SCAD Lacoste Private Tour: Discover the American Art School in Provence

Cloe J.

25 sept.

5 min de lecture

Nestled in the heart of the Luberon, the medieval village of Lacoste is one of Provence's most atmospheric destinations. Perched on the hillside overlooking the Luberon Valley, the village combines historic stone architecture, spectacular landscapes and a long-standing connection with the arts.

But Lacoste has another international connection that makes it particularly fascinating for American travelers: SCAD Lacoste, the French campus and study-abroad location of the Savannah College of Art and Design.

For visitors traveling through Provence, discovering SCAD Lacoste offers a unique opportunity to experience the meeting point between American creativity, French heritage and the landscapes of southern France.

If you are planning a trip to Provence and are interested in art, fashion, architecture, film or design, SCAD Lacoste is an unusual and memorable stop to add to your Luberon itinerary.

What Is SCAD Lacoste?

SCAD Lacoste is the French study-abroad location of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), a private, nonprofit and accredited American university dedicated to creative careers.

The university operates campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, while Lacoste provides students with the opportunity to study in an authentic French environment. SCAD describes Lacoste as a place where students can immerse themselves in the history, culture and artistic traditions of Provence.

Unlike a traditional American university campus, SCAD Lacoste is integrated into the historic village itself.

Students study and live in carefully restored buildings dating from the ninth to the nineteenth centuries, combining historic Provençal architecture with modern academic facilities.

Courses at Lacoste vary by term and may include subjects such as painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, film and television, digital imaging, architecture, historic preservation, performing arts and French language and culture. Courses are taught in English.

This makes SCAD Lacoste particularly interesting for American students — but also for American visitors who are curious about the relationship between art, culture and Provence.

Why Did SCAD Choose Lacoste?

Lacoste has attracted artists for generations, partly because of its extraordinary natural light, peaceful setting and distinctive medieval architecture.

Today, the village provides a remarkable backdrop for creative education.

Rather than studying in a conventional university environment, SCAD students have the opportunity to work surrounded by the landscapes and architecture of the Luberon.

The setting itself becomes part of the experience.

Students can explore Provence, visit museums and historic sites, participate in excursions and meet visiting artists and creative professionals. SCAD has previously organized trips to destinations including Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Nîmes, the Pont du Gard and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

For an American traveler interested in art and culture, this connection between the university and the surrounding region is one of the most interesting aspects of visiting Lacoste.

Can You Visit SCAD Lacoste?

Yes. SCAD Lacoste is not simply a university campus closed to the public.

The current SCAD visitor experience includes several cultural attractions and creative spaces open to visitors, although opening dates and hours vary depending on the season and individual experience.

Visitors can discover a selection of museums, exhibitions, artistic installations and creative spaces within the historic village.

A ticket currently provides access to the ticketed experiences offered at SCAD Lacoste, while places such as the Café des Artistes and shopSCAD do not require paid admission.

Because schedules and exhibitions change throughout the year, it is a good idea to check the official SCAD Lacoste website before planning your visit.

What Can You See at SCAD Lacoste?

One of the reasons SCAD Lacoste works so well as a stop on a Provence itinerary is the variety of experiences available.

SCAD FASH Lacoste

Fashion lovers should not miss SCAD FASH Lacoste.

The museum presents exhibitions exploring fashion, design, photography and film, bringing together historical references and contemporary creativity.

For American travelers who are already familiar with SCAD's fashion programs, visiting SCAD FASH in the middle of Provence offers an interesting connection between the university's American identity and its European setting.

Musée SCAD Lacoste

The Musée SCAD Lacoste focuses on the history and culture of the village.

It offers visitors a different perspective on Lacoste, helping explain how this historic Provençal village evolved into an international center for creative exploration.

Studio Bee

Studio Bee showcases selected creations by SCAD students and alumni.

For visitors interested in fashion, design and craftsmanship, it provides an opportunity to discover the work of emerging creative talent in an intimate setting.

SCAD Alumni Atelier

Along the Rue des Artistes, SCAD alumni in residence open their studios to visitors and offer a glimpse into their creative process.

This is one of the more personal ways to experience the artistic side of Lacoste: instead of simply looking at finished works, visitors can see artists working in their studios.

The SCAD Sculpture Promenade

Art and landscape come together on the SCAD Sculpture Promenade.

The outdoor route features ten large-scale works set against the spectacular backdrop of the Luberon Valley.

For photographers and art lovers, this combination of contemporary sculpture and Provençal scenery can be particularly rewarding.

Cinéma du SCAD

Film enthusiasts can also discover Cinéma du SCAD, which highlights films and animation created by SCAD students and alumni.

The program provides another connection between the American university and the international creative community.

What Is Lacoste Like?

Beyond SCAD, Lacoste itself deserves time on your Provence itinerary.

The village is built into the hillside and is characterized by narrow stone streets, historic buildings and spectacular views across the Luberon.

It is the kind of place where the best experience often comes from simply walking.

Take time to explore the village, admire the architecture, stop for a coffee and enjoy the views rather than rushing from one attraction to another.

For American travelers visiting Provence for the first time, Lacoste can provide a quieter and more intimate experience than some of the region's better-known destinations.

What Else Can You See Near Lacoste?

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Lacoste is its location.

You can easily combine it with several other highlights of the Luberon.

Depending on your interests and available time, a day in the area could include:

Bonnieux, known for its hillside setting and panoramic views
Ménerbes, one of the Luberon's iconic hilltop villages
Gordes, famous for its dramatic stone architecture
Roussillon, known for its striking ochre landscapes
Lourmarin, with its charming streets, cafés and Renaissance château
Local markets, wineries and Provençal restaurants

Instead of seeing Lacoste as a destination on its own, consider incorporating it into a private Luberon day trip.

This allows you to combine SCAD Lacoste with several villages and experiences without having to organize multiple transportation connections yourself.

How to Visit SCAD Lacoste from Avignon

If you are staying in Avignon, Lacoste is a natural option for a day trip into the Luberon.

However, the most enjoyable way to explore this part of Provence is often to combine several destinations rather than visiting Lacoste alone.

A private excursion allows you to create a flexible itinerary around your interests.

For example, your day could begin in Avignon and continue toward:

Avignon → Lacoste → Bonnieux → Ménerbes → Gordes → Roussillon → Avignon

The itinerary can be adapted according to the season, opening hours, your interests and the amount of time you want to spend in each village.

Want to discover SCAD Lacoste without worrying about driving or organizing the logistics yourself?

Provence Wanderlust offers private excursions and transportation for American travelers exploring Provence and the French Riviera.

From Avignon, we can create a personalized day trip combining SCAD Lacoste with the most beautiful villages of the Luberon, local food and wine experiences, cultural discoveries and hidden corners of Provence.

Whether you are traveling as a couple, family or small private group, your itinerary can be adapted to your interests and schedule.