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. The village featured in the Russell Crowe film, 'A Good Year'.
The history of the village goes back to Roman times and there are medieval remnants to see as you wander the streets.
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 Michel 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.
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 village is a little thin on shopping, but there are one or two art galleries and a couple of pottery workshops. There is a small museum, the Musee Marc Deydier, which displays items and photographs associated with the history of the village. It's free entry.
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 the pretty bed and breakfast of L'Elephant de Vaugines in nearby Vaugines.
