Mas du Temps - BONN110EE

Lacoste is a popular village in Provence, near Bonnieux and Menerbe in the Luberon.

Lacoste is a small, ancient Provencal hilltop village in the Luberon, the region brought to life in the humorous writings of Englishman Peter Mayle, and where travellers seeking to emulate Mayle’s life in the south of France love to spend their summers. Lacoste is located between Ménerbes and Bonnieux, other beloved villages in the region. The stunning ancient stone buildings connected by narrow ‘calade’-surfaced streets provide a perfect backdrop for wandering around to the local cafés and shops. The town is set in an agricultural area of fertile plains and picturesque hills where fruit growing activities, including cherries and the well-known Cavaillon melon take place alongside the vineyards.

Lacoste is most well-known for its impressive 11th century hilltop château, which towers over the area. Now owned by couturier Pierre Cardin, it belonged to the family of the notorious Marquis de Sade when he lived here during part of the 18h century. Unfortunately the Marquis didn't get to spend a lot of time at the château since he was imprisoned by French authorities for his scandalous writings. Mr. Cardin has also purchased many of the houses in the village (which some villagers now regret) and owns a bakery/pizza shop. The American SCAD—Savannah College of Art and Design—is located in the village so every year young Americans as well as international students of fine arts, writing, architecture, and theatre flock here. A summer music and theatre festival really livens up the village in July, with world class opera, theatre and music. And given the proximity to other Luberon villages, Lacoste is an ideal, central location for your holiday.