The essential elements of a Provençal crib

The Provencal crib is made up of three essential elements: the crib, the santons and the decorations.

The crib is the basis of the Provencal nativity scene. It's often made of wood or cardboard, and can come in different sizes depending on your preferences and the space available in your home. Traditionally, the crib is shaped like a grotto, recalling the birth of Jesus in a stable.

Santons are the essential characters of the Provencal crib. They represent the various characters in the nativity scene, such as Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Magi, shepherds, animals and more. Santons are made of clay and hand-painted. They come in different sizes and styles, depending on the region and period.

Decorations are also very important for creating an authentic atmosphere. They represent nature and everyday life in Provence. You'll find stone houses, windmills, trees, animals, furniture, baskets, wheelbarrows, traditional musical instruments and more.

In the following section, we'll give you some advice on choosing the santons for your Provencal nativity scene.

How to choose the santons for your Provencal crib

Choosing the right santons is an important part of creating a successful Provencal crib. Here are a few tips to help you choose the santons best suited to your crib:

  • The different types of santons: There are different types of santons to represent the different characters in the nativity scene and everyday life in Provence. There are crib figures, animal figures, trade figures, historical figures and more. It's important to think carefully about the characters you want to include in your crib before making your choice.
  • Santon size: The size of the santons is also an important consideration. In general, santons are available in a range of sizes, from a few centimeters (2 cm) up to over 30 centimeters. It's important to choose a size that suits the size of your crib and the scale of the different characters, bearing in mind that perspective can be created by putting the larger ones in front and the smaller ones progressively behind. The most common sizes are 13, 9, 6/7 and 4 cm.
  • Santon brands: In Provence, there are over 100 brands of santons, each with its own style and history. Santons Fouque is one of the oldest and best-known, with the particularity of always having a member of the FOUQUE family, now Emmanuel FOUQUE, as modeler, guaranteeing authentic style and 100% local Provencal manufacture. It's important to choose a quality brand to guarantee the durability, authenticity and emotion of your santons.

By following these tips, you should be able to choose the santons best suited to your Provencal crib. In the next section, we'll give you some tips on how to create the atmosphere of Provence in your crib.

How to create the atmosphere of Provence in your crib

To create a successful Provencal crib, it's important to recreate the atmosphere of Provence in your décor. Here are a few tips to help you create an authentic atmosphere:

  • Decorative elements: To recreate the atmosphere of Provence, it's important to add decorative elements that recall nature and daily life in Provence. You can add stone houses, windmills, trees, animals and more. Decorative elements made of wood or clay are particularly well-suited to creating an authentic atmosphere.
  • Accessories: Accessories are also very important for adding detail to your crib and creating a personalized atmosphere. You can add furniture, baskets, wheelbarrows, traditional musical instruments and so on. Fabric accessories, such as tablecloths and curtains, can also add a touch of authenticity to your crib.
  • Tips for adding a personal touch to your Provencal crib: To personalize your Provencal crib, you can add elements that are dear to you. For example, you can add characters that represent your family or friends, or objects that recall your memories of vacations in Provence. Don't hesitate to be creative and give your crib a personal touch.

By following these tips, you should be able to create an authentic atmosphere in your Provencal crib. In the next section, we'll give you some tips on how to set up your Provençal crib.

How to set up your Provençal crib

Once you've chosen your santons and decorations, it's time to install your Provencal crib. Here are a few tips to help you set up your crib:

  • The ideal location for your crib: It's important to choose a suitable location for your Provencal crib. If you want to place it indoors, choose a visible, easily accessible spot so that your guests can admire it. If you want to place it outside, make sure it's protected from the elements and animals.
  • How to create a decor in harmony with your crib? To create a setting in harmony with your crib, you can add decorative elements reminiscent of Provence, such as olive branches, thyme or rosemary, candles, flowers and so on. It's important to choose elements that harmonize with the colors of your crib and don't overpower it.
  • Tips for securing your santons and decorations: To fix your santons and decorations securely, you can use wire or fixing paste. It's important not to damage your santons by fixing them too firmly. If you have clay santons, avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this could damage them.

By following these tips, you should be able to install your Provençal crib successfully. Don't forget that the Provençal crib is an important tradition in Provence, and that it can be customized to suit your tastes and desires. Take this opportunity to add a personal touch to your crib and create a warm, festive atmosphere in your home.

The Provençal crib is an important tradition in Provence, and can be a source of pleasure and inspiration for decorating enthusiasts and santon collectors alike. We hope this article has given you some useful tips for creating your own Provençal crib, choosing the santons and decorations that best suit your style and desires.

If you're looking for quality santons, we recommend you visit our online boutique www.santons-fouque.fr, which offers a wide selection of handmade clay santons in the purest Provencal tradition. Santons Fouque creations are renowned for their exceptional quality, beauty and durability. Maison Fouque offers one of the widest collections of santons, ranging from 2 cm to 50 cm, with the larger sizes intended more for interior decoration than for large-scale nativity scenes. In sizes from 2 to 13 cm, you're sure to find the santons best suited to your crib, as well as decoration ideas to create an authentic, festive atmosphere in your home. Happy Christmas!