December in Provence : Tradition, Nature and Magic
With the festive season upon us, Provence gets its Christmas traditions ready. The villages light up at night while the streets fill with joyful spirit. There is much to see and experience: provençal Christmas markets, art and cultural events, seasonal outdoor activities, and other traditional events, in Cotignac and the wider region. Enjoy a beautiful winter season at Lou Calen and experience a December like no other.
Provençal Christmas markets
Christmas markets are an essential part of the provençal winter season. Take a walk through the decorated stalls and chalets to find that special gift or that delicious local food speciality. Let the little ones have a photo with Father Christmas while you glug a hot mulled wine!
Villages are not the only ones to host Christmas markets. Domaine de Fontainebleau welcomes you on Saturday, December 11th to peruse the fresh, local products and gift ideas from 15 artisans and to enjoy free activities for the whole family.
Save the date !
Saturday December 3, 2022 : Christmas market of Barjols, La Celle…
Sunday December 4th 2022 : Christmas market of La Celle, Tavernes, Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume…
Saturday December 10th 2022 : Christmas market of Sainte-Anastasie-sur-Issole, Domaine de Cala…
Sunday December 11, 2022 : Christmas market of Cotignac, Correns, Garéoult, Varages, Aups, Domaine de Cala, Garéoult…
Saturday December 17, 2022 : Christmas market of La Verdière, Montmeyan…
Sunday December 18, 2022 : Christmas market of Brue-Auriac…
Friday December 23, 2022 : Christmas market of Cotignac…
Activities for the whole family
The prehistoric museum and the Baume Bonne Cave in Quinson
This region is rich in prehistoric sites, and the Museum of Prehistory of the Gorges du Verdon presents a collection of local archaeological pieces across fifty years of excavation, including life-size representations of the first men and their prehistoric animals. Nearby, the Baume Bonne presents evidence of human presence in the gorges around 400,000 years ago, and has been listed as a historic monument.
The cliff and the cave dwellings of Cotignac
Cotignac is located at the foot of an impressive ‘tuff’ cliff 80 m high and 400 m long, which is locally named ‘Le Rocher’. This natural wonder is the remains of a medieval waterfall, originally from the Cassole river, which would have tumbled down over the cliff. The rock then became a troglodyte habitat and an historical fortress, which our guests can visit today.
The Marcel Pagnol cinema in Cotignac
The Marcel Pagnol cinema offers an exciting, up-to-date and diverse programme of films, opera, ballet and theatre for the general public. The space is also used for locally-organised debates, conferences, and even exercise spaces, so the building is very much a hub of creativity and artistic form.
The ‘santons’ of Provence
This was after the French Revolution, which unfortunately led to the closing of all churches, so that the “santoun” or “little saints” were created to enable every Provencal family to celebrate the nativity properly. Lou Calen invites you to visit the workshops of three craftsmen specialising in ‘santons’ creation: “Closer to Provence” in Brignoles, “Les Santons Paul Garrel” in Rocbaron, and “Santons Denizou” in Tourves.
Remarkable places of worship
The sanctuaries of Notre-Dame de Grâces and Saint Joseph in Cotignac
The apparition of the Virgin Mary in 1519, and then Saint Joseph in 1660, gives the village an enormous sacred value within the Catholic faith. Louis XIV visited the village accompanied by his mother, to give thanks for his miraculous birth. The sanctuaries are very popular with pilgrims from all over the world, seeking grace, joy, and prosperity. For our religious or culturally curious guests, every day at 5pm at the Saint Joseph church Vespers are sung by the nuns who inhabit the sanctuary.
The Cistercian Abbey in Le Thoronet
Just 20 minutes from Cotignac, the Thoronet Abbey is one of the three Cistercian wonders of Provence. Founded in 1146 by an order of monks from Ardèche and built in 1190, the simple architecture of the abbey and its surroundings expresses the purity and the humility of their spiritual life. Designed in an austere, geometric and Romanesque style, it is devoid of any sculpted decoration. The abbey also hosts contemporary art exhibitions all year round.
The church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Villecroze
The church of Villecroze is spectacular and very unusual to the region. Vast and full of light thanks to its vaulted ceiling, it is decorated with statues of saints, as well as more modern paintings and stained-glass windows from the 19th century. A special sight not to be missed is the Marianne fountain under the arch beside the church, which is one of the seven magnificent fountains found within Villecroze village.
Contemporary Art spots
The La Falaise Art Centre in Cotignac
The La Falaise Art Centre in Cotignac exhibits works by recognised or emerging artists all year round. In partnership with the schools of Cotignac, Carcès, Barjols and Brignoles, it follows the initiative of the “Les Kusama en herbe“ project. Currently, aided by their teachers, the students are creating their own work in the style of Robert Combas, a leading figure in the French contemporary art world.
The Chateauvert Art Centre
The Châteauvert Contemporary Art Centre is a wonderful arts apace along the Argens river. Stroll between the exhibition room, the media library and the collection of sculptures exhibited in the garden room, in the midst of nature. In winter, the sculpture garden remains accessible 24/7. Don’t hesitate to come and walk around at any time to admire these extraordinary artworks which are in harmony with nature.
The HDE Var in Draguignan
Located in a 19th-century building in the heart of Draguignan, the Hotel départemental des Expositions du Var presents two exhibitions a year about history and civilisations. From December 2 to February 12, discover different types of toys and their uses, from prehistoric times to the present day, the HDE Var exhibition for the winter of 2022 certainly won’t be boring during this end of year period!
Lou Calen's experiences
The truffle season
For over 25 years, the Canut family has been growing black truffles on their farm in Aups. Every winter Patrick and his daughter Lisa roam their oak plantation, guided by their dogs, to harvest the precious black diamond that is the truffle. Join them for an hour, participate in truffle hunting, and treat yourself to tasting your finds!
The olive harvest
From December 13th to 19th, Lou Calen invites you to accompany the gardening teams during the olive harvest! In Provence, the “olivade” season runs from September to February. While green olives are harvested in early autumn, black olives are usually picked in December. These are usually prepared for eating but can also be transformed into a rich oil. This oil has an old-fashioned taste thanks to the maturity of the olives, and is known as “black and fruity”; more recently this aromatic oil has gained enthusiasm with the more curious palettes.
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Explore the natural areas of the Haut-Var in any way you like, while enjoying the superb panoramic views of Provence. On foot, on horseback or by mountain bike, venture along lakes, country lanes, or into small villages. Lou Calen can suggest the very best local service providers or guides to accompany you and enrich your active holiday.
Experience the magic of Provence in December!
Lou Calen has a program that is as festive as it is delicious.
