The Chateau Royal d'Amboise has an impressive Neapolitan nativity scene which it puts on display every December.
Neapolitan nativity figurines are still made and collected today, but their peak was in the second half of the 18th century. Each figure, piece of scenery or accessory may be made of several different materials, including glazed terracotta, wood, wire armatures wrapped in fibres, metal, wax and embroidered textiles. They are famous for their level of exquisite detail and are held upright by spikes on their feet pushed into a cork display base. The Amboise collection reflects the tradition of showing highly detailed scenes of working life around the actual nativity scene. Curiously, it is these foreground trades, merchants and working figures which are really the stars of the show, with the Holy Family receding into insignificance right at the back.