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.
At the moment...
June 25 › October 21
Genesis of a Collection
Thanks to acquisitions and donations which amout to no less than 81 works by some thirty artists and their paintings, photographs, drawings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, even haute couture – the centre has a rich ‘Fonds de Dotation’ collection which is presented to the public this summer.
Lieu : Centre d’art La Falaise
Horaires : 10h-12h30 and 14h30-18h
Tarif : 4€/person
Open access
Saturday, September 23
Drawing and 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 2h30 workshop, Sophie 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
Time : 9:30am to 12:30pm
Cost : 65€/person (materials supplied)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Tuesday, September 26
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
Time : 7pm to 9pm
Cost : 58€ (3 courses, excluding drinks)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday, September 30
Ceramics Workshop
A local potter based in Barjols, Cécile Etève makes homeware and decorative objects in stone. Come and discover how to make a pair of bowls, cups or mugs using various techniques (rolled, pinched, flat), and then turn your hand to decorating your work (with sgraffito, engraving, mishima, and more…)
Location : Lou Calen
Time : 9am to 1pm
Cost : 115€/person (materials supplied)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday, September 30
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 : Cotignac
Time : 9am to 5:30pm
Cost : 10€ registration, 10€ license
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday, October 7
Gong & Sounds Session
Come and try an exclusive “Gong Bath” a soothing sound therapy straight from Nepal, led by Daniela, a Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga instructor. During this session you will discover the many benefits of sound vibrations through gongs, Tibetan bowls and voice, to prove a wonderful musical experience.
Location : Lou Calen
Time : 6pm to 7pm
Cost : 35€/person
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday, October 14
Botanical Walk
Are you interested in learning about wild plants? Vera, local to the region since birth, 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
Time : 10am to 12pm
Cost : 25€/person
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Friday, October 20
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
Time : 7pm to 9pm
Cost : 74€ (4 courses, excluding drinks)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Wednesday, November 1
Gong & Sounds Session
Come and try an exclusive “Gong Bath” a soothing sound therapy straight from Nepal, led by Daniela, a Vinyasa and Kundalini Yoga instructor. During this session you will discover the many benefits of sound vibrations through gongs, Tibetan bowls and voice, to prove a wonderful musical experience.
Location : Lou Calen
Time : 6pm to 7pm
Cost : 35€/person
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
November 2 to 5
Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat
Autumn is the best part of the year to recharge, refresh, and restart taking care of you. This four-day three-night retreat invites you via yoga, meditation, breathing work, Ayurvedic treatments, a healthy and balanced diet, and walks in nature to find inner balance while strengthening your immune system.
Lieu : Lou Calen
Time : 4 days and 3 nights
Cost : from 1035€/pers. full board
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Previous events
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
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
Ceramics Workshop
A local potter based in Barjols, Cécile Etève makes homeware and decorative objects in stone. Come and discover how to make a pair of bowls, cups or mugs using various techniques (rolled, pinched, flat), and then turn your hand to decorating your work (with sgraffito, engraving, mishima, and more…)
Location : Lou Calen
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 after the workshop.
Location : Lou Calen
Ceramics Workshop
A local potter based in Barjols, Cécile Etève makes homeware and decorative objects in stone. Come and learn how to make a cup and a traditional aperitif board using various techniques (rolled, pinched, flat), and then enjoy decorating your work (with sgraffito, engraving, mishima, and more…)
Location : Lou Calen
Essential Oils Workshop
Do you know about the power of aromatherapy? Mélanie Debant, grower of aromatic plants, is here to teach you how to self-heal your minor ailments or those of your loved ones with the use of 10 essential oils, and to guide you towards the craft of a 10ml roll-on essential oil bottle.
Location : Lou Calen
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
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
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
Open House Day
Lou Calen opens its doors to you! Our team is happy to welcome you once again to make you discover the establishment and to share together a convivial moment during which we will be able to exchange around the various projects related to the domain.
Location : Lou Calen
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 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!
Location : Aups
The Olive Harvest
For a total immersion in the Provencal tradition, Lou Calen’s gardeners invite you to participate in the olive harvest each morning at the estate. Matured olives may be used in cooking but can also be transformed into so-called “fruity black oil|. Discover the secrets behind this emblematic culture of Provence.
Location : Lou Calen
Cooking Root Vegetables
Lou Calen now offers a cooking class with our fantastic chef! Benoit Witz now invites you into his Jardin Secret restaurant kitchen to learn how to cook these hearty root vegetables. You will leave full of culinary ideas, as well as a hands-on three-course menu for two people… and more precious cooking advice than you could hope for!
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Cooking Truffle
Cooking in the hearty company of a great chef is now on offer at Lou Calen! Take an afternoon off and at 3pm venture out truffle hunting in Aups on a dig and demonstration, before returning to Lou Calen to meet chef Benoit Witz in the kitchens of the Jardin Secret restaurant to learn how to make the very best of your delicious black truffles.
Location : Aups, Cotignac
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
World food : menu Louisiana
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 spectacular meal full of delicious discoveries.
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
Wine & Dine Evening
Get stuck in to the 9th edition of the “Fascinating Week-End” at the Jardin Secret! Our chef Benoit Witz has created an inspired and generous menu made from local and seasonal products, accompanied by the best selection of Provençal wines.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
Sunday Brunch
Our chef Benoit Witz and his team welcome you to a sumptuous brunch inspired by the rich tastes of autumn. Be tempted by our delicious dishes crafted from local produce, offering both sweet and savoury. Our idyllic setting is the ideal place to relax with friends or family on an easy autumnal Sunday.
Location : Jardin Secret restaurant
