“You must know it’s right
The spore is on the wind tonight…”
Steely Dan, Rose Darling
Is it a bed and breakfast? Or is it a painting, an art work à la provençale? Both, when you find yourself amidst the lavender-washed grounds and gardens of Le Pavillon de Galon. The astonishing palette of colors seem prearranged to invoke in you a covetous and joyful envy.
Le Pavillon de Galon is a a restored 18th century hunting pavilion siting on the edge of Cucuron, a worn biscuit-colored village, known among the culinary cognoscenti by a single star, the Michelin kind mind you, which illuminates the appetite: La Petite Maison and its ebullient chef Eric Sapet.
Before your eyes, a glorious skyscape to the east of Cucuron stretches out to the feral rugged part of the Luberon.
The décor is high tone, an exercise in studied elegance, with an accent on warm golden tones. Vivid Provencal colors accent ancient and modern furnishing.
The two delightfully decorated high ceiling guest rooms, accessed by a private entrance, are on the second floor with southern exposure and terraces with views of the splendid gardens. Guests may choose a king size bed or twin beds. Each room has a spacious daylight shower, television, and WiFi.
Water is omnipresent: small Roman pools grace the gardens, a 30-ft swimming pool, heated when necessary, is framed with wooden chaise lounges, and an immense natural pool runs for 90 feet.
Amenities include cooking classes, massage and manicure, and the domaine’s limited production AOC Luberon wine Hocus Pocus. The entire wing at Le Pavillon, the bedrooms and a furnished kitchen, may be rented for up to five people on a weekly basis.
The landscaped gardens with small sculptures at the Pavillon are designated a “Jardin Remarquable” (a remarkable garden) by the French Culture and Environment Ministry.
Basics
Le Pavillon de Galon, 84160 Cucuron, Email: bibi@pavillondegalon.com, Tel 04 90 77 24 15, Website
Directions: Cucuron is 8km east from Lourmarin on D27. From Cucuron, head east on D189 towards Cabrières d’Aigues, just out of town, watch for signage, turn right on Chemin de Galon, continue 700M to Le Pavillon de Galon.
La Petite Maison: Place Etang, 84160 Cucuron, Tel 04 90 68 21 99, Email: info@lapetitemaisondecucuron.com, Website