In the heart of the Luberon, the castle of Lacoste was partly destroyed during the French Revolution but its ruins have entered into posterity thanks to 2 of its owners: the scandalous writer the Marquis de Sade and the world famous fashion designer Pierre Cardin. Classified as a historical monument, the building built on a hillside and majestically overlooking the Calavon River takes its name from this charming village in the Vaucluse region, which you should also discover.
Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, between Bonnieux and Gordes, the castle of Lacoste was built in the 11th century and entered the Sade family in the 18th. For more than a decade, and between 2 scandals caused by his sulphurous literary production, the famous Marquis regularly found refuge there.
Referred to as the Château de Silling in The Marquise of Ganges (1813) and in The Hundred and Twenty Days of Sodom (written in the Bastille Prison), this residence housed him notably after his escape to Italy and before his incarceration in the Vincennes dungeon in 1777. His attempts to dodge censorship and legal proceedings left him little time to enjoy this place to which he was very attached, but he nevertheless managed to build a large theater in which he gave some performances.
What a loss! It is above expression. [...] I am in despair!
During the Revolution, the numerous attacks suffered by the castle reduced it to ruins and, after a first phase of restoration, it was bought in 2001 by Pierre Cardin.
The fashion designer then supported the rehabilitation of this monument listed in 1992 offering, apart from its historical interest, an incredible panorama of the region: from its summit one can indeed admire the village of Bonnieux and the mountains of Vaucluse with, in the background, the Ventoux and the Alps.
It's not surprising that 2 major designers found inspiration there!
In this jewel of the Luberon, a Festival of lyric art and theater created by Pierre Cardin is held every year in August. Furniture and contemporary works of art from the private collections of the famous couturier with 3 golden dice as well as the apartments of the Marquis de Sade can also be seen from June to September and, all year round, the esplanade of the Château with its sculptures in homage to the writer and an impressive view of the whole plain can be admired.
To schedule your visit rendez-vous here.
Valerie de Comme des Français
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