Ribeauville – THE MOST Unique Christmas Villages in France – Journey to the Land of Christmas

Ribeauville – THE MOST Unique Christmas Villages in France – Journey to the Land of Christmas

Ribeauville – the Most Unique Christmas Villages in France – Journey to the Land of Christmas

THE ORIGINS OF RIBEAUVILLÉ
There are traces of human occupation in the Ribeauvillé region that date back to at least the Neolithic period (-6000 to -2200), since axes dating from this period have been found.

Of its medieval fortifications, the city still preserves part of its ramparts and some of its defensive towers, including the “Butchers’ Tower” (13th century, rebuilt in the 18th century), which owes its name to the Butchers’ Guild (responsible, in the event of an attack, for defending the city from this tower).

According to specialists, Ribeauvillé owes its name to an ancient Gallo-Roman villa located to the east of the city, whose owner was called Ratbold, Ratbald or Ratpold. This embryo of habitats concentrated around a villae would have been called Ratbaldovillare.

A UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE:

From November 25, the day of Saint Catherine, all of Alsace comes alive in a gentle atmosphere of enchantment that will last the 4 weeks preceding Christmas, until its apotheosis, to end gently on January 6 at Epiphany. .

We find in this celebration, the most shared of all, the piece of soul, emotion and authenticity that vibrates in the hearts of the Alsatians. As soon as we cross the Vosges, a feeling of intimacy inhabits us, a unique emotion… that of Christmas in Alsace.

Here emanate the scents of spices, honey and citrus fruits, the lights of the enchanting December nights sparkle captivating the eyes of children, spread the songs of Advent, invade the villages where Christmas turns into magic.

From the end of November, ancestral rituals and traditions make the hearts of all Alsace beat! Rich and unique customs are perpetuated there, people enjoy getting together, they experience the excitement of the preparations and they look back with emotion in anticipation of the most beautiful of celebrations.

VALUES OF THE CENTURY
Carried by tales and legends, characters and customs that have spanned the centuries, the time of Advent in Alsace is adorned with mystery and magic. The upcoming celebration is prepared in the heart of towns and villages, as well as in homes.

Due to its geographical location, Alsace benefits from several cultural influences and ancestral beliefs that make it a unique land of legends. Whether terrible or wonderful, they return each year to liven up the evenings from Advent to Epiphany.

LEGENDARY CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The Christmas market remains, among all traditions, the most popular and widespread. It is a real place of shows, festive, which brightens up with its warm and friendly atmosphere the towns and villages of all Alsace.

We let ourselves be carried away by the aromas of Christmas delights, gingerbread, small cakes (“bredele”), and other sweets. We warm ourselves with mulled wine whose scents of cinnamon, orange and spices perfume the atmosphere. We also come there to buy local products: Alsace wine, brandy, Christmas beer, foie gras, etc.

Regional artisans and producers exhibit their know-how. There you will find all the objects intended for decorating the house and lots of ideas for original gifts: Advent wreaths, painted glass balls, candles, branches of holly and mistletoe, nativity scenes and figurines, lots of small objects to hang on the tree, “springerle”, fabrics, tablecloths, ribbons, glassware and crockery, polychrome wooden toys.

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