‘Cucuron market day & lunch in Ansouis’
During our Provence road trip, we stayed in Lourmarin for three nights and we were recommended by our B&B owner to visit cucuron (only 4km away), because it was Tuesday, the town’s official market day. Ansouis and Cucuron stand as twin jewels, each offering a distinct yet harmonious slice of Provençal paradise.
Ansouis, graced by its medieval castle and winding streets, exudes a rustic charm that seamlessly blends with the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. Meanwhile, Cucuron enchants with its picturesque village square, ancient pond, and vibrant markets, creating a delightful blend of history and local vibrancy. Visiting Ansouis and Cucuron in tandem is a journey through time and tradition, where you can stroll through medieval alleys, savor local cuisine at charming cafes, and immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of these Provençal communities. The proximity of these two gems allows for a seamless exploration, offering a perfect pairing for travelers eager to experience the timeless allure of Provence through the distinct lenses of Ansouis and Cucuron.
Little did we know that cucuron is actually the same little village that was used in the movie “A good year” with Russell Crowe, during the date scene around the beautiful pool (called a bassin) when it starts to pour with rain. I absolutely love that movie especially because of the quintessential provincial beauty and it was quite surreal spending the morning in such a place. I remember admiring the perfectly manicured trees already in the movie, but in real life they were even more breathtaking reflecting against the water in the bassin. Cucuron is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of France association and is easily explored in under an hour. If you are in Provence, make sure to find out what markets are going on in the different villages near you.
Cucuron, home to about 2000 villagers is a cute little village in the Vaucluse region on the south side of the Luberon mountains. We arrived at the market really early because we wanted to see other village as well. After some flaky croissants and a large frothy coffee in one of the little cafes around the basin, we walked the market and purchased a few goodies to take back home with us. My favourite purchase was the pistachio nougat that could cure anyone’s sweet tooth. This market would be the perfect place to shop for food if we were staying in a villa where we would be cooking ourselves. All the fresh baby vegetable and the smell of aged cheeses and little bars of soap that match the houses around the square. I love the Provence way of life, how all the locals carry a woven basket and shop for a lot of their weekly goods from places like these. These little towns do not support large supermarkets and cuisine in general, is held to a high standard.
Sleepy Cucuron is surrounded with vineyards and olive fields and is home to local farmers, artisans and shopkeepers that hold a strong sense of community for homemade produce. You will find a buzzing wine shop here (where we tried to import wine back home but the language barrier got the both of us) and a well-known Michelin star restaurant “La petit Maison de Cucuron”. The market area leads to the medieval style old town and the highest point leads to a castle, that dungeons only remain.
Ansouis
Nestled in the heart of the Luberon region in Provence, Ansouis is a captivating village that seems to have stepped out of a postcard. Anchored by its well-preserved medieval castle, which crowns the village with timeless elegance, Ansouis invites visitors to wander through its charming labyrinth of narrow streets and stone houses draped in ivy. The rustic beauty of this Provençal gem is complemented by vibrant flower-filled courtyards and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves. Ansouis effortlessly combines history and tranquility, creating a haven for those seeking an authentic taste of Provence, complete with local markets, artisanal shops, and a warm sense of community. This quaint village exudes an irresistible charm, making Ansouis an enchanting destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the idyllic allure of southern France.
After our morning stroll in Cucuron we headed to the town of Ansouis, where we had lunch reservations at La Closerie (with 1 Michelin star), also highly recommended by our B&B owner. Buzzing with locals, we loved that the restaurant was a less obvious choice from tourists tucked away in the hidden hills of Ansouis.
