There are Christmas markets that we frequent for the setting (such as that of the castle of Condé-sur-Iton for example). Others for the specificity of their products (such as that of the Ferme du Louvier for its authentic products). Some will go to these markets for the atmosphere, the entertainment. Others will want to find the original gift there, offer the unique piece of 100% local creation. The Christmas markets in Normandy South Eure are numerous, diverse and varied.
I went through the Christmas markets of the four main towns in the territory of Mesnils-sur-Iton (Damville), Rugles, Breteuil and Verneuil d'Avre et d'Iton. here is a portrait of these magical and friendly meetings.
MESNILS-SUR-ITON, creativity and talents
This Sunday morning, I arrive at Damville, a small town located halfway between Evreux and Verneuil, for the opening of its Christmas market. It is 10 a.m., the weather is sunny and the air is fresh. In front of the impressive Town Hall, there are around fifteen stands under solid marquees.
Christmas carols echoed in the still sleepy town. Craftsmen and producers greet each other warmly over a coffee. They probably hit it off the day before and meet again this morning with a smile. Most of them are individuals who sell the fruit of their artistic activity produced all year round for fun.
In Damville, it's the talent and originality of the product that appeals to me! Here nesting boxes and wooden toys, there woolen dolls, further on unique jewelry, dreamcatchers or homemade honey and gingerbread. Everyone likes to describe to you the stages of their work, the tools used or the source of their inspiration.
About to leave the premises, I pass by an imposing red armchair and a sumptuous, nicely decorated tree. The armchair is empty, but we can easily imagine who will come and sit there in the next hour… Perhaps I will see her a little later in the day?
VERNEUIL D'AVRE ET D'ITON, animations and lights
Here I am now in this ancient medieval city which does not fall asleep on its old stones! It vibrates all year round to the rhythm of the many events that animate it. Its Christmas market brings together local farm producers, local artisans and individual creators. Today, nearly 40 exhibitors welcome us in the village hall.
What marks the Verneuil market the most, it is the activities that are grafted around. Each year has its share of surprises: a farm from the 1900s, a small train, a ferris wheel, an ice rink… In front of me, a huge inflatable Santa Claus staggers in the wind. Good smells of confectionery and cold meats attract passers-by. This is the gourmet market! Suddenly, a cheerful and lively music emerges from a barrel organ. A young woman, made up like a mime, invites visitors to dance with her.
I learn that, this afternoon, Santa Claus will greet the children in a horse-drawn carriage throughout the city center. I'm not going to meet him yet!
RUGLES, orchestra and mini farm
On the way to Rules, 10km north of L'Aigle. About thirty exhibitors are installed opposite the library, this imposing half-timbered house. There are personalized creations, decorative objects, and local products. We are invited here to taste Norman oysters. A very nice surprise, unusual in our villages located 2 hours from the seaside! It is past noon and this tasting delighted my stomach!
An orchestra animates the square. They are the musicians of the Avenir Ruglois. A small group of walkers gathers around the musicians. Wrapped up in their scarves and hats, they jump in place to the rhythm of the instruments. The end of the piece is greeted by muffled applause from woolen gloves.
Further on, I hear the cries of excitement from the children. Finally will I be able to see Santa Claus in the flesh? Well no, it is the Mini Ferme Normande and its dwarf animals which have settled on the edge of the market. Children enter the enclosure and can pet dwarf goats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys and ducks. These are not meant to be on your holiday tables! They are dwarf pets who enjoy petting. This is yet another original idea to offer for the holidays, on condition that you also provide the advice and care required for this adoption.
BRETEUIL, a great diversity of products
I take the road again, cross the forest massif and enter the town of Breteuil. At the time of my visit, the Christmas market was being held in the park of the Pillon Foundation in Buhorel. Usually a vast expanse of grass, it is covered with straw and 4 huge tents. Nowadays, the market has been moved warm, a few meters away, in the village hall.
Under the barnums are around forty producers, artisans, creators and various companies. Thus, I was able to discuss with the apprentices of the Château des Vaux who sell their creation as part of their training as a florist or carpenter. I also met Laurent Mutel, singer who gave me a demonstration of lace on wood. Caterers, beekeepers, manufacturer of sheep wool stoles, scrapbooking enthusiasts, soap maker… etc. A multitude of passions, smells and flavors !
It's time for me to leave this sweet party atmosphere. As I walk towards the castle gates, what was my surprise to finally meet this dear Santa Claus! The man moves with a quiet step. His good-natured demeanor and his slight plumpness make him a resolutely sympathetic character. The children walk towards him with excitement. After listening to them one by one, he encourages them to stay wise all year round and delivers them a candy by promising them to come to their house on Christmas Eve. I hasten to greet him and suddenly I feel the soul of a 7 year old child! I too have the right to my candy and I go home with a smile on my face. I don't know yet, but the following year, I'll have the chance to meet him again in Verneuil. He hasn't aged a bit, this eternal red man!
I had great encounters, I saw shows and I noticed, once again, that the Normandy South Eure territory has many artists and producers full of talent and creativity. The Christmas markets in the south of Eure each have their own identity. Animations, decorations, quality of exchanges, originality… etc. Their uniqueness is the strength of their complementarity. A fairy and magical showcase of the territory!