Château de Lacoste

The Luberon


This part-ruined, 9th-century château once belonged to the scandalous Marquis de Sade (1740–1814) but was bought in 2001 by the couturier Pierre Cardin. The marquis retreated here in 1771, when his writings became too scandalous for Paris. The château was looted by revolutionaries in 1789, and the 45-room palace remained an eerie ruin until Cardin arrived. It hosts an arts festival every July. Daytime visits are possible only by reservation.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Luberon attractions

1. Cave de Bonnieux

1.49 MILES

Sample local wines at this superior cellar, 5km from Bonnieux on the D36. Tastings are free.

2. Fôret des Cèdres

1.91 MILES

In the scrubby hills about 6km south of Bonnieux, a twisty back road slopes up to this wonderful cedar forest, whose spreading boughs provide welcome…

3. Musée de la Boulangerie

1.91 MILES

A museum all about the history of breadmaking might not sound like a Bonnieux must-see, but it’s actually an intriguing visit. Located in a 17th-century…

4. Pont Julien

2.71 MILES

Situated 6km north of Bonnieux, near the junction of the D36 and D900, is one of the Luberon’s most impressive Roman landmarks. Dating from around 3 BC,…

5. Musée du Tire-Bouchon

3.92 MILES

You have to be a real wine buff to appreciate this museum – dedicated to the art of the humble corkscrew. There are more than 1000 of them on display at…

7. Fort de Buoux

5.33 MILES

Occupied since prehistoric times, the site of this clifftop fortress commands an incredible view over the surrounding valley. Abandoned in the 17th…

8. Moulin des Bouillons

5.44 MILES

Heading 3.5km south from Gordes along rte de St-Pantaléon (D148), you hit this marvellous rural museum: an olive-oil mill with a 10m-long Gallo-Roman…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "france/the-luberon/attractions/chateau-de-lacoste/a/poi-sig/1306789/1323028",
      "destination": "The-Luberon",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "France",
      "region": "The-Luberon",
      "position": "superzone"
    }