A Tour of France's Christmas Traditions with Welkeys

Today, when we think of Christmas traditions in France, the same images often come to mind. We picture the Christmas tree, family meals, markets, gifts…

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However, France is a country deeply influenced by the Christian religion, which was widely practiced for several centuries. The year-end holidays linked to this religion have therefore had time to develop and adapt to local customs. This week, your Welkeys concierge takes you on a short tour of France to explore regional Christmas traditions!

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Myths of Brittany

In Brittany, legend has it that at midnight on Christmas Eve, you can hear the bells of sunken cities ringing. That night, the menhirs venture out of the ground. While they are busy drinking from the springs, you can search for treasure where they emerged!

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The Christmas spruce is also found in Celtic traditions that celebrated the winter solstice. This tree is known as the "tree of childbirth." Before leaving for midnight mass, a log sprinkled with holy water and salt was placed in the hearth. Those who stayed behind to watch the house placed straw wreaths around the apple trees to ensure a good harvest.

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On the table, you would find seafood as well as a version of Breton far, Traou Mad, and today, the Yule log or Gwastell an Nedeleg.

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The Norman Yule log

In Normandy, as in many other regions, a huge log was burned on Christmas Eve. All the inhabitants of the house or farm would gather. They would fetch the remains of the previous year's log and light the fire.

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At that moment, the children would go to pray, and upon their return, they would find spices and candied fruits at each end of the log. The poorest were offered a log, the "tréfoué." It had to burn on Christmas Eve and the two following days, in honor of the Trinity.

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Christmas fires in Gironde

In Gironde, it was customary to burn a sheaf of straw, the "Halha de Nadau." Members of the household would then walk around the fields with torches, reciting incantations to protect future harvests.

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Christmas traditions in the Basque Country

In the Basque Country, it is common to encounter "pessebres." These are living nativity scenes depicting the Nativity, sometimes with additional characters. They can be accompanied by shepherd songs.

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To warm up, people drink "cremat," a hot beverage made with rum and coffee. On Christmas Eve, instead of a log, an entire tree was placed in the fireplace. One end was lit, and it was pushed in a little more each day. For good luck, it had to stay lit until January 1st.

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Christmas in Provence

Provence has many Christmas traditions that still endure today. It is the home of "santons," which represent the characters of the nativity scene as well as traditional trades. You can find them at many markets and fairs, as well as in nativity scenes.

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On December 4th, Saint Barbara's Day is celebrated. On this occasion, wheat is planted; if it grows, it is a sign of good luck for the coming year! During the month of December, you can attend "pastorales," which are performances of nativity scenes.

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On Christmas Eve, families gather for the "Gros souper" (Big Supper). The table is covered with three white tablecloths and three candles to represent the Trinity. You will also find the wheat of Saint Barbara and a sprig of holly for good luck.

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Guests enjoy seven dishes in reference to the seven wounds of Christ, followed by 13 desserts for the guests of the Last Supper. These desserts are well known! Dried fruits, nougats, winter fruits, dates, marzipan, candied chestnuts, plums, and "pompe à huile" (olive oil bread) with orange zest can be enjoyed until January.

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Celebrating "Chalande" in Savoy

In Savoy, people didn't celebrate Christmas, but "la Chalande." In fact, you can meet Père Chalande in the village of Saint-Blaise where he lives all year round.

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In this region, Christmas was a time for purification. People cleaned their clothes as well as all the farm buildings. On Christmas Eve, they would sprinkle the burning log with brandy to create a beautiful white flame.

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People feasted on fritters filled with quince or apple compote, known as "rézules" or "rissoles." The table was laden with tarts, white bread reserved for special occasions was served, and an extra plate was set for any poor person who might knock at the door.

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Christmas in Corsica

In Corsica, a single log in the fireplace wasn't enough. On the evening of December 24th, an entire bonfire was lit in front of the village church. On the 25th, villagers would collect the ashes to place in their own hearths.

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In some villages, the tradition of the "7 vigils" was also observed. The village youth would visit 7 different homes to offer a log. In return, they were given pastries.

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While the meals of poorer families consisted mainly of chestnut or corn flour polenta, it could be accompanied by slices of pork slaughtered the day before. For dessert, they enjoyed canistrelli or frappes, and today, the chestnut Yule log, or "Ceppu di Natale Castagniu." Just like in Savoy, a plate for the poor was placed on the table.

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With travel conditions expected to ease by the end of the year, are you looking to experience Christmas traditions in a region other than your own? Your Welkeys concierge service would be happy to welcome you to one of our properties.