A Traditional Languedoc Christmas

An excuse to celebrate is never far from the French mind and culture.  Christmas sees spectacular Buches de Noels (Yule Logs) displayed in the local bakery.  The Christmas lights and signs have gone up in the village 10 days ago, much to the delight of small children waiting for Pere Noel’s arrival.

A traditional Languedoc Christmas celebration begins with the selection of children’s rides and games at one of the local Marches de Noel on Christmas Eve.  Our annual favourite is in Narbonne.  Surrounded by mulled wine, snow-sprayed pine trees and Christmas market-stalls, children wait with anticipation to watch the Christmas parade which features the arrival of Pere Noel.  The rest of Christmas Eve follows with a traditional midnight Mass, and a very late night of opening gifts, eating, drinking and being merry.  Joyeux Noel!