Lacoste

We have visited many villages, but one (more) that is worth singling out is Lacoste. Apart from its ancient appeal, it has a most colourful past, thanks to the Marquis de Sade, and a rather exciting future, thanks to the designer Pierre Cardin. Lacoste is a picturesque old mountain village about an hour’s drive north from Aix. The regional architecture and cobblestone streets give the impression of a village where time has stood still. It has Roman structures dating back to the 1st century B.C.

Lacoste is perhaps best known for its most notorious resident, the Marquis de Sade, who in the 18th century lived in the castle overlooking the village. Following a series of incidents involving local women and the police, the Marquis fled the castle and was eventually imprisoned for the last 13 years of his life. His compulsion for physically and sexually abusing others gave rise to the concept of sadism (so, we can’t blame the Romans for everything !).
The Marquis de Sade’s castle is now owned by Pierre Cardin, who has partially restored it (and other properties) and holds cultural events there. Adding to the village's reputation as an artistic haven, a School of Arts has also been established in Lacoste. The revived interest that has resulted from Cardin's investment appears to have set the town up for a bright future.