At midnight the beautiful Christmas lights in Aix-en-Provence and the warm welcome offered by the stylish, Art Deco Hotel St Christophe were a perfect antidote to fog-bound England and the start of what proved to be a very special treat for our select band of congenial culture-seekers.
We enjoyed the Christmas markets along the Cours Mirabeau selling their charming Provencal Santons and the little train pulled by sparkling reindeers had children squealing with delight. Eating at Les Deux Garcons where Cezanne used to relax and taking a morning break at the Café in Arles painted by Van Gough were just some of the pleasures.
The highlight for most of us was the Christmas Service at Les Baux where the villages re-anacted the birth of Christ. The lamb, having been bathed several times, was almost white apart from the black tips to his ears and nose and kept warm under the shepherds’ authentic woollen cloaks. Ladies in traditional Provencal costumes sang carols by candlelight before presenting the lamb to the new-born babe. We felt privileged to be part of this intimate, charming experience.
Add to this, tasting delicious Provencal cuisine with Rhone wines and being able to try out our French on the locals made this a Christmas break to satisfy the discerning travelling. Would we do it again – without a doubt!
Barbara Connah, Solihull