Events in Lou Calen
Lou Calen invites you to enjoy our unique and fun events based within the hotel’s three hectare estate in the heart of Cotignac, whether at the Jardin Secret restaurant, Didier’s wine bar, or the microbrewery bar, La Tuf. Engage with the many aspects of true Provencal living through these fun experiences, all the while meeting local people and discovering local practices.
Upcoming workshops & events
From March 23rd to May 25th
S. Lovighi-Bourgogne Exhibition
La Falaise art centre presents an expansive look over the immense work of Stéphane Lovighi-Bourgogne, a painter and creator concerned with the human condition, with the concept of ‘hope’ while also drawing his inspiration from the major trends in modern art.
Location : La Falaise art centre
Days : Tuesday to Saturday
Times : 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost : 4€ (excluding special rates)
Saturday April 27th
Gong & Sounds Session
Come and try the “Gong Bath” a soothing sound therapy straight from Nepal, led by Daniela, a Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga instructor. You will discover the benefits of sound vibrations through gongs, Tibetan bowls and voice, to prove a wonderful musical experience.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 11 am to 12 pm
Cost : 35€
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday May 1st
Clay Modelling Workshop
Sandra Dugenet models, sculpts and engraves using earth, stone or wood. While she allows herself to be guided by the material, she inspired by human beings and their philosophy. During this workshop, you will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9 am to 1 pm
Cost : 75€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday May 4th
Drawing & Painting Workshop
Provence is an inexhaustible source of creativity, where Gilles Dugenet invites you to dive in and find your inspiration. Using simple drawing and painting techniques, the artist will encourage you to create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook, that can be cherished long.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday May 5th
Botanical Walk
Are you interested in learning about wild plants? Vera, local to the region, gives a tour of the Lou Calen gardens. Guided by her studies in phytotherapy and herboristry, Vera shares her passion for every wild plant. Join her to discover these celebrated Provençal plants and their forgotten virtues.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 25€
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday May 11th
Ceramics Workshop
Potter and ceramics artist in Cotignac, Inès Ciccone practices throwing pottery with the aim of giving life to stoneware pieces, always drawing her inspiration from natural plants and minerals. During a 3 1/2 hour workshop, Inès will share three modelling techniques to make a cup, a plate or a bowl.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 85€ (materials and apron provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday May 19th
Drawing & Collage Workshop
With her rich experience in the field of art, Sophie Anais Sanderson guides her students to develop their artistic flair through the craft of drawing. During her three hours workshop, she will teach the basics of drawing as well as a study into how to create volume by using different forms of collage.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday, May 22nd
Clay Modelling Workshop
Sandra Dugenet models, sculpts and engraves using earth, stone or wood. While she allows herself to be guided by the material, she inspired by human beings and their philosophy. During this workshop, you will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9 am to 1 pm
Cost : 75€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday June 1st
Drawing & Painting Workshop
Provence is an inexhaustible source of creativity, where Gilles Dugenet invites you to dive in and find your inspiration. Using simple drawing and painting techniques, the artist will encourage you to create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook, that can be cherished long.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday June 2nd
Botanical Walk
Are you interested in learning about wild plants? Vera, local to the region, gives a tour of the Lou Calen gardens. Guided by her studies in phytotherapy and herboristry, Vera shares her passion for every wild plant. Join her to discover these celebrated Provençal plants and their forgotten virtues.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 25€
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday June 8th
Ceramics Workshop
Potter and ceramics artist in Cotignac, Inès Ciccone practices throwing pottery with the aim of giving life to stoneware pieces, always drawing her inspiration from natural plants and minerals. During a 3 1/2 hour workshop, Inès will share three modelling techniques to make a cup, a plate or a bowl.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 85€ (materials and apron provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday June 12th
Plant Painting Workshop
Did you know that you can make ink from vegetables and their tinctorial plants? Anna Piquardt is here to show you how. Come and learn how to transform well-known plants into watercolour paints, and then decorate your very own postcard with them. A wonderfully creative and personalised gift for a loved one!
