Lacoste : A Charming Village In The Luberon
Lacoste is not only a famous brand with a crocodile logo. It is also a small town in the Vaucluse department. We propose you to discover this picturesque village which is one of the jewels of the Luberon.
The castle of the Marquis de Sade
The most famous monument in the commune of Lacoste in the Vaucluse is without question the castle of the famous Marquis de Sade.
This castle belonged to his grandfather and it is there that the novelist came to take refuge in 1771, to flee Paris and the scandal caused by his writings and his very libertine morals. This 11th century castle later belonged to the not so famous fashion designer Pierre Cardin!
Today, this large castle, which is partly in ruins, dominates the village with its irregular silhouette. Visitors usually admire it from afar, as its surroundings are not completely secure.
But, during the summer period, it is possible to visit the interior of the castle (paying visit) to discover the apartments of the Marquis de Sade and the furniture of Pierre Cardin's private collection as well as contemporary artworks chosen by the fashion designer.
A picturesque village
The castle of Sade is not the only curiosity to discover in the commune of Lacoste. This village, which can be visited on foot, has all the charm of an authentic Provencal village, with its small cobbled streets.
Take time to stroll through the labyrinth formed by these alleys to admire beautiful old houses, whose old stones are brightened up with plants and flowers. During your stroll through the village, you can discover the 12th century church as well as the old underground stone quarries.
The church of Saint Trophime, which has been remodeled many times over the centuries, is placed under the protection of one of the most ancient saints of Provence: Saint Trophime, who was the first bishop of Arles.
As for the gigantic underground stone quarries, they bear witness to the time when the village owed its economic activity to the exceptional quality of its limestone, clear and soft.
Three things to do during your stay
If you visit Lacoste in the Vaucluse in the beautiful days, the first thing to do is to go to the market. Note that the market is held every Tuesday morning from 9am to noon between May and September.
This market is an opportunity to buy local products from conventional or organic agriculture. You will find fruits and vegetables, cheese, bread and handicrafts.
If you visit in the summer, the second thing to do during your stay is to take advantage of the summer animations. Attend the festival held on the last weekend of July or the concerts held in the quarries in mid-August.
Finally, you can take advantage of your stay to practice hiking and mountain biking. The village of Lacoste, which faces Bonnieux, overlooks the Luberon plain and offers a convenient starting point for many hikes.
Several loops, of varying difficulty, allow you to walk in a cedar forest or in the heart of the garrigue and enjoy the landscapes of the southern Luberon.
