For over six decades, the Bonoron family has been synonymous with Christmas cheer in France, cultivating and selling Christmas trees from their sprawling 80-hectare farm in the Morvan regional natural park.
Located near Montsauche-les-Settons in central France, their farm, perched at an altitude of 650 meters, produces between 30,000 and 40,000 trees annually.
Four generations of the Bonorons have weathered the changing seasons and shifting market dynamics to uphold this cherished family tradition.
Early Morning Hustle at Rungis
At 5 am on a brisk December morning, the Bonoron stand was already a hive of activity at Rungis, Europe’s largest wholesale market. Under powerful lights and in the chilly 3°C air, the scent of fresh fir trees mingled with the hum of chainsaws.
Jean-Christophe and Vanessa Bonoron, the family’s current stewards, greeted vendors arriving at dawn to select their trees. With Christmas just days away, the pressure to meet demand was palpable.
“This period between November and December is crucial for our business,” said Jean-Christophe.
The weeks leading up to Christmas account for the majority of their yearly sales. Despite the rush, the Bonorons maintain a personal touch, ensuring that each tree meets their high standards.
A Farm Rooted in Tradition
The Bonoron family’s journey began in 1958 when Jean-Christophe’s grandfather started cultivating Christmas trees on their land. Over the decades, the business has adapted to technological advancements, particularly the introduction of mechanization in the 1990s.
“Mechanization transformed how we harvest and process trees,” explained Vanessa. “It allowed us to scale up while maintaining the quality our customers expect.”
The farm’s high altitude and location within the Morvan natural park provide ideal conditions for growing Nordmann and Norway spruces, the two main varieties they produce.
However, operating in such a remote and rugged area also comes with its challenges. Last week’s snowfall delayed their harvest, forcing the Bonorons to work extra hours to meet delivery schedules.
Meeting Demand Across France
By dawn, the Bonoron employees were busy loading freshly cut trees into the vans lined up at the market.
Jean-Christophe prepared a delivery of tall trees destined for Champagne-Ardenne, while other vans, operated by a service provider, were scheduled to distribute trees to florists and schools across the Paris region.
“Timing is everything,” said Jean-Christophe. “We have to navigate city traffic before it gets too congested.”
The family’s trees are known for their freshness and durability, traits that have earned them a loyal customer base. “Our trees are a symbol of Christmas for many families,” said Vanessa. “Knowing we contribute to their celebrations is incredibly rewarding.”
Adapting to New Challenges
While the Bonorons take pride in their legacy, they are acutely aware of the growing competition from artificial trees.
The convenience and reusability of artificial options have made them popular, particularly in urban areas. However, the Bonorons remain committed to the environmental benefits of real trees.
“Real trees are biodegradable and absorb carbon dioxide during their growth,” Vanessa noted. “We’re not just selling a product; we’re offering a sustainable choice.”
The family has also diversified their offerings, selling wreaths and tree accessories to stay competitive.
Additionally, they have embraced social media and online sales to reach younger, tech-savvy customers. “It’s about meeting people where they are,” said Jean-Christophe.
Looking to the Future
As the Bonorons reflect on their history, they remain optimistic about the future. The fourth generation is already taking an interest in the family business, with Jean-Christophe and Vanessa’s children helping out during the busy season.
“It’s heartening to see them involved,” said Vanessa. “It gives us hope that this tradition will continue for many years to come.”
The Bonorons’ enduring commitment to their craft exemplifies the spirit of Christmas—a season rooted in family, tradition, and togetherness. For them, each tree sold is more than a transaction; it’s a piece of their legacy, carried into homes across France.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
