I passed one selling old ones last week in the arcade of the Louvres on the Rue de Rivoli.

Thanks. I'll look there. Are there any provencal shops that anyone knows about that might carry them?

fbc, if underhill sees this she may know because she collects them. I just sent her a catalog I got from Provence. I only collect the Farendole dancer(have only four)
You can google santons in Paris and will see someplace I'm sure.

Thanks. I've tried googling but there are too many Paris + Provence hits and patience is not my finest quality. I also love all things Bretagne, and have into about a shop on Bvd St. Germain for that "fix" but am still searching for my provencal love - santons.

I wonder if the Souleaido or Les Olivades shops sell them?

I can't help--sorry. In Provence, yes, but Paris, no, although I have seen some santons in a few shops along the rue de Rivoli. However, I have a cyberbuddy who regularly shops for santons in Paris, and I'll ask his advice and post it when he replies.

um...what's a santon?

A santon is a clay figure used for Christmas creches. It is a Provencal product, and a Christmas product to boot, so I wouldn't think shopping in Paris in March for them is going to be very productive.

I don't think those Provencal fabric shops have them (like Soleaido which I've been to in Paris, it is mainly for fabric and home decorating things), but you could look.

You could definitely find them in Paris during the Christmas markets in December, but I don't know about this time of year. I think it might be better just to buy them online since that aren't really a Parisien product, anyway.

I've seen santons all year round in Provence and Paris--they're not just for Christmas, although that's when the supply and variety are biggest. They fall into the category of folk art and are collectibles.

Here's what my friend had to say:

The shop where we found Santons is called Art et Religion, 12, rue du Vieux Colombier, 75006. The closest Metro is St Sulpice. Another shop that carries them is very near the church of Saint Sulpice in the north side of the square. We found the most selection in the period before Christmas. When we went to look last February, most of the Santons had been replaced with other objects.

Thanks so much for the great information!

I also wanted to mention the small shop close to the church of St Sulpice. We also saw a good collection at Le Bon Marche - but it was in December.I do not know if they will be there all year round.

Going to be in Paris in May and would love to add some santons to my collection. Anyone know if this info is still accurate?

I have a book on Santons but thought it was in English when I ordered it. My French is not good enough but looking to sell it. It's thick, Underhill has one. I want to sell it for $25 I paid over 50 from France.

Anyone else?

@swalter, the two shops near Saint-Sulpice are still there, just next door to the Café de la Mairie.