Lacoste is a historic village which has a long history of defying the social norms of the local society. Predominantly Protestant even today, Lacoste doesn't have a Catholic church. Meynier d'Oppede and his Catholic Forces tried (unsuccessfully as it turns out) to change the demographics by slaughtering all the villagers in 1545. Then Donatien Alphonse François, Marquis de Sade was exiled to his chateau at the very top of Lacoste in 1768 and after further escapades in Paris moved there to stay in 1771 (he liked it). All this turbulent history kept the population fairly steady over the years and kept modernity out. It's just over 400 people now, but the population easily doubles in the summer, when the castle of the Marquis de Sade, now owned by Pierre Cardin, becomes a performance venue for the Summer Theater Festival.
We visited Lacoste on the perfect day, when dark storm clouds appeared, enhancing the idea of historical turmoil Lacoste has faced.
Enjoy our Lacoste Pictures.
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