Fontenay Abbey Christmas Market
Christmas Market in the jewel of the Fontenay Cistercian Abbey
2026
About Christmas in Fontenay
Christmas in Fontenay — edition 2026
The 2nd edition of the Fontenay Abbey Christmas Market will be held on Saturday, December 12th and Sunday, December 13th, 2026. The program will include local craft and gastronomic stalls, magical abbey illuminations, torchlight tours, and the Provençal nativity scene in the chapter house.
Highlights Christmas in Fontenay 2026
- 2nd edition of the Christmas Market
- Artisanal and gastronomic stalls
- Abbey illuminations
- Torchlight tours
- Provençal nativity scene in the chapter house
Programme Christmas in Fontenay 2026
Saturday, December 12th, 2026
- 10 am – 7 pm — Christmas Market: stalls featuring gourmet food and crafts from local producers and artisans, festive lights, and the abbey's grand nativity scene · Abbaye de Fontenay
- 5 pm – 6 pm — Torchlight guided tour (booking required)
- 6 pm – 7 pm — Torchlight guided tour (booking required)
Sunday, December 13th, 2026
- 10 am – 7 pm — Christmas Market: stalls featuring gourmet food and crafts from local producers and artisans, festive lights, and the abbey's grand nativity scene · Abbaye de Fontenay
- 5 pm – 6 pm — Torchlight guided tour (booking required)
- 6 pm – 7 pm — Torchlight guided tour (booking required)
Your entry ticket includes access to the abbey, the illuminations, the grand nativity scene, and the Christmas market. Food and refreshments are available on-site. Source: official Abbaye de Fontenay website (event page "Marché de Noël", accessed on 20/08/2026).
Prices Christmas in Fontenay 2026
Practical information — Christmas in Fontenay
Practical Information
Location: Fontenay Abbey, 21500 Marmagne
Date: Mid-December (Saturday and Sunday)
Price: According to abbey entrance conditions
Torchlight Tours: At 5 PM, by reservation
Provençal Nativity Scene: From mid-November to mid-February in the chapter house
Access: Fontenay Abbey is located 6 km from Montbard, accessible via the D32. Free parking on site.
Contact: Fontenay Abbey — Tel: 03 80 92 15 00 — www.abbayedefontenay.com
A Christmas Market in a World Heritage Setting
The Fontenay Abbey, founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, opens its doors for an exceptional Christmas Market in mid-December. This unique Cistercian setting, nestled in a wooded valley a few kilometers from Montbard, offers an atmosphere of serenity and magic to celebrate the end of the year holidays.
Crafts, Gastronomy, and Illuminations
The Fontenay Abbey Christmas Market brings together local artisans and producers who present their creations and gastronomic specialties in the abbey's spaces. The illuminations transform the site into a fairytale decor, while torchlight tours at 5 PM (by reservation) allow visitors to discover the abbey under a very special light. On-site catering offers the opportunity to warm up with seasonal dishes and drinks.
A Provençal Nativity Scene in the Chapter House
In addition to the market, Fontenay Abbey hosts one of the most beautiful Provençal nativity scenes in its chapter house from mid-November to mid-February. A meticulous work by Arlesian artist Arlette Bertello, this nativity scene depicts the "four seasons" with striking realism, offering a moment of contemplation and wonder to visitors of all ages.
Where does it take place — Christmas in Fontenay
Christmas in Fontenay in brief
Other festivals near Marmagne
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
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