Every year, in mid-November, theroyal abbey of Chaalis creates the event by welcoming the first Christmas market of south of Oise. And every year, we rush to take part in the celebration, whether we are an exhibitor or a visitor. It must be said that the site lends itself perfectly to this type of event.
“The Christmas market at Chaalis Abbey and the village of Fontaine-Chaalis have a mixed history, says Alexis Patria, the mayor of this small but rich town. It was from a leisure association in the villages of Montlognon, Borest and Fontaine-Chaalis that the idea of organizing a Christmas market at the abbey was born. The event was quickly a success to the point of overtaking the organizers of the time. I then proposed to the Rotary Club of Senlis to organize this event. Being a member at the time, I knew the professionalism and rigor that members could bring.”
Thousands of visitors
Rotary invested heavily from the first year and the results were there. This involvement continues unabated, making this Christmas market one of the most beautiful in the region. This is evidenced by the success of the 2024 edition which, on November 16 and 17, saw thousands of visitors come to it.
On the menu of this most popular market: crafts and gastronomy. “I found something to spoil my friends for Christmas,” appreciates Jean-Claude, who came from Paris. Scented candles, fabric hot water bottles, lithotherapy jewelry… I even placed an order to have good wine to offer to my guests on Christmas Eve.”
The numerous actions of the Rotary club of Senlis
On the side of the organizers, we showed a big smile. “For this 16th Christmas market at the abbey, we have selected 70 exhibitors who all offer products that meet the expectations of our visitors,” says François-Xavier Gress, the 2024/2025 president of the Rotary club of Senlis. This Christmas market is the fruit of a constructive collaboration with the Institut de France, owner of the premises…”
The profits from the Christmas market will allow Rotary to continue its actions in favor of the fight against polio, the most deprived, the protection of children and women in distress, executives looking for work, world peace and all other causes (health, education, environment, etc.) attracting the attention of one of the members of the Senlis team.
