Lacoste
7 km east of Ménerbes on the D109.
Discover the hilltop village of Lacoste in the Luberon
Lacoste is one of the most charming villages in the Luberon. This village of art and history, perched on the foothills of the Petit Luberon, opposite Bonnieux, attracts visitors with its remarkable authenticity, steep narrow streets, and golden stones that tell the story of several centuries of Provençal history. The village of Lacoste is one of the most beautiful towns in the Vaucluse and is definitely worth a visit!
The Castle of the famous Marquis de Sade
The ruined castle overlooking Lacoste preserves the memory of the famous Marquis de Sade, who lived there in the 18th century. Today, this same site hosts the prestigious festival created by Pierre Cardin, transforming the old quarries into an open-air theater.
In 1771, the Marquis de Sade took refuge in this castle, which belonged to his grandfather, to escape Paris and the scandals caused by his erotic writings and highly libertine lifestyle.
This large 11th-century castle, now partly in ruins, dominates the village and the remains of the ramparts. Admire it from a distance, as the surrounding area is not completely secure (falling rocks). The Château de Lacoste then belonged to the famous fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who restored it and organized a cultural festival there every summer.
Superb cobbled streets
The Château de Sade is not the only thing to discover in Lacoste. The village has charming little cobbled streets that are well worth exploring. The streets wind up and down, snaking through a charming little labyrinth. You'll love discovering this village that has retained all its character. Visit Lacoste in the early morning or evening, as it's steep and can get very hot in summer.
You will pass beautiful old houses that have been carefully restored and are beautifully framed by plants and flowers. Lovers of old stone will be in their element here and will find it hard to leave the village, such is its charm and atmosphere.
A magnificent view from the top of the village
At the top of Lacoste, the castle esplanade offers a breathtaking panorama of the Bonnieux plain and the Vaucluse mountains. From the castle, there is a magnificent view of the Bonnieux plain and Mont Ventoux. This exceptional location reveals Mont Ventoux, which dominates the northern horizon.
You will discover a typical Provençal landscape where hilltop villages stand out like precious stones set in the hills of the Luberon. On a clear day, the view stretches all the way to the Alps, creating a spectacular sight that alone justifies the climb up to the castle ruins.
What to see
Ruins of the chateau du Marquis de Sade.
12th century Church.
Ancient quarries of huge, underground stones.
Leisure activities
Tuesday morning market.
Hiking and mountain biking.
Cultural events: concert in the quarries, mid-August.
Festival during the last weekend of July
Bed and breakfast
5 charming guest rooms in a provencal house surrounded by lavender
Private terrace & access
Quiet - View on Luberon
Accomodations
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Hotels.
Your questions about the village of Lacoste in the Vaucluse
We have received several questions about Lacoste since publishing this short guide. Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions.
What is there to do in Lacoste?
Visit Lacoste to discover an authentic hilltop village in the Petit Luberon. Art and history blend together in this exceptional setting, where Lacoste Castle dominates the landscape. The Pays d'Apt Luberon Tourist Office can provide information on hikes available in this protected natural area. The view from the summit reveals all the beauty of the region's natural and cultural heritage.
What is the history of Lacoste?
The history of the village of Lacoste dates back to medieval times when this fortified site dominated the region. Formerly known as Costa, this hilltop village has witnessed many events that have marked its past. The castle and its ruins bear witness to this tumultuous period when the seigneury changed hands several times. The medieval architecture preserves the remains of this ancient era. In 1545, the Vaudois community suffered a terrible massacre orchestrated by the troops of Meynier d'Oppède. This tragic event had a profound impact on the development of the village and its heritage. The Marquis de Sade later made this historic monument his residence, adding a scandalous dimension to the history of Lacoste. This heritage building perfectly illustrates the rich cultural heritage of this historic village.
How to get to Lacoste?
Lacoste is located in the Vaucluse department, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This commune in the Luberon is easily accessible from the major cities in the region. To view the map and plan your route, use the information available on the official website. The geolocation feature will guide you precisely to this picturesque commune.
The main road, the D106, provides direct access from the N100. The distance from Apt is 10 kilometers, and Avignon is about 50 kilometers away by road. Public transportation serves the town via several lines of the ZOU network. A detailed map is available at the entrance to the village to help you find your way around this exceptional site.
What are the points of interest in Lacoste?
The points of interest in the village of Lacoste combine art, history, and heritage in one exceptional site. The Château de Lacoste is the focal point of your visit to this picturesque village. The Saint-Trophime church and its cobbled streets reveal the cultural heritage of this village in the Petit Luberon. Each space tells a page of history in this open-air museum. The tourist office regularly organizes exhibitions and cultural events in the multipurpose hall. The Pierre Cardin festival transforms the quarries into a spectacular natural theater. Hikes in the surrounding countryside offer breathtaking landscapes. This discovery activity takes you to the region's unspoiled natural heritage, perfectly complementing the village's rich heritage.
What is the climate like in Lacoste?
Lacoste enjoys a Mediterranean climate typical of the South Provence region. Temperatures vary according to the season, offering generous sunshine all year round.
Summer brings sunny days with little rainfall, ideal for exploring this mountain village. The winds from Ventoux temper the heat and cool the atmosphere. The sun shines on the Luberon landscape more than 300 days a year, according to regional weather data. The average annual temperature is around 59°F in this protected area. The moderate altitude and natural environment create a pleasant microclimate. This unspoiled nature and climate make Lacoste a favorite destination in any season for discovering the riches of this Provençal plain.
What are the characteristics of Lacoste?
The characteristics of the village of Lacoste make it an exceptional rural community in the Vaucluse. This urban unit preserves its traditional scattered habitat in the heart of the Luberon. The agricultural land shows evidence of environmentally friendly land use. The geography of this hilltop village offers varied landscapes between scrubland and crops. The heritage architecture blends harmoniously into this unspoilt rural setting. This commune in the Vaucluse department perfectly illustrates the Provençal way of life. The unique characteristics of this site combine history, culture and nature in a picturesque setting. This region of Provence has all the assets that make this exceptional village, a real gem of the Luberon, so famous.
What events are happening in Lacoste this year?
Events in Lacoste punctuate the cultural life of this village in Vaucluse Provence. The tourist office coordinates a varied program of activities throughout the season. The Pierre Cardin Festival is the major event of the summer in this village of art. This cultural activity transforms the quarries into a unique open-air theater. Temporary exhibitions regularly enliven the multipurpose hall and heritage sites. These organized events showcase contemporary art and local history. The discovery of the heritage is enriched by themed tours and guided nature activities. This program of events makes Lacoste an essential cultural destination in the Luberon, where every visit becomes a memorable experience.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Ménerbes (7 km), Bonnieux (7 km) and Beaumettes (9 km).