A monumental Christmas tradition
The Nativity scene of Banon goes far beyond a simple representation of the Nativity set within a reconstructed Provençal village. Through its monumental scale, its materials and the richness of its details, it invites visitors to immerse themselves in the Haute Provence of our ancestors, as we like to imagine it.
A masterpiece of patience and tradition
Exceptional in its scale, this Nativity scene extends over nearly 80 m² and rises to more than two metres in height. It forms a vast, living panorama populated by hundreds of clay figures, large dressed santons, miniature buildings and natural elements. A masterful tribute to rural life of the past, where the secular gently converses with the sacred.
The poetry of detail
The poetry of the work is revealed through the meticulous care given to every scene: the recreation of market stalls, the granular texture of the stones, the fabrics of the garments, and the use of authentic materials — fresh moss, bark, thyme and limestone — which make the setting tangible. Here, the richness and finesse of detail contribute fully to the illusion and the emotion.
A cultural pilgrimage
Many visitors take the time to explore the Nativity scene, often returning several times, as the richness of the scenes invites contemplation. The wonder of childhood resurfaces, mingled with admiration for demanding craftsmanship and a living tradition, upheld with fervour by the villagers.
A labour of passion
The existence of the Banon Nativity scene rests on the unwavering commitment of local enthusiasts. Each year, these volunteers restore the santons, install the scene and enrich the composition by creating or reworking new tableaux, thus perpetuating a tradition that spans several decades, with constantly renewed artistic standards.
A setting of limestone and lavender
Inseparable from its surroundings, the Nativity scene appears as a miniature extension of the landscapes of the Forcalquier area and the Lure mountain. From the church forecourt, the eye takes in the hilltop village with its stone houses, the softly blue-tinted hills and the familiar silhouette of Montagne de Lure.
How to visit the Nativity scene in Banon
Each winter, the Nativity scene is installed in the parish church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, in the heart of Banon, as an exhibition accompanying the Christmas season. It is generally open every afternoon during the Christmas holidays, then at weekends in January. Be sure to check opening times on the website of the Forcalquier Tourist Office.
Find a guesthouse near Forcalquier
Numerous Nativity scenes can be discovered throughout the Forcalquier area: an opportunity to explore the region, to recharge one’s batteries, to reconnect with a childlike sense of wonder and to welcome the New Year under the best possible auspices.