the essential
It's a nativity scene like no other, made up of 265 luminous figurines. It will open its doors on Friday December 6, 2024 at the Saint-André la Tuilerie estate, in Pieusse, near Limoux.
In Pieusse, between Carcassonne and Limoux, the Saint-André la Tuilerie estate is known for its lavender production, its educational farm and its impressive light labyrinths. But this year, Alexis Guyot, owner of the place, decided to take the magic of Christmas a little further by showing his visitors a nativity scene unlike any other.
From Friday December 6, in exchange for the purchase of a handful of lavender, visitors will be able to walk among more than 200 figurines lit with solar garlands. “In all I must have drilled 14,000 holes and tightened 14,000 Cerlex, all with my ten fingers, and the help of schools in Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales,” slips the manager.
An Italian inspiration
It was during a trip to Manarola, Italy that the idea came to him. This village, among the oldest in the Cinque Terre region, is known for its luminous nativity scene, set up every Christmas for 63 years. “I found it fabulous,” says Alexis Guyot. “Since 2007 it has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records for being the largest lighted nativity scene in the world with 17,000 bulbs and more than 300 figurines. I was very moved when I discovered it “.
Frustrated at not having been able to open his luminous labyrinths, destroyed by hail, during the summer period, Alexis Guyot and his wife then began making their own nativity scene. “A niece of my wife made us the first sketches of the figurines, then a designer took over for 117 characters. It was both a way for us to scare the wild boars without destroying nature, but also to bring a little magic to this festive period.
A portion of sales donated to two associations for children
In 2024, Alexis Guyot's operation suffered from hail. It is therefore impossible to open its essential luminous labyrinth during the summer season. “It was a hard blow that made me think, confides the farmer. I said to myself that opening this lighted nativity scene at Christmas time could not have any meaning if I in turn did not help others “. As a result, 10% of the sales price excluding tax of lavender will be donated to two associations: Hôpital smile and Rêves 11 (which is responsible for making the dreams of Aude children whose vital prognosis is in jeopardy come true).
Promote Occitanie craftsmanship
If a majority of the 265 figures represent animals, a nod to nature so dear to the couple, craftsmen are also represented in number. A way to highlight precious know-how: in front of each of these professions, a panel refers to a craftsman from Occitanie. The name of Franck Putelat appears in front of the silhouette of a cook, that of the potter highlights the Poterie Not located in Labastide-d'Anjou, and certain sheep refer to the Gaec des Garrigues Arquettoises.
DR – Domaine Saint-André la Tuilerie
“For me it’s another way of revaluing a tradition to which people are attached, whether they are believers or not, by giving it meaning and magic. I think this crèche is unique in France,” confides Alexis Guyot. It will be open from Friday December 6, 2024 to Sunday February 2, 2025.
