Few people are as serious about food as the French. Christmas dinner in France is bound to be a culinary delight regardless of individual preference or budget. There isn't a traditional Christmas dish in France. Regional traditions determine the menu. In Aix en Provence, however, the Christmas Eve meal is an unalterable and respected institution. It's a feast that concludes with 13 desserts are served.

The city of Aix en Provence, in southern France is getting ready for Christmas. So is Mireille Fouque.

She's a member of the Association for Provencal Christmas Traditions. And she's charged with ensuring that centuries old regional practices are maintained and passed on to the younger generation every Christmas.

Today Mireille is shopping at Aix market for the "Table des 13 desserts", which in effect is Christmas pudding 13 times over.

Dessert is serious business in Aix. As Christmas draws closer, shoppers have access to a separate covered market that specialises solely¹ in ingredients for the 13 desserts.

13 represents the number of people at the last supper - Jesus Christ and his 12 Disciples². The table is decorated with three candles representing the Holy Trinity.