Creating memories
Every season, Lou Calen transforms into a true hub of discovery. In the stunning cliff-side setting of Cotignac, a delightful collection of visual artists, writers, musicians, chefs, and wellness practitioners come together to share their expertise and offer visitors exceptional experiences. There are workshops, concerts, exhibitions, literary events, and gastronomy events: each moment can become a sensory journey to discovery, shaped by the authentic soul of Provence and the unique energy of those who guide it.
Upcoming workshops & events
Past workshops & events
Sunday 18 January
Treat your taste buds to a journey to the Orient. From Japan to China, from India to Thailand, the Bistrot celebrates traditional cuisines where spices reign supreme. A zen atmosphere, colorful dishes, and a spirit of escape… a round trip to Asia without leaving your seat.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
45€/adult ; 20€/child (<12 years old)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 17 January
Unleash your true creativity by making your own decorative floral wreath, timeless and beautiful. Guided by Cécile Dupont, you'll learn how to arrange dried seasonal flowers to create a unique and lasting piece that will add a natural and elegant touch to your home.
Location:
Schedule :
2:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Price:
75€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Thursday 1 January
On the first evening of the year, we toast the Italian way at Le Bistrot! On the tables, colourful bruschette: pesto with seasonal vegetables, shellfish and seafood, braised ham and confit poultry… A generous and joyful evening to extend the festive spirit. Buon anno a tutti!
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
40€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Thursday 1 January
Welcome the New Year with your loved ones over a festive brunch at the Bistrot ! Generous sweet and savoury buffets, exceptional produce and indulgent dishes from our chefs — a perfect way to extend the joy of New Year’s Eve and gather around a delicious table together.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 3 pm
Price:
65€ (including hot drinks and fruit juices)
Booking:
Restaurant fully booked
Wednesday 31 December
Le Bistrot sparkles to celebrate the year’s final night. Chef Yvan Franceschi has created a four-course menu where French cuisine embraces flavours from around the world. Aperitif in the Glasshouse to begin, followed by a dancing party to welcome 2026 with music.
Location:
Schedule :
From 8 pm
Price:
150€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 28 December
When winter settles in, nothing beats a hearty raclette to warm up! The Bistrot invites you to a meltingly delicious and convivial evening by the fire, with that cosy mountain spirit. The perfect kind of Sunday night – indulgent, comforting and just the way we like it.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
35€/adult ; 15€/child (<12 years old)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Thursday 25 December
Santa Claus has been and gone, and now it’s time for lunch. A Provençal kir opens the meal before chef Yvan Franceschi orchestrates his three- or four-course menu of foie gras, langoustines and lamb, ending with the ultimate indulgence of a chestnut and blueberry Yule log.
Location:
Schedule :
12 pm to 2 pm
Price:
75€–85€ (3 or 4 courses, 1 Provençal kir)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Thursday 25 December
On Christmas night, we’re doing it again at Le Bistrot, with a delicious buffet to enjoy together. Bring your good vibes and your best Christmas jumper — no fear of looking silly, we’re counting on you! A joyful, colourful evening, like one last gift beneath the tree.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
40€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Wednesday 24 December
In the old house of Jardin Secret, Christmas Eve is savoured by the fireside, a glass of champagne in hand. Chef Benoît Witz presents a five-course menu where black truffle, blue lobster and crispy capon precede a pear-praline yule log adorned with gold leaf.
Location:
Schedule :
From 8 pm
Price:
150€ (5 courses, 1 glass of Champagne)
Booking:
Restaurant fully booked
Wednesday 24 December
Le Bistrot dresses for the season to host a convivial Christmas Eve. A Provençal kir welcomes you before chef Yvan Franceschi unveils his menu: three or four courses for diners torn between Mediterranean sea bass with langoustines and a capon and foie gras Pithiviers.
Location:
Schedule :
From 8 pm
Price:
80€–95€ (3 or 4 courses, 1 Provençal kir)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 20 December
Huguette Caren is back at the bookstore to sign her cookbook. A true ode to Provence and its culinary heritage, this collection of recipes not only invites you to get busy behind the stove, but also opens a door to the fascinating history of Lou Calen since the 1970s.
From 5 Dec. To 20 Dec.
La Falaise Art Center celebrates the 10th anniversary of “Artistes en herbe,” an educational project with schools from Cotignac and nearby villages. This year, over fifty classes reinterpret Niki de Saint Phalle’s vibrant world through painting, sculpture, collage, and installation.
Location:
Days :
Tuesday to Saturday
Hours :
10am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 5pm
Price:
Free
Free access
From 1 Dec. To 22 Feb.
The Canut family has been growing black truffles on their farm in Aups. Every winter Patrick and his daughter Lisa wander through their oak plantation, guided by their dogs, to harvest the truffle. Take part in the art of truffle hunting, before treating yourself to tasting your finds!
Location:
Aups
Availability :
Saturday to Tuesday, 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Price:
35€/adulte, 20€/enfant, gratuit/-12ans
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Monday 1 December
Lou Calen kicks off the festive season in Cotignac! The hotel lights up on December 1st at 5:30 p.m. Want to experience the moment? Neighbours, friends and visitors, join us at O’Fadoli, the little bar on Cours Gambetta, to share a magical moment over a delicious mulled wine (on us).
Saturday 29 November
Julie Ewa is coming to present Au-delà, her new book about her repeated out-of-body experiences. Between shock, investigation and search for meaning, she explores the limits of reality and, with clarity, challenges what we believe possible, shaking our certainties about consciousness.
