Lacoste, Provence, France
The small town of Lacoste is located in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France. It is a charming old picturesque town situated on a hill overlooking Bonnieux and the Luberon Mountains, approximately 7 km from Ménerbes and just as much from Goult. The steep and cobbled streets of Lacoste are pretty impressive. Lacoste Castle is famous for being owned by the Marquis de Sade. This castle is at the very top of the hill so the walk can be a bit of a effort. However, it is worth a little sacrifice for the beautiful views.
Parking in Lacoste
Let's be honest - we won't find large parking lots in Lacoste. There are small parking lots for just a dozen cars. The first one is located at the intersection of Route de Bonnieux and Chemin des Restanques (P1; GPS: 43.8326450, 5.2740003. The next one is near the church (P2; GPS: 43.8333647, 5.2728978). There's also a parking lot next to the castle of Marquis de Sade (P3; GPS: 43.8320994, 5.2713369).
The castle of Marquis de Sade
The castle (actually the ruins) is situated on top of the hill. If we parked in P1 or P2 parking lots, we will have to climb a bit, but it's really worth it, because the views from the top are very nice. You can also drive your car the rather narrow Chemin du Château street to the very castle, where you can find a parking lot. The interior of the castle can be visited, too, but reportedly not worth the admission price (the ticket costs 13€). You can also dine while sitting on the terrace and admiring the scenery. As we mentioned, the Marquis de Sade stayed there (from 1769 to 1772), and now the castle is owned by Pierre Cardin (since 2001). The origins of the castle are estimated to be in the 11th century, but since then a lot of changes have been made to it. By the way, we also met with the surname de Sade in Saint-Remy-de-Provence (hotel de Sade), but then it was about the ancestor of the marquis, who married Agnès Hugolen de Fos from that town.
The old town
When we have enjoyed the views from the top of the hill, it is worth going lower and just strolling the narrow streets of the town. You can, for example, go to the church of St. Trophimus of Arles from the 12th century (A; GPS: 43.8335653, 5.2726867) or admire the Renaissance facades and remains of fortifications (ramparts, gates). If you get hungry, you can satisfy your hunger in Cafe de France (B; GPS: 43.8312358, 5.2729578) and at the same time enjoy a beautiful views of Bonnieux.
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