Romain Rodriguez, santon-maker in Comps

Provençal encounter

The Comps nativity scene? A human and creative adventure

Self-taught, Romain has been devoting himself to his art for almost thirty years and, since 2007, has been inviting visitors to the Saint-Etienne church in Comps to see his magnificent Christmas nativity scene. It's a challenge that takes months of preparation and is the culmination of a long-term project.

'My nativity scene evolves, grows and reinvents itself, but always with respect for Christmas traditions: typical landscapes, old-fashioned trades, period clothing... Each scene is designed as a living work of art, faithful to the spirit of the Provençal nativity scene. I wear several hats, including decorator and director. It's extremely stimulating, and the new edition of my nativity scene is naturally the most accomplished yet!

My passion for nativity scenes comes from the Christmases of my childhood. Every year, my family would set up a nativity scene. It was an unforgettable moment.

I was eight years old when I embarked on my first creation. Today, I share all this with a wide audience. From the very first one, measuring just 21 m², to the current 100 m², the least we can say is that this nativity scene has not said its last word. I dream big for my nativity scene!'
 

Are you a full-time santonnier or is it a side activity to your professional life?

At first, it was just a fun activity alongside my professional career in the hotel industry in Avignon. But now, I am delighted to announce that I have been a full-time santonnier since June 2025.

Regarding your nativity scene, how do you design the characters and imagine the settings? Do you do historical research for the clothing, scenes, etc.?

Research is essential for designing a nativity scene, at least the way I conceive it. Knowing that I start working on my nativity scene at least two years in advance gives me time to think about the costumes, the trades of the past, and the architecture.

Each year also brings its share of surprises and new features. The scenery evolves, the hills are moved... From one nativity scene to the next, visitors discover a new atmosphere from one Christmas to the next. This year, for example, field work is presented, with olive trees, butternuts, hay and so on...

We also have to think about Christmas decorations, Christmas trees and the theme chosen, which is garden of eden for 2025.

Tell us more about your santons.

My santons are generally 9 cm tall, although I obviously play with perspective. The characters that adorn my nativity scene have a slightly cartoonish look that I particularly like. They have joyful expressions and colourful clothes.

When you visit the Comps nativity scene, each viewpoint offers a different glimpse of each scene inspired by the history of Provence between the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Do you have a team to assist you?

For the past two years, I have been working with someone who assists me with all the logistics. It's a valuable collaboration that helps me manage my time and organisation.

You have been exhibiting in Comps since 2007, an ideal destination for a Christmas stroll, 30 minutes from Nîmes, Arles and Avignon and 1 hour from Montpellier and Marseille. Do you also take part in exhibitions dedicated to santons and... is it possible to buy your creations?

Yes, I try to be present at craft fairs and exhibitions as much as possible, such as the Gard aux Santons fair in Nîmes in October, which showcases santon craftsmanship and Gard traditions, and the santon fair in Orange in December, not to mention the santon markets and the sales point at the entrance to the church in Comps.

Do you organise workshops or training courses to pass on your expertise?

Not at the moment, I haven't yet started sharing my expertise, but it's an idea I'm keeping in mind.

Many thanks to Romain Rodriguez for his collaboration on this article.

The right address: Romain Rodriguez, santonnier. Contact: infosantonsromainrodriguez@gmail.com. Find Romain Rodriguez on Instagram.