Lacoste, a Luberon village beneath the Marquis de Sade’s castle

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In Lacoste, cobbled lanes climb towards the castle associated with the Marquis de Sade. This photo report explores the village, views over the Calavon valley and an artistic history shaped in part by Pierre Cardin.

Lacoste, village in the Luberon

Lacoste stands on a rocky spur on the northern side of the Luberon. Its stone houses rise towards the castle associated with the de Sade family, above the Calavon valley.

At the village entrance a board warns visitors: "Visit Lacoste on foot." The cobbled streets and steep terrain are a pleasant setting for a walk. Two medieval gates mark the entrance to the village. The old houses with pale stone walls shine in the bright sunlight of Provence. The higher you climb up the village, the more the limestone houses reveal their noble character and the patina of time.

The view from the castle of Lacoste offers a splendid panorama over the Calavon plain, the Vaucluse hills and Mont Ventoux. Three contemporary works of art in bronze are displayed in the open air for visitors to admire.

History of the village

The village, known in medieval records as “La Costa”, grew around its castle. In the 16th century it was home to a Waldensian community. Lacoste was affected by the violent repression of 1545 against the Waldensians of the Luberon; a Protestant community remained in the village in later centuries.

the Marquis de Sade

Through inheritance, Lacoste came under the lordship of Gaspard François de Sade, grandfather of Donatien Alphonse François, the famous Marquis de Sade. He led a licentious and debauched Parisian life, and made ​​a few trips to Lacoste to escape scandals, trying to be forgotten in the capital. He then devoted himself to his two passions: libertinism and theater. He left a bad impression on the villagers, the castle was sacked and damaged in 1792 during the Revolution. Sold, the castle served as a stone quarry. It was then bought in the 1950s by André Bouer who spent 30 years stabilising the ruins and rebuilding walls and collapsed vaults.

In the 20th century the village of Lacoste was "discovered" by artists: the surrealists André Breton, Max Ernst and Man Ray, and the poet René Char who lived not far in Isle sur la Sorgue. The famous Savannah College of Art and Design based in Georgia in the United States, has had a campus in Lacoste since 2002. It continues the history of the art school founded in 1970 by American painter Bernard Pfriem and welcomes students for study programmes.

Pierre Cardin’s legacy in Lacoste

Pierre Cardin bought the Château de Lacoste in 2001 and continued its restoration. His acquisitions and cultural projects changed the village, while also prompting debate about the place of art and everyday village life.

The designer died on 29 December 2020. His name remains associated with Lacoste through the castle and the Festival Pierre Cardin. Consult the official programme for the events being held, rather than assuming that the château or its exhibition spaces are always open.

Visiting Lacoste on foot

The village is explored on foot along steep cobbled lanes. Wear suitable shoes and allow time for the climb towards the castle. For local information, consult the municipal website; the festival website provides details of its own events.

Visit Lacoste in photos : slideshow

Accommodation

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Sights and activities in Lacoste

Municipal website lacoste-84.com

• Picturesque Village
• Cedar Forest in the Luberon
• Ramparts of the 14th century
• Belfry (1550)
• Saint-Trophime Church (12th-13th century)
• Washhouses
• Castle (private)
• Tuesday morning market
• Village celebrations: check the municipal programme.
• Lacoste Festival in summer
• Wines AOP Luberon

Coming to Lacoste

GPS coordinates N 43°49'57'' - E 5°16'23''

Lacoste is part of Luberon Regional Park.

Location : altitude 325 meters, 430 inhabitants, 5 miles from Goult, 5 miles from Bonnieux, 5 miles from Ménerbes, 10 miles from Apt, 26 miles from Avignon