Festival de Lacoste

2025 Edition — Lyric Evenings in the Castle Ruins, Summer 2025

The 2025 edition of the Festival de Lacoste once again transformed the ruins of the Marquis de Sade's castle into an open-air lyric stage. For several weeks, from July to August, opera and recital evenings brought audiences together in this unique setting where stone walls stand out against the starry sky of the Luberon.

Performances in the Heart of the Castle

The natural quarry, aménagé in the castle's inner courtyard, hosted the performances for this edition. Backed by the walls and arches of the marquis's former residence, the open-air stage offers a view of the village rooftops and, in the distance, the reliefs of the Luberon and the Calavon plain.

The programming favored works from the classical lyric repertoire, presented with high-level singers and musicians, true to the artistic standard that has characterized the festival since its creation by Pierre Cardin. Vocal recitals alternated with more complete opera productions, for evenings lasting about two hours, starting at dusk.

A Unique Atmosphere

What makes the Festival de Lacoste's unforgettable uniqueness, beyond its artistic quality, is its special atmosphere. For a few evenings, the village of 400 inhabitants regains the liveliness and splendor of its past. The sloping alleys come alive, art galleries and cafes stay open late, and the public—coming from all over Provence, Paris, and Europe—finds itself in this space suspended between history and the night.