Lacoste is one of my personal favorite, picturesque villages of the Luberon. It’s full of contrasts being both incredibly still yet vibrant; pristine yet hedonistic; creative yet constrained. This old mountain village has an incredible story yet remains off the beaten path of tourists for most of the year. The village itself overlooks the village of Bonnieux, the Grand Luberon Mountains, flanked by Mont Ventoux to the north, with stunning views of the Petit Luberon and valley to the south.

The village’s architecture and cobblestone streets give the impression of a village where time has stood still. The oldest building in the town, the Maison Forte, dates back to the 9th century while the nearby Pont Julien remains one of the oldest standing examples of a working 1st century B.C. Roman bridge.

Lacoste is well known for  notorious residents, the Marquis de Sade, or Donatien Alphonse Francois, and fashion designer Pierre Cardin.

The Marquis de Sade lived in the village’s castle, Château de Lacoste in the 18th century. Following a series of incidents involving local women and the police, the Marquis fled the country but was eventually imprisoned. His castle was partially destroyed in an uprising in 1779 and was later looted and plundered by locals.

Today the château is owned by fashion designer Pierre Cardin, who for the last 15 years has held his Festival de Lacoste in the Carrières du Château. The festival draws thousands of visitors for world-class opera, theater, and music coinciding with the Festival d’Avignon each July to sold-out crowds. Pierre Cardin continues to renovate the chateau and the quarry, which serves as the stage for this massive outdoor performance.

The village has a reputation as an artistic haven. What I found to be magic is the juxtaposition of the village’s pristinely kept, ancient white stone architecture, with modern sculptures and art peppered throughout the village and landscape. The Lacoste School of the Arts was founded in Lacoste in 1970 by American art professor and painter, Bernard Pfriem. Under Pfriem’s direction, notable artists came to Lacoste to teach and be inspired by the peace and tranquility of the rural environment, including Benny Andrews, Denis Brihat, Henri Cartier-Bresson, David Douglas Duncan, Nene Humphrey, Gjon Mili, and Jean-Pierre Sudre, among others. The expatriate American poet, Gustaf Sobin, often taught poetry to students at The Lacoste School of the Arts. Through Pfriem and Sobin’s leadership, the school emerged to become one of the most respected art programs in France.

Sarah Lawrence College, the Cleveland Institute of Art, and Bard College traded partnership with the school before the Savannah College of Art and Design took control in 2002. Today the Savannah College of Art and Design hosts four quarters of classes for art students and professors from all corners of the globe, studying fine arts, writing, architecture, design, fashion, film, photography, sculpture, and theater, to name a few of the subjects. What a dream place to study and practice art, or simply wander into for tranquility on fall day. Always an inspiring escape.

Post and photography by Tarik Koivisto

I recently had the pleasure of discovering both Laura Juhen, the passionate architect, and the exclusive Maison d’Aix.

Architects Laura Juhen and Louis Mariott have lovingly renovated this discrete, boutique hôtel and spa located in the very center of Aix-en-Provence’s historic Mazarin neighborhood. The design story and direction incorporates its previous owner, Mademoiselle Henriette Reboul, renowned as an antique collector and a love “priestess”, who lived lavishly in this private mansion dating from 1789 in 1903. She reputedly had numerous celebrity friends, lovers and mistresses, who all took abode in this magnificent residence.

Following three years of careful renovations, the elusive Henriette Reboul’s spirit and sensual touch has been perfectly memorialized offering a playful dance between escapism and upscale sophistication. Laura infuses her own whimsical nature and attention to detail into each luxuriously executed vignette. This escape of calm and discretion harbors just four delightful rooms and jewel of a spa.

Laura’s passion comes through in her storytelling of her muse, Henrietta, and the thoughtful design details that ensure that her guests are amused, relaxed and inspired. The interior design and architectural details also reflect Laura’s history with a mix of striking handcrafted period pieces, rich textures and whimsical artwork from around the world. Juhen sourced and thoughtfully designed the hotel’s 300-year old teak parquet and Jerusalem stone clad floors, perfectly placed light fixtures, and custom poured stone soaking tubs for each room. Definitely a labor of love and passion… a refreshing escape in the heart of Aix. You’ll have to meet Laura for yourself and discover the story and artistic passion that makes Maison d’Aix such a special escape.

Maison d’Aix
25 Rue du 4 Septembre, 13100 Aix-en-Provence, France
reservations@lamaisondaix.com
www.lamaisondaix.com
+33 (0)4 42 53 78 95

Photography by: Tarik Koivisto

What to wear when escaping to one of the gorgeous Provence calanques or nearby Mediterranean beaches? We’ve picked a few bare, yet luxe essentials to hit any plage in-style, whether in Provence, Italy or the dreamy Greek islands.  We are coveting this stunning, gorgeous, extra-large Hermes scarf that pairs perfectly with this classic yet sexy Agent Provacateur swimsuit, statement Karen Walker sunglasses and fresh, non-toxic khaki polish from Kure Bazaar Paris.

But where’s a stylish beach gal able to seek proper refuge from the heat and crowds, in this busy summer season in Provence? You’re in luck, we’re sharing our very top secret list of our personal favorite, local Luxe Provence beaches with you, but shhhh, promise not to tell too many people!?

1: Calanque en Vau, (pictured) Cassis: arrive in style by yacht, or take the more rigorous yet rewarding 2-hour hike via Port Pin to one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever seen. This calanque features some of the highest cliffs of the calanques and dazzling waters, between La Ciotat and Marseille.

2: Calanque de Sormiou, Marseille: a pure locals secret (thank you Laura) — you can actually drive in to this calanque, even in the bustling summer months, but you must arrive very early by 8am to the park gates to grab a spot, or be left to walk-in. Definitely worth the early start to arrive before the masses and enjoy a peaceful moment, or arrive at dusk for dinner at its quaint little seaside restaurant (reservations  a must).

3: Mugel Calanque and Park, La Ciotat: warm, clear waters with little waves, ideal for an early morning snorkel. A real local treasure in La Ciotat with its own tropical park and nice little restaurant open for lunch and dinner, along with chair/umbrella rental for about twenty.

4: Les Lecques, Saint Cyr sur Mer: great for families, this large sandy open beach offers easy public parking and simple, little snack shops. Spots fill up early.

Enjoy!