Cucuron as Provence base?
 

We're considering Cucuron as well as Roussillon as a base this October. We stayed in Menerbes last year and loved it so much but the only downside was the lack of restaurants and bakeries, etc. I know Roussillon has a fair number but what about Cucuron?

Cucuron is a nice village (did a watercolor in situ of the square with the large reflecting pool of water) but I don't think it'd make a good base.

I can't comment about restaurants and bakeries but I think that southeastern part of the Luberon is less scenic than the area around Roussillon. I wouldn't base in Roussillon either - too many tourists for my taste.

Having stayed in Menerbes, why not try the Vaucluse area - Venasque for example?

Tuck - There have been quite a few people recommending a stay in the "Vaucluse" area instead of the Luberon, Roussillon, Menerbes, etc.

It's always been my understanding that are these other places (Luberon, Roussillon, Menerbes) are areas or cities/villages WITHIN the department of the Vaucluse. Avignon is also in the Vaucluse dept - as is Vaison, Carpentras, etc.

Do most people think of the Vaucluse area as something different??? I know Provence sometimes includes the Cote d'Azur & sometimes not (historically it is).

Stu Dudley

Well, I love that area of the Luberon. Last year, we were based in Ansouis (very close to Cucuron) and loved it. I guess it depends on where you stay in Cucuron. At our house in Ansouis, the boulangerie was a 30 second walk from our back door and one of the best restaurants in the area, La Closerie, was a few steps down the street. Are you considering a rental or a hotel? The rental agent/ hotel booking your choice should be able to tell you about the proximity of restaurants, etc. Have you asked?

Cucuron, I was there for a restaurant, over-priced no longer there but it is a delightful village with the weekly market by the pond. You can see this pond in the film, A Very Good Year with Russel Crowe, where they are watching a film.

Isn't that the pond that's about 3 feet above street level?

Stu Dudley

minimn: do you mind sharing with me the contact info for the house that you stayed in in Ansouis?

Stu - As I understand it, the "Luberon" is that area proximate to the Montagne du Luberon, that long east-west spine of a mountain. Of course that entire region is included in the "Vaucluse". Perhaps I should've said "Haut-Vaucluse".

As for the "pond", it's not a pond per se, but a rectangular pool enclosed by a wall at sitting level height. Surrounded by plane trees, it's quite serene and lovely...

http://www.theluberon.com/cucuron.htm

caroltis,
Our rental was www.vrbo.com/30388.
We had a fantastic time and absolutely loved the area. I'd go back in a heartbeat!!

Here's a discussion about staying in Cucuron that might be helpful to you: http://slowtalk.com/groupee/forums/a...373#2901030373 Included in this discussion is some information about the services you would find in Cucuron.

There are so many places in Provence and in the Vaucluse that are wonderful. I think it is really a matter of personal preferences, what is important to you, and how you envision spending your days. I like Cucuron a lot, and if you have already stayed on the north side of the Luberon, you might enjoy exploring areas more to the south.

Kathy

Thank you all so much! carol