Perched on a hill at the foot of a limestone cliff, the Provençal village of Lacoste offers views of the Luberon and the Monts de Vaucluse. Lacoste can be explored on foot. Along the way, you’ll encounter different chapters of the village’s history: Romanesque features in Saint Trophime Church, the historic Portail de la Garde, the Château, and exhibitions related to art and fashion. This makes the village an interesting destination for travelers who want to bring architectural history and contemporary creative work together in one visit.
Village Streets and Architecture
The cobbled main street is known as Rue des Artistes. Artists’ studios and galleries shape its character. Medieval vaulted rooms also host exhibitions that combine contemporary art and antiques. These varied places give a walk through Lacoste a cultural dimension that goes beyond individual historic buildings.
Saint Trophime Church dates from the 12th to 13th centuries. Visible Romanesque features can be found in the apse, on the north wall and inside the church. The Portail de la Garde dates back to the 14th to 15th centuries; it was probably rebuilt in the second half of the 16th century along with the village fortifications. The dates and visible architecture help distinguish the village’s different building phases.
The Château and Local History
The Château de Lacoste, together with its courtyards and dry moats, is listed as a “Monument historique.” It was listed by decree dated August 21, 1992. The restored Château retains its ruinous appearance and historical significance. It is also associated with the literary work of the Marquis de Sade.
La Maison Basse also tells the story of changing uses of the same site. Its history goes back eight centuries. The building served, among other things, as a farmhouse, an inn and a rest stop for bear handlers, as well as a coach house and a performance venue associated with the Marquis de Sade. Those interested in Lacoste’s varied past will find a different perspective here than in the architectural traces of the church, gate and Château.
SCAD, Museums and Creative Work
The Musée SCAD Lacoste presents the village’s history, from its origins to its development into the European campus of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). SCAD FASH Lacoste offers another glimpse of its creative scene: the fashion and film museum has a year-round exhibition program. It uses two buildings for fashion exhibitions, one on Rue Basse and one on Rue Saint Trophime. Twice a year, it presents creations by renowned couturiers; specific exhibition content may vary.
Studio Bee presents a curated exhibition of fashion designs by SCAD graduates. The specific content of this exhibition may also change. At the SCAD Alumni Atelier, visitors can observe the working processes of SCAD graduates based in the village and learn more about their creative approaches. Which artists are on site and when they work varies. Together, these different stops connect local history with fashion and insights into creative processes.
A Walking Route to Abbaye de Saint Hilaire
A 3.2 km walking route leads from Lacoste’s historic center to Abbaye de Saint Hilaire, on the border between Lacoste and Ménerbes. If you plan to include the walk in your visit, check the route length and access conditions locally. Lacoste is also a starting point for cyclists following the Voie Verte du Calavon; route conditions may change and should be checked before setting out.
For visitors arriving by car, free, shaded parking is available at the landscaped parking area next to the cemetery. As parking regulations may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling. This allows you to consider a visit to the village, a possible walk to the abbey and a bike ride as separate options rather than combining them into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Bollene, Bédoin, Flassan, Pertuis, Travaillan, Brantes, Cabrières D'aigues, Mazan.
Back to the regional travel overview: Vaucluse.
