In addition to the biblical characters (Jesus resting in the manger, Virgin Mary, Joseph, the donkey, the ox and the three wise men) that can be found in all Christmas grottoes, the creche displayed every year from late November to late January in Allauch is composed of over 800 santons (traditional Provençal nativity figures) including the Ravi, the Arlésienne, the shepherds and their sheeps, the mayor, the priest, the tambourinaire and the Farandole dancers, the angel Boufarèu, the Pistachié, Roustido with her red umbrella, Bartomiou the drunkard, the miller, the knife-sharpener, the poacher, Margarido riding her donkey, Grasset and Grasseto, the spinster, the bohemian, the pumpkin carrier, the blacksmith, the washerwoman, the fishmonger, the baker, the Chimney sweep, the garlic seller, the worshipers, the water carrier, the basket maker, the bear trainer, the old woman carrying a bundle of sticks, the woodcutter, as well as the blind man and his son.
Info about the Animated Nativity Scene by Christian Orsini in Allauch (Marseille)
November 24, 2012 - January 27, 2013
Galerie du Vieux Bassin - Montée Félix Baret - 13190 Allauch
Open every day from 10 am to noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Entrance fees: adults 2,50 € / Free entrance for children under 12
More things to see and to do in Allauch :
Go hiking in the splendid Garlaban hills around Allauch or simply take a walk to the Esplanade of the Mills and Notre Dame du Château church, both offering panoramic views over Marseille, visit the Museum of Religious Art, then take a break at Au Moulin Bleu tea room and sample yummy chiques, suce-miel and nougat (local confectioneries made with honey).
How to get to Allauch from Marseille city center :
Allauch old village is located a few kilometers from Marseille and is quite easy to reach by public transportation. Take metro line #1 to La Rose station, then take bus line #144 and get off at the last stop (Allauch).
