Our Greatest Summer Events
Four-Hands Gourmet Dinners at Le Jardin Secret
latest event: 19 September 2026
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.
Across five courses, the chefs give a new role to parts of the plant rarely used in cooking. Fermented, smoked, infused, preserved or dried, they are paired with prawns, duck or pork in indulgent and sometimes unexpected combinations. The menu also echoes the myths that have surrounded these plants for centuries, and the connections they forge with animals, landscapes and people.
This culinary journey begins at 7.30 pm with a convivial aperitif under the tent at Jardin Secret restaurant, before continuing around a communal table, with each course accompanied by stories shared by the chefs.
A Special Weekend with Eric Idle
past event
The first weekend in September, Lou Calen and Les Toiles du Sud festival are teaming up to host a legendary figure of British comedy: Eric Idle.
A comedian, actor, author, musician, and member of Monty Python, he will be presenting “Idle in Provence” a book in which he recounts, with humour and sensitivity, his deep connection to the Var region, where he has a home and has enjoyed spending time for over fifty years.
Designed as an opportunity to connect with the public, the weekend combines film screenings, book signings, and fine dining. On Friday evening, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life will be screened at the Théâtre du Rocher, attended by producer John Goldstone, followed by a book signing session.
On Saturday, Eric Idle will meet readers at the Librairie de Lou Calen, followed by drinks at La Verrière, dinner at Le Bistrot, and a screening of Monty Python Live at the Hollywood Bowl. A fantastic opportunity to meet this extraordinary man.
White Parties in the Vineyards
past events
At golden hour, guests gather under the tent for an aperitif accompanied by the gentle sound of an acoustic guitar, before taking their seats between the rows of grapevines for a gourmet dinner inspired by traditional, large-scale Provençal feasts.
In the kitchen, Benoît Witz is joined by his friend Patrick Périe, a chef whose international career has taken him to Bangkok, Beijing, New Orleans and Yangon. Together, they create a generous, convivial meal in which local produce inspires summery dishes, served for sharing at the centre of the table.
On 6th August, the MAXISWING duo will provide the evening’s soundtrack with a repertoire blending jazz, guitar, and accordion. On 20th August, Les Bérets Gris will take their turn, performing traditional French songs accompanied by guitar (event cancelled due to weather conditions).
For this timeless evening, guests are invited to dress entirely in white.
Bistrot Dinners with Cinema Under the Stars
past events
In support of the Les Toiles du Sud festival, Lou Calen rolls out the big screen at dusk. Four Dinner & Cinema evenings will invite guests to enjoy a film after they’ve enjoyed their dessert.
Chef Yvan Franceschi prepares a three-course menu, offering a choice of two options for the starter, main course, and dessert. True to the Bistrot’s spirit, his cooking highlights seasonal produce in generous, sun-kissed dishes.
For the open-air screenings, the films were selected for their broad appeal across generations, ranging from heartwarming comedies to contemporary classics. Following two early-summer screenings, A Good Year – Ridley Scott’s warm comedy – will be shown on 29th July, which charmingly celebrating the landscapes, wines, and art of living of Provence. On 12th August the setting shifts to The Grand Budapest Hotel and its whimsical yet refined world created by Wes Anderson, now a modern cinema classic.