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 3 pm to 5 pm
Cost : 40€ (materials provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday June 19th
Clay Modelling Workshop
Sandra Dugenet models, sculpts and engraves using earth, stone or wood. While she allows herself to be guided by the material, she inspired by human beings and their philosophy. During this workshop, you will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9 am to 1 pm
Cost : 75€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday June 23rd
Drawing & Collage Workshop
With her rich experience in the field of art, Sophie Anais Sanderson guides her students to develop their artistic flair through the craft of drawing. During her three hours workshop, she will teach the basics of drawing as well as a study into how to create volume by using different forms of collage.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday June 29th
New Bistrot and Pastis Bar
These two new, long-awaited addresses are finally ready to open their doors. The Bistrot and the Pastis Bar are sure to become top meeting places where locals and tourists can mingle and the those from all four corners of the world can enjoy the pleasures of the Provençal art of living.
Location : Lou Calen
The Bistrot : 6 days a week
The Pastis Bar :7 days a week
Reservation : Available soon
Sunday June 30th
Lavender Spindle Workshop
Come and learn about the Provençal tradition of lavender spindle-crafting. Get stuck in to this charming craft that encloses the pretty lavender flowers inside their stems to preserve their wonderful scent. Discover how to gather them, how to sort them, and how to weave it all together with a beautiful ribbon.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 40€ (materials provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday July 6th
Drawing & Painting Workshop
Provence is an inexhaustible source of creativity, where Gilles Dugenet invites you to dive in and find your inspiration. Using simple drawing and painting techniques, the artist will encourage you to create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook, that can be cherished long.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday July 7th
Botanical Walk
Are you interested in learning about wild plants? Vera, local to the region, gives a tour of the Lou Calen gardens. Guided by her studies in phytotherapy and herboristry, Vera shares her passion for every wild plant. Join her to discover these celebrated Provençal plants and their forgotten virtues.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Cost : 25€
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday July 10th
Plant Painting Workshop
Did you know that you can make ink from vegetables and their tinctorial plants? Anna Piquardt is here to show you how. Come and learn how to transform well-known plants into watercolour paints, and then decorate your very own postcard with them. A wonderfully creative and personalised gift for a loved one!
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 40€ (materials provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Friday July 12th
Drawing & Collage Workshop
With her rich experience in the field of art, Sophie Anais Sanderson guides her students to develop their artistic flair through the craft of drawing. During her three hours workshop, she will teach the basics of drawing as well as a study into how to create volume by using different forms of collage.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday July 13th
Ceramics Workshop
Potter and ceramics artist in Cotignac, Inès Ciccone practices throwing pottery with the aim of giving life to stoneware pieces, always drawing her inspiration from natural plants and minerals. During a 3 1/2 hour workshop, Inès will share three modelling techniques to make a cup, a plate or a bowl.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 85€ (materials and apron provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday July 20th
Lavender Spindle Workshop
Come and learn about the Provençal tradition of lavender spindle-crafting. Get stuck in to this charming craft that encloses the pretty lavender flowers inside their stems to preserve their wonderful scent. Discover how to gather them, how to sort them, and how to weave it all together with a beautiful ribbon.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 40€ (materials provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday July 24th
Clay Modelling Workshop
Sandra Dugenet models, sculpts and engraves using earth, stone or wood. While she allows herself to be guided by the material, she inspired by human beings and their philosophy. During this workshop, you will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9 am to 1 pm
Cost : 75€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday July 31st
Plant Painting Workshop
Did you know that you can make ink from vegetables and their tinctorial plants? Anna Piquardt is here to show you how. Come and learn how to transform well-known plants into watercolour paints, and then decorate your very own postcard with them. A wonderfully creative and personalised gift for a loved one!
