Nativity Scene at Saint-François Xavier church, Paris © French Moments Scene Saint-François Xavier Paris 01 © French Moments
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Last Updated: 18 November 2023

One of the most beautiful Nativity Scenes in Paris is found inside the church of Saint-François-Xavier in the 7th arrondissement. The large scene refers to the tradition of a Provençal Nativity Scene with hundreds of ‘Santons‘.


The Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier church

Saint-François-Xavier Church Paris © French Moments
Saint-François Xavier church, Paris © French Moments

The church of Saint-François-Xavier is situated in the 7th arrondissement not far from Les Invalides. Its official name is Saint-François-Xavier des Missions étrangères (St. Francis of the Foreign Missions). The current sanctuary was built from 1861 to 1874 by architects Adrien-Louis Lusson and Toussaint Uchard.


A Provençal Nativity Scene

One of the most beautiful Nativity Scene in Paris is host by the church of Saint-François-Xavier. It follows the tradition of a Provençal Nativity Scene where the Biblical characters are combined with those of a Provençal village. Situated in the Sainte-Thérèse chapel, it features more than 500 crib characters (‘Santons’).

Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier church, Paris © French Moments Scene Saint-François Xavier Paris 01 © French Moments
Nativity Scene © French Moments
Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier church, Paris © French Moments
Provençal Nativity Scene © French Moments
Nativity Scene at Saint-François Xavier church, Paris © French Moments
The Provençal Nativity Scene © French Moments
Nativity Scene at Saint-François Xavier church, Paris © French Moments
The Provençal Nativity Scene © French Moments
Nativity Scene at Saint-François Xavier church, Paris © French Moments
The Provençal Nativity Scene © French Moments
Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier church, Paris © French Moments
The Provençal Nativity Scene © French Moments
Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier church, Paris © French Moments
The Provençal Nativity Scene © French Moments
Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier church, Paris © French Moments
The Provençal Nativity Scene © French Moments
Nativity Scene at Saint-François Xavier church, Paris © French Moments
The Provençal Nativity Scene © French Moments

 

 

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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