Saint-François Xavier - Christmas Nativity Scene

Now you don’t see him… Now you do! Around Christmas time, churches usually have a Nativity Scene. The tradition is very strong in the south of France where they have the “Santons de Provence”. The Nativity Scene is filled with local everyday people such as peasants, harvesters, shepherds, you name it… Back in the 70’s, there was even a song entitled “Jesus was born in Provence”… If it’s mentioned in a song, it must be true…

The Francois-Xavier church in Paris has the largest Nativity Scene in Paris featuring over one thousand figures, animals, and structures! It goes without saying, that up to the 24th of December, the scene doesn’t show baby Jesus. He appears on the following day. I will soon post about the church as it is definitely worth a look. It is located in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. If you are in Paris around Christmas time, check it out! Joyeux Noël !