Twinkling lights on trees, houses and buildings are as much a part of Christmas as Santa and reindeer. In a tiny hameau in the hills of Provence there’s an illumination extravaganza this holiday season that is a wonder to behold.
Cars – French classics – gleam under the lights of magnificent chandeliers, most of which are antique. The exhibition brings together his two passions, “cars and chandeliers,” says chandelier designer Regis Mathieu. His company, Mathieu Lustrerie, creates high-end lights, as well as restores and replicates antique chandeliers.
At their showroom numerous glittering antique treasures, as well as some contemporary versions, cast their lights on priceless automobiles – most of which you have probably never heard of: 1937 Delage, 1938 Delahaye, 1926 Hispano-Suiza… There’s also a dazzling 2012 Bugati.
It’s a delightfully different – and fascinating – take on holiday lights.
The nighttime exhibit runs daily, except on holidays, until Jan. 13, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. (Hameau des Sauvans, Gargas) www.mathieulustrerie.com
Wishing all a very Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Frohe Weihnachten.
For more on French Christmas, see my guest blog, “Christmas Feasting in France,” posted on Rantings of an Amateur Chef, http://rantingchef.com Special thanks to Lynne for the perfect accompanying food photos.
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Tales and Travel 