Saturday, December 02, 2006

Christmas Comes to Rodez -- in Trucks and Tractors

Aveyron is starting to get dressed up for Christmas, and I was lucky enough to catch the decidedly unglamorous arrival of these sapins de Noël which now deck the Place d'Armes in front of Notre Dame de Rodez.

I can't help but feel Our Lady would suffice as the most beautiful Christmas decoration possible -- especially at night -- but I do generally enjoy the town's efforts to light up the holiday season.

More and more Aveyronnais are decorating their houses inside and out à l'américaine, and despite a certain ambivalence about this trend, Christmas decorations usually bring a smile to my face -- wherever they are.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I agree. Our local towns have the traditional small-town white lights strung over the main street like a magic carpet, and some of those wooden cut-out snowmen, père noël, and elves near the town hall.

The funniest thing, to me, is the hundreds of houses that sport a little santa hanging from a rope as he climbs up to the chimney or down the side of a building. These things are everywhere! (sounds like I should take a picture of one and post it...)

Betty Carlson said...

We have a few of those here...I remember when I lived in Tours back in 1992-95, I was very surprised to see Christmas wreaths on the doors. That has taken on in the South now. I think the Northern part of France has traditionally decorated more --Alsace of course, but Paris too...

Run Around Paris said...

when the trucks and noise are gone, you'll be left with gorgeous lights to enjoy throughout the season. i'm sure it's going to be amazing!

Anonymous said...

Did the trees arrive already decorated? If so, where can I get one?
Just joking. Dressing the tree is my favourite part of Christmas.
Angela

Pardon My French said...

Is that red garland that I see in the photo? Reminds me of all of my attempts with garland. I've been noticing more and more apartments/houses with lights. I like it...it's dark so early now.