Lacoste

This exquisitely preserved medieval village, nestled in the Luberon region of Provence, France, has changed remarkably little since the 1400s. With 1 small restaurant and 2 cafés, all of which cater to locals, 1 new shop (open for less than a year) that sells products of the region, and a single small bakery, Lacoste is not a favored stop for tourists. Thank goodness!

In 1970, American artist Bernard Pfriem founded the Lacoste School of the Arts in this little village. He worked carefully with the town so as to grow the project without intruding upon the special character of the place. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has since bought the school, and now occupies almost half of the properties in the town. However, it is all done so well, you might not even know it was here. As SCAD purchases and renovates a building, a brass nameplate commemorates the original owners. Naturally, doors and shutters continue to sport that unique color of blue that typifies the region. The town is so determined to preserve its quiet character that it has a legal ordinance that makes 10pm to 10pm "quiet time."

I am here with 21 remarkable High School students from the Lovett School of Atlanta, Georgia. They are studying photography and painting with Lovett faculty members, Karey Walter and Amy Story. My role: chaperone. I drive a van, escort students, announce curfew, and work to enforce the no alcohol policy. Let's just say, my biggest challenges are keeping things quiet and the temptations of fine French wine. These kids have both energy and enormous "curiosity!"

Some sites around town.