December 11th-12th

L'Escalade is celebrated during this time to commemorate the Duke of Savoy's failed attempt to conquer the city in 1602. The inhabitants now mark the occasion by dressing in historical costumes and parading through the streets. Children also dress up and visit the candy stores that sell marmite d'Escalade, a small pot of chocolate filled with marzipan vegetables. These little confections symbolize a woman who killed one of the invaders by pouring a pot of hot soup from her window onto his head.