Here's the commentary from the Shorter New Oxford Book of Carols:

Torches have always played an important part in Provençal Christmas celebrations. Another tradition is the making of model villages, complete with crib and vividly characterized villagers. Both are reflected in this carol. The French text by Émile Blémont first appeared in 1901, and is a version of the Provençal carol 'Venes leou vieira la Pieoucelle." The tune derives from the dringking song 'Qu'ils sont doux,bouteille jolie,' which Charpentier wrote for later performances of Moliere's "Le Medecin malgre lui" (1666).

The Oxford book has the same French text shown on Liland's site, but has only Liland's verses 1, 3, and 4. So, Liland, I guess it's legit to credit the French lyrics to Émile Blémont, 1901; Music: Marc-Antoine Charpentier, 1666.
-Joe Offer-