Lucéram : one of the most beautiful villages in France
Lucéram is a village of 1300 inhabitants, located in the department of Alpes-Maritimes. In the heights of the Pays Niçois, Lucéram is a charming place. With its medieval heritage, the village is built on a rocky outcrop, ensuring a breathtaking view of the valley. It also reaches a maximum altitude of 1582 m. The village is built on 2 levels. The part is the most dynamic with its cafes and local shops. The upper part breaks up into narrow streets in the form of stairs; there are mostly dwellings.
Mid-mountain village, Lucéram offers typical landscapes of the Pays Niçois. Maquis, olive trees, pine and fir forests make up most of the Lucerne environment. If the landscapes are splendid, they are subject to forest fires in the summer because of the winds and the dryness of the terrain. In 2003, a major fire ravaged more than 2000 hectares of forest.
In the Middle Ages, Lucéram is known as a fortified city. It is in the eleventh century that the name Lucéram (Lucerammo) is mentioned for the first time. The fortress is a central point of the region since it makes the link between the Savoy and the Pays Niçois as well as Italy. The future village was shaken by tragic events during this period. Whether through plague epidemics or landslides, the local population was not spared.
Lucéram was an important place during the Second World War. The village was a place of resistance. In addition, paratroopers and ammunition were landed in March 1944 to continue the liberation of southern France.
It is in December that the village is the most active. The Lucéram Crèche Circuit takes place there and attracts thousands of tourists to the streets. More than 450 crèches are exposed in the village. You will find animations, a museum of the crèche exposing more than 170 works and a Neapolitan crib of collection. The santons, small saints in clays typical of the Provençal region, are dressed and decorated. The entire village is decorated to welcome visitors: a miniature representation of the village allows tourists to identify with the local culture. This event is free and open to everyone.
Lucéram is a charming village that we recommend you visit. Come enjoy the beautiful weather of the Côte d’Azur this summer to make a detour through this wonderful medieval village. You will be warmly welcomed and you will eat very good local specialties!