Le Bistrot
In Cotignac, Le Bistrot by Lou Calen awaits, open every day, and basking under a large air-conditioned glass ceiling, opening onto a beautiful shaded terrace. On the chef’s plate, colour brings life to bistronomy, transporting you from Provence to Asia, via Italy. In the evening, meat lovers will appreciate the tenderness of the cuts matured on site, selected from local producers. Every Sunday, this tasty cuisine transforms into a plentiful, generous and friendly brunch.
Pets are welcome on the terrace but, for hygiene reasons, are not permitted inside the restaurant.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas.
The Bistrot is closed from February 3rd to 23th.
Tasty cuisine... from here and everywhere!
Under the watchful eye of Benoît Witz, chef Yvan Franceschi creates a particular menu which he updates seasonally, inspired by the plentiful produce from the local region. Yvan’s cuisine, rooted in Provençal tradition, embraces inspiration from all around to reinvent the spirit of the Bistrot restaurant. Each evening, except on special event nights, guests can enjoy a selection of dry aged meats: generous cuts of at least 500g, just-seared and served with a seasonal garnish.
Yvan Franceschi reunites with his mentor Benoît Witz in Cotignac
Originally from Aix-en-Provence, Yvan Franceschi discovered early on the joys of transforming family cooking into a testing ground for the very best recipes. At 14, he chose to make cooking his profession and enrolled at the CFA (chef training school) in Saint-Maximin, where he learned the craft, rigour and discipline required to chef in the greatest establishments. At the age of 18, he crossed paths with Benoît Witz at the Abbaye de La Celle, under the guidance of Alain Ducasse. The young apprentice found in Benoit a mentor who would forever shape his vision of true refined cuisine. Yvan’s path continued alongside some of the greatest names in French gastronomy: Jean-Marc Banzo at the Villa Madie in Cassis, Laurent Lemal at the Hôtel Riberach in Bélesta, Philippe Saurel, whom he assisted in Bandol and then in Marseille, and finally Thierry Balligand, who entrusted him with the position of sous-chef at the Pigonnet ***** five-star restaurant in Aix-en-Provence.
Today, Yvan rejoins his mentor at the Bistrot restaurant at Lou Calen in Cotignac, where he expresses his craft through a simple and essentially authentic cuisine, faithful to the Provençal region and enriched with Italian and Thai culinary accents.
Sunday brunch
The scent of truffle, the sizzle of flame-grilled meats, the crisp bite of sea bream baked in a salt crust… Every Sunday from 11 am to 3pm, brunch takes on the air of a feast, with a generous buffet showcasing local produce and seasonal inspirations.
Group dining in Cotignac
Treat your loved ones, friends, or colleagues to a wonderful meal to celebrate the end of the year in our warm and authentic setting. Located in the heart of the estate, our large private dining room adjoining the Bistrot restaurant is the ideal place to share a friendly festive meal. Provençal charm, delicious cuisine, and an intimate atmosphere bring everyone together to end the year in style!
Menus available for groups of 10 or more people.
The art of flame-grilled cooking
In spring and summer, the wood-fired oven spits and crackles on the terrace, enjoying this element of masterful cooking. This is a treat for the senses! Matured meats and fresh fish are cooked up with with smoky tones and caramelised notes. To accompany these delicious mains, the chef has created a unique barbecue sauce, inspired by the history of Lou Calen estate: a subtle blend of pastis, maple syrup and beer, enhanced with a few ingredients that he still keeps secret!
Events that might interest you
From 13 Feb. To 31 Dec.
Every Saturday lunchtime, lobster takes centre stage. Hot or cold, simmered, sautéed or flame-grilled, Benoit Witz cooks it in line with the kitchen garden and market. A four-course set menu, renewed weekly, ending with creations from our pastry chef.
Location:
Day :
Saturday
Hours :
12 pm to 2 pm
Price:
84€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 19 September
For their second four-hands dinner, Benoît Witz and Théo Sanchez continue to explore the many facets of plant life. Leaves, flowers, seeds, branches and fruits picked at different stages of ripeness become the ingredients of a cuisine where fermentation reveals unexpected new flavours.
Location:
Schedule :
Please arrive at 7:30 pm
Price:
120€ (5-course) – Wine pairing: 30€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Monday 21 September
Who will be named Cotignac’s best mixologist? For the inaugural Cotignac Cocktail Challenge, Lou Calen is challenging professional bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike to reinvent pastis or absinthe. To enter, send us your recipe by 17 September.
Sunday 4 October
Move and eat well: two simple pleasures come together one Sunday a month at Lou Calen. A Pilates session with Fabé Dia, former Olympic athlete, awakens the body and releases tension, before enjoying the Bistrot’s generous buffet.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 12 pm
Price:
Pilates only : 25€ ; Pilates + Brunch : 76€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Dining and Pool Day Pass
Lou Calen invites you into a Provençal oasis devoted to your wellbeing. From April to October, its Pool Day Passes combine access to the estate’s three swimming pools with lunch or dinner at one of its two restaurants. Treat yourself to a restful day of relaxation and culinary delights.
