Cucuron

Visit Cucuron, Provence

Cucuron is a small village between Lourmarin and Ansouis in the Luberon region, to the south-east of the Vaucluse department in Provence, France.

A very attractive traditional fortified Provencal village, Cucuron is also surrounded by the exceptional scenery of the Luberon, and stands below the remains of a 14th century castle.

Your visit to Cucuron will start by passing through one of the three substantial gateways through the fortifications by which the old town can be entered, and exploring the streets and numerous quaint old houses in Cucuron.

As part of the village fortifications, the highest part of the ramparts features a prominent round tower. At one time had three different series of defensive ramparts, but the earlier walls have largely disappeared over the centuries.

Other highlights of note in Cucuron include the sturdy castle keep, especially notable for the views across the rooftops of the village; the decorative clock tower topped by an ornate bell housing; the 13th century Church of Notre-Dame-de-Beailieu; and a couple of small chapels.

There is also an oil mill dating back to the 16th century and you will notice an abundance of traditional stone fountains and washhouses as you stroll through the village streets

For a reminder that the location at Cucuron was occupied as far back as prehistoric times visit visit the Museum Marc-Deydier in Cucuron to see some of the local archaeological finds, including artefacts from both the roman and neolithic periods.

See also the small pond (man-made to replace an earlier natural pond) surrounded by shady trees and cafes just outside the northern side of the village fortifications and often the liveliest place in Cucuron.

Visit around Cucuron

Head a little way north of the village to see the Chapel of l'Ermitage (also called the Chapel of Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir), in a picturesque setting on the side of the hills.

Garden enthusiasts will want to visit the gardens of the Pavillon de Galon, a contemporary interpretation of classical French gardens that is listed as a 'remarkable garden' in France and features some very interesting planting structures and combinations.

The village of Vaugines nearby has a chappel which will be familiar to lovers of the film 'Manon des Sources'.

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Vaucluse (the region and department for Cucuron) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Cucuron, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Lacoste 15km; Roussillon 18km; Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt 19km; Menerbes 20km; Oppedette 22km; Oppede-le-Vieux 23km; Gordes 24km; Simiane-la-Rotonde 25km; Aix-en-Provence 28km; Manosque 28km; Fontaine-de-Vaucluse 30km;

Cucuron tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Jardin à la française du Pavillon de Galon - remarkable garden (0km) : Jardin du château de Val Joanis - remarkable garden (10km) : Abbaye de Silvacane (La Roque-d'Antheron) - religious monument (12km) : Jardin de la Louve - remarkable garden (12km) : Colorado Provencal - site of natural beauty (17km) : Gorges de Régalon - site of natural beauty (19km) : Abbaye de Sénanque (Gordes) - religious monument (24km) : Jardin d'Eguilles - remarkable garden (24km) :

See more places and a map at places near Cucuron