Lucéram: one of France's most beautiful villages

Lucéram is a village of 1,300 inhabitants, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department. In the heights of the Nice Country, Lucéram is a charming place. Fortified by its medieval heritage, the village is built on a rocky outcrop, ensuring it breathtaking views over the valley. It reaches a maximum altitude of 1,582m. The village is built on 2 levels. The eastern part is the most dynamic with its cafés and local shops. The upper part consists of narrow streets in the form of stairs; it mainly contains residential dwellings.

As a mid-mountain village, Lucéram offers landscapes typical of the Nice Country region. Maquis, olive trees, pine and fir forests make up the essence of the Lucéram environment. While the landscapes are splendid, they are subject to forest fires in summer due to the winds and the dry nature of the terrain. In 2003, a significant fire devastated over 2,000 hectares of forest.

In the Middle Ages, Lucéram was known as a fortified settlement. It was in the 11th century that the name Lucéram (Lucerammo) was first mentioned. The fortress was a central point of the region as it served the link between Savoy, the Nice Country and 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 location during the Second World War. The village was a place of resistance. Furthermore, paratroopers and munitions were landed in March 1944 to continue the liberation of southern France.

It is in December that the village is most active. The Nativity Scene Circuit of Lucéram takes place there and attracts thousands of tourists to the streets. Over 450 nativity scenes are exhibited in the village. You will find entertainment, a nativity museum exhibiting over 170 works and a Neapolitan collection nativity scene. The santons, small clay saints 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 all.

Lucéram is a charming village that we recommend you visit. Come enjoy the fine weather of the Côte d’Azur this summer to take a detour to this wonderful medieval village. You will be warmly welcomed and you will eat very good local specialities!