Lovely Lacoste in the Luberon Valley

As I churn through the laundry after our Spring Trip, here's a post on what we got up to on Easter Friday.

I had the mister almost to myself (only two kids at home) so we decided to take a quick day trip to Lacoste.

They don't make the polo shirts with the little crocodiles on them there. I know you were wondering (because I did too).

We drove through flowering fruit orchards en route:

And we could look across and see beautiful Bonnieux across the way:

Lacoste's population apparently doubles in the high season but it was still nice and quiet the day we visited.

First up was lunch. No surprises there.

You can just make out the mister and the baby on the balcony of the little restaurant where we ate (the set menu, very nice).

Dessert was the only thing I remembered to photograph (too busy scoffing), tarte au citron:

And this simple but to-die-for dish: a bowl of faisselle (fresh, soft, creamy goat's cheese) served with a jar of lavender honey which you spoon on yourself. A. maze. ing.

When the dessert menu blows our mind we always share them both - no dessert envy that way.

While the mister sorted out the bill, the 2 year old and I had a quick sticky-beak in the church:

This one was a very different style to what I am used to, but none the less gorgeous.

And of course there was a chandelier, so I was happy.

Listing starboard, captain

Dark clouds were starting to gather but we pushed on up the hill into the old village.

Through this gate:

Through cobblestone streets which we adore but are hard going on the baby in his pram (he was shaken, not stirred by the time we reached the top).

Looming over the town is the famed castle that was once home to the Marquis de Sade.

That Marquis was one sick puppy - his name is the origin of the word sadism.

If you're ever upset over the boy your daughter brings home, spare a thought for the Marquis' wife's dad. Wonder how he felt after reading his son-in-law's erotic fiction?

The castle has seen better days, although it's now owned by fashionista Pierre Cardin and hosts various cultural events.

The views across the valley are fabulous.

There are several sculptures in the Marquis' front yard - I didn't get the names as it was starting to rain by this point.

Man in a tree

Arms wide open

The Marquis himself (who spent a lot of time in prison due to his depravity)

By this stage we were getting wet and it was time to fetch the older kids from school, so back down the hill we went.

We were a little rushed at the end due to our long lunch (we are becoming more French with every meal we eat) but it was still a great day.

This lovely town gets two thumbs up from us. Get thee to Lacoste!

Oh, and this was seen on the way home. No idea whose it is, but isn't it grand? (I especially love the two donkeys you can just make out on the top lawn terrace. Hope they're hungry.)