Marseille - Event

Each year, the Marseille Nativity Fair in the Allées de Meilhan opens with traditional folk music. Stalls sell santons, small, hand-painted clay figures used to depict nativity scenes and which are very typical of this part of France.

The fair starts on the last Sunday in November every year and lasts until 31 December. The Santons themselves take pride of place in the local square or church, featuring in an ornate crêche. Visitors usually end up taking a few of the figures home to provide an attractive Christmas centrepiece with a difference.