Pierre Cardin restored ruined Provence château into music and theatre venue

High above the Luberon Valley in southern France, an old hilltop castle once linked to the infamous Marquis de Sade has been given a new purpose after years of restoration. French fashion designer Pierre Cardin bought the 11th-century Château de Lacoste in 2001 to save it from further damage. He spent millions of euros on repairs and restoration work. Nearly seven years after the project began, the site reopened as a venue for an annual international music and theatre festival. The castle, once known for its links to 18th-century scandal, became an active centre for the performing arts.Origins and aristocratic scandalThe history of Château de Lacoste dates back to the 11th century, when it served as a fortified stronghold for the Simiane family.