I've lived in Europe for almost 15 years and each one of those years we've explored a new place for Christmas. The South of France between Provence and the French Riviera was one of my all time favorite trips.
I thought it would be fun to give you my take on the 🎵12 Days of Christmas🎵...in Southern France!
I hope this post inspires you with some fun and festive places to visit and things to do in the South of France in December.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a moment by the seashore!
The Promenade des Anglais, the famous walkway in Nice, stretches along the Mediterranean Sea and provides many scenic vistas.
From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the beauty of the French Riviera, taking in the azure waters and elegant buildings of the city.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… two market days!
From the Place Richelme in Aix-en-Provence with its ripe fruit and herbes de Provence to the Saturday market on Place de Verdun where you can find everything from antiques to mushrooms to lavender sachets, the markets of the South of France are a feast for the senses.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… three French wines!
On a wine-tasting day trip from Aix-en-Provence to Avignon, you can learn the art of wine tasting from a professional. Hold the glass by the stem, observe the color, swirl vigorously, and describe the aromas and flavors.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… four Roman ruins!
Take a bus up to this hilltop neighborhood overlooking Nice and discover ancient Roman ruins, the Matisse Museum, and the Monastère de Cimiez.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… five days in Nice!
From strolling along the Promenade des Anglais to enjoying the vibrant Place Massena to an indulgent brunch at Hotel Negresco, Nice is the city on the French Riviera perfect for a winter holiday getaway.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… six festive figures!
Santons are collectible figurines unique to Provence and a beloved Christmas tradition. You can find these festive figures at the Christmas markets in Aix-en-Provence and Avignon, and admire elaborate nativity scenes featuring santons in the town hall of Avignon.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… seven fizzy fountains!
Aix-en-Provence is known for its many fountains, which are especially beautiful when decorated for the holidays. Admire the leafy fountains along Cours Mirabeau or the central fountain on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville surrounded by colorful flowers.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… eight delicious dishes!
Indulge in a gourmet lunch at Sous les Micocouliers in Eygalieres, featuring a sampler platter of chestnut soup, pate, poached pear, duck, shrimp, and more.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… nine bites of nougat!
The market in Eygalieres offers a variety of delicious handcrafted nougat, a sweet treat perfect for indulging in during a holiday trip to the South of France. Beware though, this confection can be quite expensive, so savor each bite of this Provençal treat.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… ten Aix tasty treats!
Thicker and chewier than their Parisian counterparts, Provençal macarons are a highlight of the Treize Desserts Christmas tradition in Aix-en-Provence.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… eleven placid places!
From the Place des Martyrs de la Resistance in Aix-en-Provence to the quiet squares dotting the hillside climb to Le Panier in Marseille, take a moment to enjoy the peace and charm of these hidden corners.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… twelve sun-drenched sojourns!
From exploring the vineyards of Avignon to soaking up the sun in Les Baux and wandering the streets of Marseille on Christmas Day, the South of France most definitely offers a unique and memorable holiday experience.
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