Foodies find something to create “a time of conviviality” at the Christmas market in the capital of the Cévennes

Le marché est en place depuis mercredi 4 décembre, sur l'esplanade du théâtre Le Cratère. MIDI LIBRE – CHARLES LEDUC

This end-of-year celebration event took up residence in the city center of Alès on Wednesday, December 4, on the forecourt of the Le Cratère theater. With a new layout and a few new features.

The Alès Christmas market, which opened its doors on Wednesday, December 4, has changed somewhat. Of course, like last year, it is located in front of the Le Cratère theater, but “the layout has changed”, says city center manager Charlotte Éloy. In response to a request from previous exhibitors, the municipality has rotated the “U” formed by the alley of 16 chalets“for an opening on the forecourt and the candy stand” set up against the Scène nationale. Not forgetting a more visible positioning of Santa's mailbox (don't forget to put your address there to hope to receive a response, Editor's note). In addition, for the first time, this meeting will remain in place until December 31, compared to December 24 in previous years. “After Christmas, only twelve chalets will remain open…”, specifies the town hall employee.

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

Reactions from former residents on the new layout of the chalets

That being said, it is obvious that the 2024 edition of the Christmas market places more emphasis on the pleasures of the palate. Indeed, several stands offer a snack or something to quench your thirst. Present for the third consecutive year, Manzoura Scharre is back with her pancakes. “It's going very well, as usual”, she already says. “This year, it's more open; it's better; we're seen more.” Known for serving the Fous Chantants in July, she can already see her summer companions arriving: “The choristers are here, well! You know that 70% of us are from the region…” Marguerite Minniti was also already there in 2023. At the “Tourtons du Champsaur”, she who will stay until New Year's Eve offers oreillettes, zézettes, Cévennes onion soup, etc. And, for her too, “the layout is better; it's more open. Yes, we asked for it…”

Original concepts are presented

Neighbor of the Manzoura Scharre chalet, Dorian Ouddane offers “a concept that is a little out of the ordinary. We didn't see it in Alès.” Originally from the city, he is concocting, until December 31, a raclette sandwich that he has named “Le SavoiGard”. Present for the first time, this young man was attracted by the “craze for the Holidays which is exceptional; we saw him on Wednesday for the launch of the illuminations”. And he is satisfied with his first days of work: “It went well. People told us they were happy to be back on the market.”

Importing a habit seen in the east of France

Among the newcomers, regulars of the temporary market in the halls and the meeting place for vintage car enthusiasts that is Cévennes & Cars will find Véronique Gautrais, who has left her food truck “Ker Galette” to invest in a small wooden house. The fact that the range of food products is large makes her hope “that it attracts people. So that they eat. So that they create a time of conviviality, which is lacking in this crazy world.” Marion Aoudache believes in it. Such a varied offer, “encourages people to stay longer, to meet up, to look at the items on the other stands” . She knows what she is talking about since she is originally from Metz, recently settled in Ardèche, and is very familiar with the Christmas markets in eastern France where this is how it happens. “Over there, we have this culture: we come, we hang out…”

A coloring workshop for children

With her husband Hassan, Marion Aoudache will certainly make the public stay a little longer on the forecourt of the Cratère. With “L’encas des petits lutins”, she offers “a stand for children”, with small snacks, nuggets, hot dogs and, among other things… the possibility of coloring. Like this, she smiles, the little ones “enjoy a break with a creative activity while the parents quietly tour the market”.

Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 9 p.m. on December 6, 14, 20 and 27).