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 40€ (materials provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday August 3rd
Drawing & Painting Workshop
Provence is an inexhaustible source of creativity, where Gilles Dugenet invites you to dive in and find your inspiration. Using simple drawing and painting techniques, the artist will encourage you to create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook, that can be cherished long.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday August 10th
Ceramics Workshop
Potter and ceramics artist in Cotignac, Inès Ciccone practices throwing pottery with the aim of giving life to stoneware pieces, always drawing her inspiration from natural plants and minerals. During a 3 1/2 hour workshop, Inès will share three modelling techniques to make a cup, a plate or a bowl.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 85€ (materials and apron provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday August 18th
Drawing & Collage Workshop
With her rich experience in the field of art, Sophie Anais Sanderson guides her students to develop their artistic flair through the craft of drawing. During her three hours workshop, she will teach the basics of drawing as well as a study into how to create volume by using different forms of collage.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday, August 21st
Clay Modelling Workshop
Sandra Dugenet models, sculpts and engraves using earth, stone or wood. While she allows herself to be guided by the material, she inspired by human beings and their philosophy. During this workshop, you will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9 am to 1 pm
Cost : 75€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday August 24th
Lavender Spindle Workshop
Come and learn about the Provençal tradition of lavender spindle-crafting. Get stuck in to this charming craft that encloses the pretty lavender flowers inside their stems to preserve their wonderful scent. Discover how to gather them, how to sort them, and how to weave it all together with a beautiful ribbon.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 40€ (materials provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday August 31st
Drawing & Painting Workshop
Provence is an inexhaustible source of creativity, where Gilles Dugenet invites you to dive in and find your inspiration. Using simple drawing and painting techniques, the artist will encourage you to create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook, that can be cherished long.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
September 6th to 8th
Classic en Provence
The Fanny Mendelssohn Artists have prepared an innovative programme to fit the unique atmosphere of the hotel surrounded by nature and steeped in history. Be it during a musical breakfast at the Jardin Secret or a concert in the conservatrory, the five young musicians will enchant you with their talent.
Location : Lou Calen
Times : Available soon
Cost : Available soon
Reservation : Available soon
Saturday Sept. 28th
Soap Box Race
Hear ye, hear ye! There’s a huge dollop of fun on the way with the return of the soap box race. The race will barrel down the Notre-Dame de Grâces road across two timed runs, and the finish line will offer a refreshment bar with DJ and a prize giving ceremony at Le Tailleur de bière. Let your imagination run free!
Location : Lou Calen
Times : Available soon
Cost : Available soon
Reservation : Available soon
Past workshops & events
Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat
In India, every spring season is welcomed with “Holi”- the festival of colour. It celebrates the expansion of light, the end of winter. This 4-day and 3-night retreat, combining yoga practice, meditation and Ayurvedic treatments, is an opportunity to revitalise yourself in the heart of the Var region.
Location : Lou Calen
Eastertide Buffet
The weather’s not cooperating on this Sunday, March 31. Initially scheduled to take place in an olive grove not far from Notre-Dame de Grâces, the country-style Easter buffet will be held in the cosy bastide of the Jardin Secret restaurant, where fireplaces crackle and hushed music lulls the meal to sleep.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Cooking Wild Plants
Wild plants are a key cooking ingredient for our chef Benoit Witz, who opens his kitchen to teach you how to work them in a creative culinary way. Vera, our favourite herbalist, guide you to pick these plants in Lou Calen’s gardens from 2pm to 4pm, before joining the chef for a cooking class.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
The Secret Song of Plants
Did you know that all the plants emit vibrations to communicate? And did you know that this electrical activity can be converted into musical notes? Botanical music therapist, Sabrine SC&YOU can guide you towards a meditative state and fully experience this sensory opportunity.
