Where Provence soothes you gently, nourishes you fully, and leaves long-lasting memories.
A corner of Paradise in the Provençal Var region
In the heart of Cotignac, one of the jewels of the Var region, classified among “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”, hotel Lou Calen flourishes within 3 hectares of rich and glorious nature. This eco-resort promises a total change of scenery in the heart of still-undiscovered Provence, only an hour from the spectacular Verdon valley and the sunny beaches of the CĂ´te d’Azur. The 36 guest bedrooms are either nestled in the midst of the glorious gardens or overlooking the village square, set within the walls of the original hotel building. Each room has been crafted and decorated in harmony with their environment.
A taste of Provence in four special spots
During your stay, Lou Calen invites you to experience unforgettable moments: whether at the Jardin Secret, a restaurant honoured with a Michelin green star, and where chef Benoit Witz revisits Provençal gastronomy with finesse; or the new Bistrot restaurant with its generous cuisine, showcasing delicious flame-grilled local meats. Two more addresses entice you out of your luxurious room and into the Provençal art of living: the microbrewery La TUF, a trendy bar where local beer is brewed on site; O’Fadoli, the pastis bar that celebrated more than 80 aniseed varieties.
Create unforgettable memories
Saturday 1 November
Spiral basket-weaving craft is an ancestral technique which countryfolk have used for centuries here, in Provence, and made famous now. Julia Lebouc shares her artisanal know-how through the creation of a “secret box” basket made from wild straw.
Lieu :
Lou Calen
Schedule :
9 am to 1 pm
Tarif :
65€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
From 2 Nov. To 7 Nov.
A six-day immersion into leadership and somatic practices to bring more creativity and power into your work, with Elisa Haggarty and Kim Buisson. This retreat is for women navigating threshold moments and who are holding both inner and outer worlds.
Sunday 2 November
Once a month, Le Bistrot transforms into a true winstub. With family or friends, guests gather around generous buffets of starters, main dishes and desserts—an homage to this beautiful region, proud of its convivial spirit and traditions. A breeze of Alsace drifts across Provence.
Lieu :
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Tarif :
35€/adult – 15€/child (-12 years old)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Tuesday 4 November
Tuesday is market day! What could be better than a gourmet pause with a platter of oysters and a crisp glass of white wine. Settle on the terrace, taking in the village’s finest view over Cours Gambetta, and let Cotignac’s joyful spirit carry you away.
Saturday 8 November
Sandra Dugenet models, sculpts and engraves using earth, stone or wood. While she allows herself to be guided by the material, she inspired by human beings and their philosophy. You will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Lieu :
Schedule :
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Tarif :
60€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 9 November
Therapist based in Correns, Oriane Mutabazi invites you to immerse yourself in a sound bath using musical instruments and the voice. This will be followed by mantra chanting which will establish and extend the benefits of deep relaxation throughout your being.
Sunday 9 November
Head for the bayous and the festive vibe of New Orleans. On the menu: a selection of starters to share, followed by a generous buffet inspired by Cajun and Creole traditions — gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, po’boys… One Sunday a month, spice up your evening and break the routine!
Lieu :
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Tarif :
45€/adult ; 20€/child (<12 years old)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Tuesday 11 November
Tuesday is market day! What could be better than a gourmet pause with a platter of oysters and a crisp glass of white wine. Settle on the terrace, taking in the village’s finest view over Cours Gambetta, and let Cotignac’s joyful spirit carry you away.
Get stuck in and let Provence take over
Truffle Hunting & Tasting in Aups
Every winter, Patrick and Lisa Canut go through their oak plantation, guided by their dogs, to harvest the precious black truffle.
Yvan Franceschi and Benoit Witz Unveil the Bistrot's Autumn Menu
As the days grow shorter and the vines turn their autumnal shade of red, Lou Calen invites you to savour the new season around a table.
Festive Feasts at Lou Calen
What if this year you let Lou Calen redesign your most beautiful holiday memories? Savour together the magic of Christmas in Provence and the joy of welcoming in the New Year.
Highlights of the day
It's
Awaken your senses!
As you wake, the first rays of sunshine light up the nature around you and enhance the rich smells of warm croissants coming from the kitchen. The only thing required of you is to enjoy breakfast while working out your morning programme: creative workshop, botanical walk, discovery of the most beautiful markets in Provence, game of golf or tennis...
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Feeling a bit peckish?
It’s time to eat, and get stuck into the best local produce. Head to the Bistrot restaurant, where you will be welcomed into a large glass conservatory that opens onto a beautiful leafy terrace. On the menu you’ll find Provençal recipes intertwined with world cuisine - and when weather permits, the art of flame-grilled cooking reveals the quintessence of Provençal meats, fish, and hearty vegetables.
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Explore Provence!
On foot, on horseback, or by electric bike, every route is open to discovery within our corner of Provence Verte. Through wild and sunny nature, let yourself be delighted by our picturesque villages, inspiring art installations, monuments steeped in history, as well as exceptional wine estates and olive groves. Take the opportunity to meet local merchants, artisans and artists and, immerse yourself in memorable moments where tradition and lifestyle come together with passion and know-how. There are certainly unforgettable encounters waiting for every guests.
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From aperitif to dinner
With aperitif time approaching, and your mind full of your busy, beautiful day - the time has come to sit back and saviour the end of the day. Do you want a local beer, pastis or cocktail? Let yourself be guided by your desires and our many options on offer. At La Tuf, beers brewed with the seasonal flavours of Provence will spark your taste buds, and why not extend the evening with a live concert? Otherwise, O’Fadoli will delight all pastis lovers, with its selection of more than 80 aniseed delicacies, not to mention homemade cocktails that thrill with every sip. For dinner, trust chef Benoit Witz. In the kitchens of the Jardin Secret restaurant, he crafts a new and unique menu every day that reveals the essential flavours and authenticity of Provençal gastronomy.
Highlights of the day
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Time for the king’s rest
With your appetite satisfied and your head full of happy memories of the day, you yearn for the enticing privacy of your room. At the height of comfort and carefully decorated with gentle, appeasing colours, with natural materials and Provençal fabrics – our rooms have been designed to offer you the absolute best place to rest.
