalet-style wooden stalls with handcrafted gifts and festive foods.
Highlights included regional food specialties like charcuterie, lamb burgers (d’agneau), crêpes, oysters, and plenty of vin chaud. Families with children enjoyed the Foret de Noel and themed amusement attractions.
The setting at the Promenade du Peyrou made the experience unforgettable. This historic park, designed in the 17th century, features a bronze Equestrian Statue of Louis XIV that symbolizes his reign and influence. The Château d’Eau, an 18th-century neoclassical water tower, and the Saint-Clément Aqueduct brought history and holiday cheer together perfectly.
Ménerbes: Holiday Elegance in Provence
In the heart of Provence, Ménerbes hosted a unique Christmas event at La Maison Dora Maar, the former home of Dora Maar, Picasso’s muse and a talented artist in her own right. Today, this historic mansion serves as an artist retreat, providing inspiration and a creative haven for global artists.
The holiday event showcased art, ceramics, fashion, and gourmet goods beautifully arranged within the house’s elegant interior. Outdoor gardens overlooking the Luberon Valley featured modern sculptures, adding a contemporary touch to the timeless charm.
A visit to the nearby Maison de la Truffe et du Vin du Luberon, located in the 17th-century Hôtel d’Astier de Montfaucon, allowed me to explore a historical site of interest in this Plus Beau Village de France. Once a hospice and boys’ school, the mansion celebrates the region’s truffles and wines. Its holiday market featured local specialties, artisan crafts, and wine tastings.
San Quentin-la-Poterie: A Festive Tradition Near Uzès
Closer to home, the charming pottery village of San Quentin-la-Poterie hosted its annual Christmas market. Known for its artisanal pottery, the village is lively during the holidays, with stores filled with handcrafted items, ceramics, and decorations.
After browsing the shops, I warmed up with a rich chocolat chaud at Effet Rêve, a favorite place to visit, especially during winter.
Nîmes: Shopping and History Combined
A midweek trip to Nîmes offered holiday shopping with a touch of fantasy The city’s beautifully decorated downtown streets sparkled, evoking the elegance of Paris.
Lunch at the new rooftop restaurant of the Musée de la Romanité was a highlight, with panoramic views of the city, including the Arena of Nîmes, a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater. Through the wide restaurant windows, the sight of a Ferris wheel, part of the city’s family-friendly holiday activities, was a striking reminder of how the ancient and modern coexist beautifully in Nîmes.
Apt and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue: Wine, Markets, and Canal Charm
The next weekend, Apt and the Christmas market at the historic Château de Mille were the setting for holiday events. Château de Mille is the region’s oldest wine estate, dating back to 1238. Documented in the Avignon archives, it later became a summer residence for Avignon popes, including Pope Clement VI. The market was held in the winery, which was beautifully decorated. Local artisans displayed crafts and gourmet foods, while wine tasting added a celebratory tone to the experience.
On the way back to Uzès, a lunch stop in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue ended with a surprise visit to the town’s holiday market. Renowned for its canals and antique shops, L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was bustling with energy. Ordering a traditional French favorite, a Croque Madame, at the historic Café de France on the Place de la Liberté seemed the right choice for the day. The café, with roots dating back to the 1920s, fits right into the holiday scene.
Uzès: A Christmas Market in the Heart of Town
The annual holiday parade ushered in the festive season in Uzès with Santa, Mickey Mouse, and lines of dancing elves leading the way through the medieval streets. The weekend Christmas market in the Place aux Herbes was filled with vendors selling wine, cheese, foie gras, knitted scarves, jewelry, and more, creating an annual holiday experience for all ages.
The market, framed by Uzès’ historic architecture, reminded me of a holiday postcard. It was the perfect way to celebrate the season close to home.
Lourmarin: A Charming Finale to the Season
My final Christmas market adventure of the season took me to Lourmarin, another of France’s Plus Beaux Villages. The market at La Marché de Lourmarin featured artisanal crafts and gourmet treats, while the town’s shops offered unique holiday gifts. Lunch with friends in Lourmarin marked a fitting end to the old year and a festive beginning to the new.
Plan Your Next Holiday in the South of France
The south of France is a magical place to visit during the holidays. Its history, culture, and seasonal cheer mix are hard to beat, whether you’re exploring bustling cities or quiet villages.
I’m already looking forward to next year’s adventures—perhaps shared with family, more new friends, and more magical markets. Until then, I’ll cherish the memories of this holiday season in my adopted French world. Bonne Fete!
