13 Christmas December 2013_new.qxd
25/11/2013
15:07
Page 13
13 www.rivieratimes.com
CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 2013
The sounds of laughter, skates on ice and copious cups of mulled wine mean one thing: the festive season has arrived on the Côte d'Azur. The Riviera Times takes you through our top three favourite Christmas villages in the region to help you make the most of this precious time with family and friends. Where will you go first?
Saint Tropez
T
hroughout December, the seaside town of Saint Tropez is taking on a whole new character. With the official 'turning on the lights' ceremony and the opening of the ice rink in Place des Lices on 5th December, the holiday season will get off to a glowing start. Chocoholics will love the three day chocolate and other sweet treats fair from 20th December, while those hoping for a more cultural twist to Christmas should head down to the rink to watch the Ice Skating School of Briançon perform a majestic presentation. The
Bolchoï Ballet will also be putting on a show on 22nd December. Little ones will love the (perhaps unconventional) arrival of Father Christmas as he steps off his sleigh-styled boat in Saint Tropez's harbour on 24th December and the whole family can join in with community celebrations outside the walls of the wonderful Saint Tropez Chapel on 28th December.
Christmas village spirit Pick up everything you need to make this festive season special in one of the French Riviera’s best themed villages
Nice
U
nder a canopy of firtrees and glittering lights, Nice's city centre will be the perfect winter snowglobe until 1st January. In Place Mas-
The heart of Menton undergoes a festive makeover with lights and installations
Skaters twirl on Saint Tropez’s rink at the annual Christmas village
séna's artisan village, the square almost unrecognisable beneath its icing sugar and gingerbread dusting, more than 60 local craftsmen and women will assemble their festive wares and Christmasthemed items. Nearby, from just five euros the ice rink is a wonderful place to head to with friends or family and don't be put off if you've never skated before they offer novice sessions too! On the newly opened Promenade du Paillon, a choreographed show is programmed for 28th December. The popular Ferris wheel will also be back as will the children's games and entertainment. The town hall has organised for six special postboxes to be installed around the city and any letters sent off to Santa Claus will taken to Père Noël’s chalet in Place Masséna where children can meet the man himself. Music is aplenty in Place Garibaldi over the holiday period, with concerts planned for 22nd through to 31st December. The Fête de la Sainte Lucie, a beautiful part of celebrations in Nice, will take part on 14th December at the Anglican Church and in Place Fontaine du Temple.
Menton
C
hristmas in the FrancoItalian border town of Menton is always a special moment, but this year it will get an added dash of glitz and glamour with New York City featuring as the guest of honour! In keeping with the theme of the Big Apple, a programme packed with cinematic delights, shows, fanfare and illuminations will light up the town centre - it’s a journey through the American dream. Taking on the persona of the 'city that never sleeps', pompom girls and marching bands will fill the streets while out on the ice rink, the public is invited to try out this iconic Central Park-style attraction all day long. Known for its all-out attitude when it comes to celebrating, in addition to the yellow taxis and stateside foods, Menton's month long Christmas village (7th December to 5th January) also offers all the quintessential market stalls and Nativity shows that you normally find in at Noël - they just have that extra sparkle. Elsa Carpenter
Aix en Provence Christmas market for children. 11/12. Centre Franco Allemand Antibes Juan les Pins Ice rink, activites, market. 3/12 to 11/01. Town exhibition space Beaulieu sur Mer Festive concerts and gatherings. 20 to 24/12. Town centre Biot Christmas lights, skating, fireworks, stories for children. 20/12 to 05/01. Town centre
Marseille The world’s biggest Santons de Provence market. Until 31/12. Place Général de Gaulle. Christmas market. Until 31/12. Vieux Port Monaco Christmas village on the marina. 05/12 to 05/01. Quai Albert I. Special gourmet Christmas chocolate fair. 21 to 24/12. 3pm to 6pm. Hôtel Hermitage Monte Carlo Mougins Plenty to keep the children busy with pony rides and Father Christmas. 14 to 15/12. Town centre
Cannes Tea and cakes, Christmas gifts and produce, jewellery, tombola, children's games. There's something for everyone come! 07/12. Holy Trinity Church, Avenue Branly
Saint Raphaël A bustling Christmas village. 06/12 to 05/01. Esplanade Delayen. Festival of lights. 06/12. Town centre
Cap d’Ail Traditional Christmas market with stalls and entertainment. 23 to 24/12. Town centre
Valbonne Sophia Antipolis Three days of festive heaven at this Christmas market. 17 to 19/12. Town centre. Special festive holiday concerts. 12 to 13/12. 8pm. Eglise Saint Blaise
Grasse Local produce and festive treats for the whole family. 07 to 08/12. Saint Antoine quartier
Villeneuve Loubet Workshops for children with music, entertainment and stalls. 24/12. Town centre