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
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.
Friday 28 November
A powerful and complex Italian wine, Barolo will be the wine pairing for this dinner that features two historic Piedmontese establishments: the Félicin restaurant, led by Chef Nino, and the Manzone estate, represented by wine connaisseur Mauro, who shares his finest wines during the evening.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
120€ (6-course menu with 4 wine pairings)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 15 November
Mireille Bergès unveils Brins de thym et air marin, a short story collection where Provence appears by turns sun-drenched, wild or rugged. At the bookshop, she will also present her novels L’Envol and La Terre de Louise, inspired by southern landscapes and imbued with deep humanity.
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.
Friday 31 October
Gangsta Paradise Edition — Shadows rise, basslines rumble. DJ Modesty summons an otherworldly flow for a 100% hip hop night. Get ready to party like it’s your last. Costume required, rap theme suggested.
Saturday 25 October
Kilou, a child of the streets of Zaou, and Jacques Antoine, a biographical author, have joined forces to revive stories long buried. They will present three works: La maison d’Angèle (2023), Ze et la croix des pins (2024), L’ombre du manoir (2025).
Saturday 18 October
These high-voltage musicians have only one goal: to set La TUF ablaze. Expect an electric night where wild riffs, raging solos and a furiously Rock’n Roll atmosphere shake every body and make every spectator vibrate from beginning to end.
