Château de Lacoste — Attraction in Apt

This village was the home of 5'2" tall Donatien Alphonse François, known as either the Marquis de Sade, or Marquis de Mazan. He was a Paris-born French nobleman, revolutionary politician, philosopher, and writer, famous for his libertine views which gave rise to the term sadism. A walk up to the highest point in the village of Lacoste provides you with a tour of his home (there's a parking lot at the top in you don't want to walk) and great views of the valley. But I strongly recommend the short climb, because along the narrow roadway, art students from the University of South Carolina set up their shops along the stone roadway during their summer breaks. It's a delightful and odd combination of pleasures for this tiny French village full of American student creative-types - definitely a highlight of my exploration in Provence this...

I am an event producer with a lot of wedding experience based in NYC. When we got married In 2019 my husband stumbled on the château.I am English and we both love this part of France. So he booked it before I had much time to over think it. I had a great time planning my wedding there and used all my experience to pull off a heavenly few days for our friends and family.The chef and manager at the chateau were beyond helpful and kind and I got to really practice my terrible French. Fortunately my food French is better. The owner of the chateau and his daughter were very helpful. We had a varied and remarkable visit utilizing both local and English vendors who have made their home in the south west. If you want a divine spot to wed this is it. Just get a good...

Lacoste is a gem to look at, spotless and preserved but also sterile and devoid of life. I blame the American-owned art school, which has cannibalised this historic gem and - having taken over so much of this beautiful village - Left it a ghost town without all the things that make a place alive: The little cafes, the boulangerie, the wine bar, um - people. It must be a very strange place to study; spectacular to look at but nowhere to meet locals, enjoy conversation, experience a place rather than a museum. The chateau is the worst - They changed it in to a modern art museum they think they can charge a fortune to go look at.

A lesson in how not to restore a town. Shame...