Why Cucuron is a Provencal Village in the Luberon Worth Visiting
Cucuron is a delightful southern Luberon village just a ten-minute drive from Lourmarin. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves, beloved for its charm and central ‘bassin, ‘Cucuron has become a favourite of movie makers. Several well-presented information boards share old photos and some of the local history throughout the village. We’ve enjoyed reading the story of Cucuron’s ancient past and meandering through its narrow streets up to the church of this enchanting little place we’ve grown to love. Continue reading here to see Caroline’s Shutters & Sunflowers post with photos and restaurant suggestions.
Cucuron: a Brief History
Located in the Luberon Regional National Park, Cucuron displays all the charms of a classic Provençal village. Like its closest neighbours, Lourmarin, Ansouis, and Vaugines, the hamlet has old ramparts, bell towers, and shady plane trees.
Many Luberon villages have an unfathomably long human presence, dating from the Neolithic Era. The Gauls inhabited the area, and the Romans followed them. In 1720, the plague struck the towns’ population with abandon. That was followed by wars and financial challenges, which resulted in rural population flight to major economic centres.
Why Visit Cucuron?
The Setting: Cucuron’s population is roughly 2,000, and the village is surrounded by agricultural land. The town remains true to its rural base, surrounded by vineyards, cherry trees, asparagus fields, and grains. During peak season, the village’s cooperatives are busy with grape crushing, olive milling, and cherry jam production.
Tuesday Market: Like every village in Provence, Cucuron boasts a weekly market bursting with seasonal produce, homemade preserves, fish from the Mediterranean, handcrafted products, and eye-popping colourful linens. Cucuron’s market is distinguished from others in the region because the vendors are situated on the town’s unique Bassin de l’étang (pond) border.
Le Bassin de l’étang: While many villages have fountains and other water features, the basin in Cucuron is more significant than any other in the region. This manmade pond is large and rectangular, surrounded by mature plane trees, and the plaza has plenty of shade.
La Petite Maison: Previously a private residence dating from the 19th century, it is now an excellent restaurant. La Petite Maison is next to the rectangular etang (pond) shaded by plane trees. In 2007, the house was converted into a restaurant. An old structure in a medieval village translates into a tiny kitchen and an equally small prep area. Wood-panelled walls and period photos surround the dining tables adorned with crisp, white table linens and china settings, a classic backdrop for Eric Sapet’s inventive cuisine. Table reservations are essential.
The Old Village:
Like many villages in Provence, Cucuron was once a fortified settlement surrounded by imposing 13th-century stone ramparts that stretched for six hundred metres. Two old entry gates, including Le Portail de L’Étang, remain today. If uninvited guests (aka enemies) considered attacking, there were also six towers and a moat.
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