A few weeks ago, Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence told you about the santon fair in Aix en Provence.
Now that Christmas is over and it will soon be time to put away the cots, we invite you to discover an exceptional place where you can get ideas for decorating your next cot: La Petite Provence in Paradou.
Paradou, a peaceful village in the heart of the Alpilles Regional Nature Park
Paradou is a charming little village in the heart of the Alpilles Natural Park.
Less crowded by holidaymakers than some of its neighbours, the village of Paradou is a little treasure nestling at the foot of the Alpilles mountain range.
Situated between Maussane Les Alpilles, Les Baux de Provence and its impressive castle, and the town of Arles, Paradou is a peaceful village, full of charm. The village of Paradou boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, with the remains of ancient feudal castles that once watched over the region. Paradou was once a land of weavers, producing high-quality crafts. Traces of this past can still be seen today, including the ruins of numerous mills. Paradou is still renowned today for its craftsmanship, and while in the past it produced fabrics to dress the nobility of the region, today it is the traditional santons de Provence that the little town offers you the chance to discover.
La Petite Provence, an exceptional place
La Petite Provence is a museum located in the heart of the village of Paradou. All year round, it exhibits an impressive collection of Santons de Provence, the only one of its kind in France. The museum has almost 400 of these little clay figurines. These traditional Santons de Provence are all unique, and are created as they were in the past, moulded in the clay and painted by hand. La petite Provence invites you to discover these unique santons, beautifully presented. You’ll discover scenes from Provencal life and have fun discovering all the details of this miniature Provence. It’s an original, fun visit that you’ll love to take with the whole family. The museum also offers workshops for young and old alike to discover how santons de Provence are made. After a few basic lessons, you’ll be able to make your own santons, which you can then paint and keep to decorate your own santon cot.
Plaisirs et Maisons de Provence offers you the chance to stay in one of its holiday rentals in Le Paradou and discover the beauty of this small village in the Alpilles and its little Provence.
If you would like to discover all that Provence has to offer, please contact our agency Plaisirs & Maisons de Provence or request a tailor-made quote by clicking on this link.
