Lacoste, a journey back in time.
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# Lacoste, a journey back in time Clinging to the northern slope of a foothill of the Petit Luberon, Lacoste forms one of Vaucluse’s most recognisable silhouettes. The village, within the Luberon Regional Natural Park, rises around its former castle and looks out over the Bonnieux plain. From the heights, the panorama also extends towards Mont Ventoux and the Alps. With 468 inhabitants in 2023, Lacoste has retained its rural character and the fabric of a hilltop village: narrow lanes, paved passageways, stone houses and buildings inherited from the Middle Ages. The terrain is an integral part of the experience: the village is explored uphill, with views gradually revealing themselves along the streets. ## Why make the detour The castle of the Marquis de Sade is Lacoste’s major landmark. Perched at the top of the village, it was associated with the Marquis de Sade in the 18th century before being looted during the Revolution. Its ruins still overlook the rooftops and the valley. Pierre Cardin, who died in 2020, helped restore the site and enhance the village’s cultural profile. This historical presence is extended by a strong artistic life. Lacoste hosts the Festival de Lacoste, dedicated in particular to opera, theatre and music. The village is also home to SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design, an American art school that attracts international students. But Lacoste is also worth visiting for its direct relationship with the Luberon landscape. The municipality slopes down towards the Calavon plain to the north and reaches, to the south, the heights where the Cedar Forest is located. Garrigue scrubland, vineyards, fields and hills shape the scenery visible from the lanes and high points. ## The best time to visit Spring and autumn are especially well suited to exploring the village and its landscapes on foot, when temperatures are generally milder. Summer coincides with the Festival de Lacoste and with higher visitor numbers in the Luberon. The village’s east-facing position brings it the morning sun and largely shelters it from the mistral. To attend a performance or visit a cultural venue, it is best to check information from the organisers or the municipality’s official website, as programmes and access conditions may change. ## Planning your visit Lacoste is best discovered by strolling through its old village. Suitable footwear is a good idea: the streets are narrow, paved in places and steep. The walk naturally leads towards the castle, while inviting visitors to take time to observe the stone façades and views over the Bonnieux plain. The village lies in an area renowned for Provençal produce, especially wine and olive oil. Its location also makes it possible to plan a day combining Lacoste with Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Goult or Gordes, other nearby villages in the Luberon. ## Access and landmarks Lacoste is located in the Vaucluse department, in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, a few kilometres from Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Goult and Gordes. Apt is around 10 kilometres away, Cavaillon 21 kilometres and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue 22 kilometres. The village can be reached from National Road 100 via the D106, as well as from Ménerbes via the D109. For high-speed rail arrivals, Avignon TGV station is the nearest. By car, the Avignon-Sud and Cavaillon motorway exits serve the area. Traffic and parking conditions should be checked before departure using local information sources.
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Where: Lacoste — Provence-Alpes-Cote d Azur