Lucéram

Discover the medieval village of Lucéram, near Nice

Located 27 km from Nice in the Paillon valley, this beautiful fortified medieval village overlooks a verdant landscape. Perched above a loop of the Paillon river, Luceram was once a fortified outpost located on the ancient Salt Road, and in the Middle Ages was a seigneury belonging to the Count of Provence.

The Castle of Lucéram

A castle once stood at the top of the village, but all that remains today are a few ruins, a cylindrical tower with machiolations and archer's slits, and the remnants of a crenelated fortified surrounding wall dating back to the 12th and 13th century.

To reach the top, you must summon up your courage to climb a series of criss-crossing alleys and stairways. On the way you can admire some magnificent restored gothic houses, solidly built from the local grey zone, designed to withstand the passage of time over many centuries. Arcades and vaulted passageways, doors with dated lintels and bread oven, little fountains... and finally you'll arrive in front of the church of Sainte-Marguerite of Austria, a listed historical monument.

While its pastel coloured front is charming, despite the mixture of architectural styles (romano-gothic converted in the 18th century to Italian Rococo), its baroque interior is a real delight to the connoisseur's eye, in particular a Renaissance altar piece attributed to the great Giovanni Baleison, as well as a treasure of great value (a 16th century wooden crucifix, Pietas and Virgin with Child, 15th century silver gilt reliquary, processional cross, silver censer, processional lanterns from the distant past, etc.).

A pretty high-altitude village in the Alpes Maritimes

As you leave the church, don't forget to contemplate the view over the sea of rooftops with Roman tiles, with a beautiful verdant landscape of wooded hills in the background.

Numerous cultural events

But the "cultural" part of your visit is not over yet. The "Friends of Luceram" association has set up a small museum of the village's tools and history, where among other things you will find on show the black-smith's tools, a corking machine for olive oil, a forge bellows and an anti-wolf collar.

The former ski resort of Peira-Cava, near Lucéram and Lantosque

You can also visit the crib museum at the "Maison de Pays", and a 17th century olive oil mill museum (Val del Prat farm). The municipality of Luceram is located in a mountainous area, and has several peaks - such as Pointe de Faulio (1212 m), Cime de Peira-Cava (1460 m) and Mont Escobet (1170 m), amongst others. Don't forget there is also the Peira-Cava the first ski resort to be built in the "departement" in 1914 but unfortunately the chairlift was dismantled a few years ago. The nearest ski station is now in Camp-d'Argent (municipality of Lantosque).

The Lucéram fire in 2003

The village of Lucéram is famous for the huge fire that ravaged the Col Saint Roch and the Cime du Rocaillon in 2003. More than 2,000 hectares of forest were destroyed by the fire, and more than 700 firefighters from all over Europe battled to extinguish the blaze and save the village of Lucéram and its inhabitants, who were threatened by the flames. All the inhabitants of Lucéram will speak with emotion about this terrible fire!

Hiking and caves in Lucéram

Hiking enthusiasts will find themselves at the foot of the Authion circuit, which can be reached by car, but also has several trails leading to the wonderful Vallée des Merveilles.

White-water enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Paillon, to the springs of La Foux, to explore the Perthus du Drac, a 100-metre-long cave.

To round off your visit to this superb village on a gourmet note, enter the Maison de Pays, which sells local produce such as olive oil and panisses!

Before Christmas, don't miss the Lucéram Crib Tour

In December and January, the village of Lucéram perpetuates the fine tradition of Provencal cribs with "Le Circuit des Crèches". Several magnificent cribs to discover, including a Neapolitan crib, and numerous Provencal, religious and gastronomic events. A great way to prepare for Christmas with your family.

Celebrations in Lucéram

Here are just a few of the festivities worth visiting in this village:

• Fête de la Sainte-Marguerite (July 20).

• Fête de la Sainte-Rosalie (September 6).

• Fête de Saint-Hubert (August 15, with blessing of the dogs).

• Nativity scene tour in December

Our map of Lucéram

If you're looking for a map of Lucéram, don't miss our interactive village map. You'll find all the details you need about the village, as well as our accommodation recommendations for a great stay in Lucéram.