Lacoste

If Walt Disney were attempting to create the superlative French village, he could not have matched the unparalleled beauty of this hilltop village.  Authentic beyond compare, this is the consummate example of Provençal beauty.  The restored castle ruins of the notorious Marquis de Sade, now home to Pierre Cardin, preside over the narrow cobblestoned streets, which cascade down the hillside.  The vista in every direction is breathtaking; as far a one can see, fields of cherry and olive, and perfect rows of grape laden vines, with distant hilltop towns dotting the horizon.  Too picture perfect, in fact, so much that one feels the need to reach out and try to touch the supposed false painted background.  L’école SCAD is in session, so during the day the streets are filled with students – l’artiste est en residence.  At night the sun sets over the valley only to rise again revealing a mist-covered wonderland.  An artist’s dream world, a tourist’s nirvana.