Have you ever wondered what Christmas in Brive-la-Gaillarde felt like at the turn of the 20th century? If you love history and the cozy vibes of the Belle Époque, let me take you on a nostalgic walk through the winter streets of the Corrèze department in South-West France.
The Magic of a Belle Époque Christmas in Brive Back in the late 19th century, the holiday season in Brive wasn’t about flashy lights; it was about the glow of oil lamps and the smell of roasting chestnuts. Walking past the St. Martin’s Church, you would hear the town buzzing with local life. The air was filled with the scent of woodsmoke, as every hearth prepared for the traditional Christmas Eve celebrations.
Traditional Markets and Limousin Gastronomy One thing that hasn’t changed is Brive’s love for food! During the early 1900s, the local markets were the heart of the season. Farmers from across the Limousin region brought:
Fresh Black Truffles: Known as the "black diamond" of the region.
Local Walnuts and Chestnuts: Essential for any festive table.
Fat Geese and Ducks: The stars of the traditional "réveillon" dinner.Simple Joys: Wooden Clogs and Oranges For children in historic Brive, Christmas morning was simple yet magical. Instead of plastic toys, they left their wooden clogs (sabots) by the fireplace. If they were lucky, they’d find a rare sweet orange or a few pieces of sugar—luxuries that felt like gold back then!
Brive Today: A Glimpse Through My Lens While the days of wooden clogs and oil lamps are behind us, the soul of Brive-la-Gaillarde remains as vibrant as ever. To bridge the gap between the 1900s and today, I have captured a series of modern photographs of our beautiful city during the holiday season. As you scroll through these images, try to imagine the historical scenes described above layered over the contemporary streets we know and love. The magic of Brive is truly timeless!
