Christmas is starting earlier every year in Provence – and this weekend sees the beginning of the action in Marseille.
The Marché de Noel begins this Saturday, 16th November – the cabins are already in place for selling their soaps, toys and of course food and wine for the Christmas table. Alongside, the big wheel is up and ready to give visitors a thrilling ride and, I should imagine, some wonderful views across town.
The Foire aux Santons opens on the same day in chalets on the Canebiere. The following day there will be the traditional Mass for the santoniers at Saint Vincent de Paul, and, after their procession down the Canabiere to the Vieux Port, mayor Jean-Claude Gaudin will declare the Christmas season open. Lots of free family animations are promised – music, clowns, and so on – 12:00, November 17th, Vieux Port.
The santoniers have a good website: http://www.foire-aux-santons-de-marseille.fr/ I wonder if, in the fullness of time, there will be a web-developer santon?
Sadly, it will not be possible to eat at the good ship Le Marseillois this Christmas. The ‘floating restaurant’ which sank back in September is still under water (see photo taken today). No news of plans to refloat the boat…
aixcentric 