Nativity Scenes in a Secular State

The Chateau Royal d'Amboise have started setting out their splendid Neapolitan nativity scene in the Great Hall. In order to be able to do so they will have had to establish the legalities. France is a secular State and there has been some debate about whether it is legal to have nativity scenes on display in public places (other than churches). Except, and there is always an exception in France, if they have high cultural worth. This is certainly the case with the Amboise nativity, as it reflects the 15th century royal practice in the chateau.

The High Court ruled in 2022 that Town Halls and other public buildings were not allowed to have nativity scenes (Fr. crèche de Noel) except if they can prove 'cultural, artistic or festive purpose'. Most have very sensibly decided that it is a matter for the local church to deal with. Last year I barely heard a 'joyeux Noel' in the street, and there seems to have been a definitive and conscious shift to 'bonnes fetes'.