The end of year festivities in Saint-Tropez

A few weeks before Christmas, Saint-Tropez dresses up in her festive finery. Illuminations, an ice rink, a giant nativity scene and a market rich with the scents of crêpes and mulled wine are on the programme for a December rich in seasonal joys.

 

A festival of lights

Already garlands of lights illuminate the walls of the town and the Old Port, sparkling like a thousand stars. The wooden chalets of the Christmas market offer fabrics, jewellery, Christmas figurines and much more. The nougat is cut into generous slices, and you won’t be able to resist the shine of candied fruit and the softness of the sweet olive oil brioche that will tempt you along and lead you straight to the hot chocolate, waffles and toffee apples.

 

Nativity and skating

The village square throngs with ladies in colourful dresses, card and petanque players, washerwoman and fishermen, and plenty of other local characters. In the barn, watched over by the ox and the donkey, the main event is upon us. We are in the Chapelle de la Miséricorde speechless, in front of the magnificent giant nativity scene and its cast of a hundred santons. Then it’s time to head to the Place des Lices, where the ice rink welcomes hesitant beginners and accomplished skaters alike. We spin and twirl upon the ice, illuminated by the winter sun or a sky full of stars. And if we listen carefully, we hear the rumour; Santa Claus himself is on his way. By the sea. 18:30, at 24, Quai de Suffren ... Spread the word!

 

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Sezz Saint-Tropez, a 5-star hotel in the heart of the luxury district of Paris