an image of a water reservoir and plane trees

an image of a water reservoir and a pavement cafe

an image of a village lane with a church bell tower

an image of a village and the green hilly countryside

Cucuron

Pretty rural village in deepest Luberon is a true gem and the set for Hollywood movie 'A Good Year'

featured in Towns & Villages Updated 12 June 2025

Cucuron is a pretty little village surrounded by glorious countryside where walkers can enjoy trails up to the Luberon's highest point, the Mourre Negre.

There is a small museum, the Musée Marc Deydier, which displays items and photographs associated with the history of the village.

There are a number of restaurants around the Bassin de l'Etang. There are a couple of basic hotels in the village or you could try nearby Vaugines.

Watch this

History & Culture in [locality]

The history of the village goes back to Roman times and there are medieval remnants to see as you wander the streets.

See our History

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

A walk around the town is a joy in itself, filled as it is with ancient churches, a bell tower, and a ruined keep.

The Keep St Michél was abandoned in the 17th century and has become a classic ruined castle. There are a number of fountains dotted around the village where the women used to meet and do their washing.

Terrain des Peintres

Located in Aix-en-Provence

Located on the outskirts of Aix, not far from the Atelier Cezanne is the Terrain des Peintres.
Le Musee du Tire-Bouchon, Menerbes

A private collection of ornate, unusual and ancient corkscrews in the vineyards of the Domaine de La Citadelle.
Village des Bories, Gordes

Located in Gordes

Just outside the village of Gordes lies the archaeological remains of a Bronze age village. The Village des Bories dates back to around 2000BC. You can still see ancient sheep pens, stone beehive houses (bories) and bread ovens.
Le Musee du Savon de Marseille

The tour will tell you the fascinating story of soap in Provence, which starts in the Middle Ages.
Les Arenes, Nimes

The Nimes Roman Arena is an amphitheatre that dates back to the end of the first century AD. It is an impressive sight, with two levels of 60 superposed arches.
Musee Estrine, Saint Remy de Provence

Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence

Since 1989 the association ‘Présence Van Gogh’ has developped an important artistic programme, loyal to the desires of the great Dutch artist who lived in St.Remy de Provence between 1888-1889 who wished that ‘living artists are not unjustly unknown’.

Things to do in [locality]

Take a stroll to the tower at the top of the village for a panoramic view, taste wine at the local cave, or make an appointment at the local olive mill to see how Provence’s liquid gold is made.

The surrounding countryside is ideal for hiking, with two Grand Randonnée trails passing by the village. The GR97 is the Tour de Provence and passes by the south of Cucuron. The GR9 runs from Cucuron to Buis les Baronnies to the north in the Drome. For something a bit less challenging you could join a vineyard walking tour - vines have been grown here for centuries. Ask at the tourist office for details of tours of the vineyards.

The village is a little thin on shopping, but there are one or two art galleries and a couple of pottery workshops.

The wonderful Bassin de l'Etang is an enormous man-built stone pond that dates back to the 15th century and was originally used to power flour mills. In the 19th century it became an ornamental pool only, and it now provides the focal point for the market (Tuesday) and indeed the village. The picturesque koi carp pond featured in the film A Good Year.

Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons

In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus

With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime

This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer

Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons

Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux

This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.

Dining in [locality]

You can enjoy a glass of wine or casual lunch at the café where Russell Crowe and Marion Cotillard had dinner, and maybe even sit at the table where they had their fist kiss in the rain.

Les Chenes Verts Restaurant, Tourtour

This Michelin starred restaurant is situated on the outskirts of Tourtour and specialise in truffle dishes.
L'Epice & Love Restaurant

Located in Avignon

This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant

Located in Avignon

Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
La Chassagnette Restaurant

This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
L'Autruche Restaurant

Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux

The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.