Cucuron (84) - Walks in Orange and around

Cucuron is a superb village located in the Luberon Regional Natural Park. It overlooks the landscapes which inspired many artists: the Sainte Victoire mountain painted by Cezanne, the Alpilles described by Alfonse Daudet and the Alpes de Haute Provence where Jean Giono located most of his novels.

Cucuron is rich of a natural and historic heritage: the walls surrounding the village, the Saint Michel dungeon and the Sus-Pus towerÂ…

Strolling down the street, you will see some Renaissance houses, the church Our Lady of Beaulieu, which looks like a fortress or the magnificent Bassin de lÂ’Etang, a spring-supplied pond surrounded by centennial trees.

Many artists and craftsmen gather in Cucuron: painters, ironworkers, potters and santonniers (santons are little clay figurines very typical of Provence, which people use to create the nativity scene in their home, depicting various professions found in Provencal villages, like shepherds, priests, waivers, etcÂ…).

Cucuron is a very lively village all year round, housing opera, theatre and art exhibits,Â…

Local produce are featured here: more than 200 vineyards and farms contribute to the “Cotes du Luberon” wine as well as the production of olives, cantaloupe melons and cherries.

Don’t be surprised if the village seems familiar as it was the shooting location of many films, including “A good year” directed by Ridley Scott and featuring Russell Crowe.