As Christmas approaches we forget all about our summer villa holiday and focus on the festivities. Whereas UK has one long holiday that stretches from Christmas Eve to New Year, in France it is quite different!! When I first moved here 16 years ago there was nothing – no Christmas trees, no decorations, no Christmas lights in the towns or villages and no turkeys! Now, it is quite different with all these things but France still retains its own traditions.
Most French homes decorate their homes at Christmas time with a Nativity scene or crèche with little clay figures called 'santons' or 'little saints' that are still made from moulds that have passed down since the 17th century. Christmas markets have now begun and this year marks the first of these in my area of South West France. Generally, the Christmas markets, with their little wooden huts selling gifts were traditionally in the North of France around the Alsace region. Night markets have started this year too in my region and if they are good as the summer night markets then another tradition has been born.
Food in France at Christmas time is quite different from UK. However, there is a traditional Yule log-shaped cake called the Buche de Noel, meaning 'Christmas Log.' The main Christmas feast is quite grand and is known as 'Le Reveillon', served as a very late supper held after midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Different regions have different traditional menus and in the South West it is oysters, turkey and foie gras. French families also bake a Three Kings Cake with a bean hidden in it on the Twelfth Day after Christmas. The lucky person to find the bean in their slice is crowned the King or Queen, for the day.
We at Quality villas enjoy our Christmas and New Year but we are still on hand to discuss your 2010 summer holiday. So, when the holiday programmes come on the TV on Boxing Day it will be your reminder to call us to discuss your French villa holiday!!
If you would to talk to one of our experienced staff about your luxury villa in France contact our office on 01442 870055 or visit our website www.qualityvillas.com
If you would like a copy of our new 2010 brochure call our office on the number above or order a copy via our website www.qualityvillas.com
Gill Woolsgrove
Regional Manager
France & Morocco
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