Where Provence soothes you gently, nourishes you fully, and leaves long-lasting memories.
A corner of Paradise in the Provençal Var region
In the heart of Cotignac, one of the jewels of the Var region, classified among “The Most Beautiful Villages of France”, hotel Lou Calen flourishes within 3 hectares of rich and glorious nature. This eco-resort promises a total change of scenery in the heart of still-undiscovered Provence, only an hour from the spectacular Verdon valley and the sunny beaches of the CĂ´te d’Azur. The 36 guest bedrooms are either nestled in the midst of the glorious gardens or overlooking the village square, set within the walls of the original hotel building. Each room has been crafted and decorated in harmony with their environment.
A taste of Provence in four special spots
During your stay, Lou Calen invites you to experience unforgettable moments: whether at the Jardin Secret, a restaurant honoured with a Michelin green star, and where chef Benoit Witz revisits Provençal gastronomy with finesse; or the new Bistrot restaurant with its generous cuisine, showcasing delicious flame-grilled local meats. Two more addresses entice you out of your luxurious room and into the Provençal art of living: the microbrewery La TUF, a trendy bar where local beer is brewed on site; O’Fadoli, the pastis bar that celebrated more than 80 aniseed varieties.
Create unforgettable memories
From 28 Jun. To 25 Oct.
In 2025, La Falaise Art Centre celebrates its tenth anniversary. To mark this milestone, a special exhibition is dedicated to Zad Moultaka. The artist presents Oro Lucem, a visual and sound installation created especially for the occasion.
Lieu :
Days :
Tuesday to Saturday
Hours :
10am to 12:30pm and 3:30pm to 7pm
Tarif :
4€
Free access
Saturday 25 October
Are you interested in learning about wild plants? Vera Schütz, a native of the country, takes you on a tour of Lou Calen’s gardens to discover Provençal plants and their forgotten virtues. After studying phytotherapy and herbalism, she shares all her knowledge about wild plants.
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).
Sunday 26 October
Guided by Mathieu Segret, you will painstakingly sculpt a vase, scrape by scrape, using a kiridashi, a traditional Japanese knife. You will learn different sculpting gestures and leave with your wood creation as well as with the tools needed to carve wood at home should you wish to.
Lieu :
Schedule :
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Tarif :
95€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 26 October
How about a culinary getaway to Italy? On the last Sunday of each month, our chef prepares the very best of Italian cuisine: a generous antipasti board to share, delicious made-to-order pasta, and indulgent desserts. An irresistible invitation to savour la dolce vita.
Lieu :
Schedule :
7 pm to 10 pm
Tarif :
35€/adult – 15€/child-12 years old
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Tuesday 28 October
Tuesday is market day! What could be better than a gourmet pause with a platter of oysters and a crisp glass of white wine. Settle on the terrace, taking in the village’s finest view over Cours Gambetta, and let Cotignac’s joyful spirit carry you away.
Saturday 1 November
Spiral basket-weaving craft is an ancestral technique which countryfolk have used for centuries here, in Provence, and made famous now. Julia Lebouc shares her artisanal know-how through the creation of a “secret box” basket made from wild straw.
Lieu :
Lou Calen
Schedule :
9 am to 1 pm
Tarif :
65€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
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.
Get stuck in and let Provence take over
Truffle Hunting & Tasting in Aups
Every winter, Patrick and Lisa Canut go through their oak plantation, guided by their dogs, to harvest the precious black truffle.
Yvan Franceschi and Benoit Witz Unveil the Bistrot's Autumn Menu
As the days grow shorter and the vines turn their autumnal shade of red, Lou Calen invites you to savour the new season around a table.
Family holidays in Provence Verte and the Haut-Var: what to do with children?
In Provence, the best adventures can be experienced as a family. Suspended villages, crystal-clear rivers and lakes, French castles worthy of a storybook… each day promises new delights.
Highlights of the day
It's
Awaken your senses!
As you wake, the first rays of sunshine light up the nature around you and enhance the rich smells of warm croissants coming from the kitchen. The only thing required of you is to enjoy breakfast while working out your morning programme: creative workshop, botanical walk, discovery of the most beautiful markets in Provence, game of golf or tennis...
Highlights of the day
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Feeling a bit peckish?
It’s time to eat, and get stuck into the best local produce. Head to the Bistrot restaurant, where you will be welcomed into a large glass conservatory that opens onto a beautiful leafy terrace. On the menu you’ll find Provençal recipes intertwined with world cuisine - and when weather permits, the art of flame-grilled cooking reveals the quintessence of Provençal meats, fish, and hearty vegetables.
Highlights of the day
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Explore Provence!
On foot, on horseback, or by electric bike, every route is open to discovery within our corner of Provence Verte. Through wild and sunny nature, let yourself be delighted by our picturesque villages, inspiring art installations, monuments steeped in history, as well as exceptional wine estates and olive groves. Take the opportunity to meet local merchants, artisans and artists and, immerse yourself in memorable moments where tradition and lifestyle come together with passion and know-how. There are certainly unforgettable encounters waiting for every guests.
Highlights of the day
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From aperitif to dinner
With aperitif time approaching, and your mind full of your busy, beautiful day - the time has come to sit back and saviour the end of the day. Do you want a local beer, pastis or cocktail? Let yourself be guided by your desires and our many options on offer. At La Tuf, beers brewed with the seasonal flavours of Provence will spark your taste buds, and why not extend the evening with a live concert? Otherwise, O’Fadoli will delight all pastis lovers, with its selection of more than 80 aniseed delicacies, not to mention homemade cocktails that thrill with every sip. For dinner, trust chef Benoit Witz. In the kitchens of the Jardin Secret restaurant, he crafts a new and unique menu every day that reveals the essential flavours and authenticity of Provençal gastronomy.
Highlights of the day
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Time for the king’s rest
With your appetite satisfied and your head full of happy memories of the day, you yearn for the enticing privacy of your room. At the height of comfort and carefully decorated with gentle, appeasing colours, with natural materials and Provençal fabrics – our rooms have been designed to offer you the absolute best place to rest.