Location : Lou Calen
Cooking Lobster
Lou Calen now offers a cooking class with our fantastic chef! Benoit Witz invites you into his Jardin Secret restaurant kitchen to learn how to cook lobster. You will leave full of culinary ideas, as well as a hands-on three-course menu for two people… and more precious cooking advice.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Oursinade
‘Oursinade’ is one of the most important culinary traditions of Provence. At the start of each year, sea urchins cluster around the Côte Bleue, the Rivera sea coast which stretches from Marseille to Martigues. Benoit Witz is joining the celebration by shining their culinary spotlight on the sea urchin for a buffet.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Valentine's Day
Chef Witz and his team bring their passion for local culinary delights by crafting refined and spectacular dishes that will seduce with every bite. Our menu offers langoustine, John Dory whitefish, and tender veal to celebrate the most romantic evening of the year, where love is in the air as well as on the plate.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Louisiana Style
Benoit Witz welcomes guest chef Patrick Périé for a themed evening with a four course menu. With 40 years’ experience across the world, ten of which were spent at the Méridien in New Orléans, this celebrated French chef is back in his homeland and ready to serve a delicious loiusiana cook.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
The Truffle Harvest
For over 25 years, 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 fascinating art of truffle hunting, before treating yourself to tasting your finds!
Location : Aups
An Evening of Truffles
This winter, our chef Benoit Witz is dedicating several evening menus to the black truffle. They are found locally in Aups, the region’s capital of the ‘tuber melanosporum’, and are known for being particularly tasty. Come and enjoy the dishes specially crafted in celebration of this precious ‘black diamond’.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Cooking Truffle
This masterclass will take place after a truffle hunting demonstration with specially-trained truffle dogs. Meet at 2pm at the Canut family’s farm in Aups (20 minutes from Cotignac), before meeting chef Benoit Witz at 4pm in the kitchen of the Jardin Secret to learn how to cook with black truffles.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Festive Feasts
In its 19th century house decorated with the magic of Christmas, the Jardin Secret restaurant opens its doors for the end of year festivities. Chef Benoit Witz and his team have crafted special menus with seasonal ingredients and dishes enhanced by the delights of the Provencal region.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Auvergne Cheese Day
Calling all cheeselovers! This day is designed for all who celebrate good French cheese. Our chef Benoit Witz hosts Dominique Prugne – two-time world champion at the Tours International Cheese Festival – for a menu dedicated to fine Auvergne cheeses and the secrets behind the art of their cheesemaking.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
The Fascinant Week-end
The Jardin Secret restaurant celebrates the 10th edition of the Fascinant Weekend. Every 3rd weekend in October, the vineyards of France come alive for this food and wine celebration festival. There will be a decade of delights to be shared in a menu specially designed for the occasion.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Dinner with Huguette Caren
Benoit Witz welcomes Huguette Caren, the previous owner of Lou Calen and valued guardian of special Provençal recipes. Huguette’s spectacular cooking contributed to the hotel’s famous reputation in the 70s, 80s and 90s. To keep this iconic legacy alive, Huguette has passed on all her secrets to our chef.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Patrick Périé's come back
Exceptional opening of the Jardin Secret restaurant where we will welcome the chef Patrick Périé. With 40 years’ experience across the world, ten of which were spent at the Méridien in New Orléans, this celebrated French chef is back in his homeland and ready to serve a spectacular meal full of delicious discoveries.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Lebanese Cuisine
Venture on a culinary journey into the heart of the Middle East. Chef Benoit Witz invites Mirna Cortas into his kitchen to explore the many rich and varied flavours of Lebanon. Mirna, of Greek-Lebanese origin, looks forward to celebrating her inherited know-how of traditional cuisine from Zahlé, her hometown in the Lebanon mountains.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Japanese Cuisine
Susana Iwase was born in Tokyo, the sushi capital, and brings her experience of traditional Japanese cooking blended with her years of working in Californian restaurants. She will collaborate with Benoit Witz to bring an evening of Japanese cuisine.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Gathering Saffron
Nestled in the midst of the restanques a unique spice grows naturally. In our region, flowering begins in October and lasts for a month while the harvest reaps rich rewards. Sabine and Jean will guide you and explore more herbs to ensure you fully understand the culture and nature of organic saffron growing.
Location : Le Safran du Cabanon
