What to do around Chateau de Montcaud in winter?

Visit Provençal nativity scenes: a tradition to discover

For a genuine immersion into the traditions of the region, and to truly experience the spirit of Christmas in Provence, nothing beats a visit to the crèches de Noël, the traditional nativity scenes. In Avignon, the famous Crèche des Corps Saints attracts many visitors every year. This large Provençal nativity scene, made up of hundreds of santons – “Little Saint” figurines made of clay or terracotta – highlights the traditional professions of yesteryear, pastoral landscapes and iconic characters from local folklore.

The largest crèche in Occitanie can be visited in the village church of Comps, south-west of Avignon. Covering about 100m2, it is made up of nearly 300 santons, and depicts scenes from everyday life. This year, visitors will find scenes of market life and field work, with olive groves, hayfields and pumpkin patches. The church's decorations have also been redesigned for the occasion, revisiting the Garden of Eden.

Just a stone-throw from the chateau, in the small hamlet Saint-Gély (Cornillon), a special nativity scene is set up in the wine cooperative. Covering 18sqm, "la crèche de Greg" tells the story of the village of Saint-Gély and of its creator, a local restaurateur and winegrower. Grégory Couderc has reproduced every building of his village. Of the 700 santons that compose the scene, half are unique pieces created especially for him by local artisans and representing family members, in addition to the traditional characters. Together, they tell the story of the village and the life of this passionnate man with poetry and a bit of humor. What’s more, a visit to this crèche can be combined with a local wine-tasting.

Take part in local events 

In early December a number of festive events take place in surrounding villages, offering a variety of winter experiences, some intimate, some spectacular.

• On 5 December, a firework display is put on in Courthézon, a simple but popular light show in a convivial atmosphere. 
• On 13 December, in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, an open-air cinema screening invites young and old alike to share a different kind of winter experience, wrapped up warm under the chilly Provençal sky. 
• Also on 13 December, in Orange, a Christmas show is held in the majestic setting of the Ancient Roman Theatre: a unique moment in time, made even more special by the amazing backdrop. 
• On 21 December, a must-see cultural event is scheduled for visitors WHERE: “The Nutcracker” ballet is the perfect way to kick off the festive season.
• Finally, on 23 December, Avignon concludes this series of events with a spectacular highlight at 7 p.m.: a spectacular fireworks display, accompanied by music and lights, around the famous Saint-Bénézet bridge, which will be lit up to celebrate the festive season.

Winter, the season when cities light up 

In December our cities are decorated with lights and illuminations, enchanting late afternoon or evening strolls. In Orange, the city's Christmas lights are switched on 28 November, bathing the city in a soft, warm glow. In Avignon, the magic begins on 29 November with the illumination of the town's monuments, façades and streets, transforming them into a fairy-tale-like scene. 
Nearer to the château, the hilltop village of Cornillon is also decked out in festive lights, creating a delicate and peaceful scenenery at nightfall. At dusk, a stroll through its narrow streets becomes a genuine moment suspended in time.

Stroll through nature or discover old sites without the crowds

Around Château de Montcaud, winter comes alive with colourful markets, festive lights, shows and Provençal traditions. If you prefer to simply enjoy the serenity of the surrounding landscapes, hiking is an excellent way to breath in a good dose of nature without the heat and crowds of summer. 

Winter temperatures are generally mild, and therefore ideal for walking, whether in the estate park or on the trails in the hills of Sabran. Winter is also the perfect season to (re)discover the most popular cultural and heritage sites in complete tranquility: the Chauvet Cave 2, the Palais des Papes, UNESCO heritages the Pont du Gard or Aven d'Orgnac...majestic places to explore without queuing! Needless to say, the weekly markets are also less crowded, and therefore well worth a winter visit: truffles, chestnuts, local cheeses, fresh olive oil... the best of the region is revealed in all its simplicity.
And when you're ready to come back and warm up, the Château offers several cosy nooks for the most precious of moments: relax with a book in our library lounge, play a board game with friends, or enjoy a hot chocolate by the fireplace in the Bistro.

Whether you are a lover of winter hiking, heritage, gastronomy, or simply looking for a relaxing weekend, December around the Château de Montcaud offers everything you need for a warm, inspiring, and unforgettable getaway.