17 December 2009

Chemin des Crèches - the Window Sill


Think of a nativity and multiply it by over 150 and that's what you'll find if you take the Chemin des Crèches (Walk of the Nativities) in the medieval village of Roquebrune. Each Christmas the villagers create their original nativity scenes and at the same time compete for much sought-after prizes.

Wander the winding alleyways of the village and discover over 150 cribs from the traditional santons of Provence to baroque interpretations and much else besides. Peer inside doorways and windows, look in a plant pot, a bird cage, a mailbox, a gourd, there are several in the village's old forge. There's one in a bin, another hangs from the famous 2000 year old olive tree. Some have musical accompaniment, others have lights. You'll find large and small displays - the smallest is little bigger than a diamond ring.

Over the next few days, let's explore...

9 comments:

  1. What a wonderful Christmas tradition.

    ReplyDelete
  2. encore une de nos belles traditions, j'aime beaucoup.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, goody-goody-gumdrops. If they are all as wonderful as this one we are in for a delightful few posts.

    Pleasing palette in this one.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm really looking forward to the exploration if this is any indication of what we'll see.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a wonderful tradition for the village! I can't wait to see them. I'm ready to go Jilly.
    V

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is fantastic Jilly. I'm looking forward to the stroll with you.

    Don't santons ever get stolen ?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi, Jilly! This reminds me that I should get out my 'santons-puces'!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Oddly enough, I've never been in Roquebrune....I would have loved to watch it at Christmas time. I'm waiting for tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Ah, one of the best of Christmas traditions. Another is exploring the villages around Menton with Jilly. I'll be there!
    Thanks too, Jilly, for your good thoughts and comments during my absence. It does makes a difference.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts with Thumbnails