Creating memories
In Lou Calen’s kitchens, the flavours of Provence are celebrated with passion. At Jardin Secret restaurant, chef Benoît Witz’s instinctive cooking showcases the bounty of the kitchen garden and fresh market produce. At Le Bistrot by Lou Calen, chef Yvan Franceschi celebrates the generosity of Provençal cooking, drawing inspiration from around the world. The estate’s bars also champion local produce, offering a selection of tempting light bites to enjoy with beers, pastis, cocktails or spirits. At Lou Calen, gastronomy is an art, and every meal a celebration.
Upcoming workshops & events
From 1 Jan. To 31 Dec.
The smell of warm croissants, the sizzle of flame-grilled meats, the crack of a sea bream’s salt crust… Every Sunday, Le Bistrot’s flavoursome cooking takes on the feel of a feast, with a generous buffet bringing together local produce and fresh culinary inspiration.
Location:
Day :
Sunday
Hours :
11 am à 3 pm
Price:
From 56€
Booking:
Recommended
From 10 Nov. To 30 Mar.
Tuesday is market day! What could be better than a gourmet break featuring an oyster platter and a glass of white wine? Take a seat inside the bar or on one of the terraces overlooking Cours Gambetta, and let yourself soak up the joyful vibe of Cotignac.
From 10 Nov. To 30 Mar.
Every Tuesday at O’Fadoli, the record player is yours to enjoy. From aperitif to digestif, choose from our small collection or bring your own records to share with other vinyl fans, over a cocktail or an exceptional spirit. Happy Hour from 5pm to 6pm: enjoy your second classic cocktail at half price.
From 12 Nov. To 16 Dec.
O’Fadoli, every Thursday, the aperitif is savored to the sound of the piano. Until 9 pm, a pianist accompanies the end of the day, to relax over a house cocktail, a pastis, or a spirit from a local distillery. You can snack on-site or extend the evening at Le Bistrot restaurant.
Friday 13 November
Night has fallen over Cotignac. From Cours Gambetta, Lou Calen’s Verrière glows in the candlelight. The piano awaits the talented José Roland Koffi for a recital devoted to film music. A magical evening is about to unfold, bringing together art and gastronomy.
Location:
Schedule :
Concert at 7pm, followed by dinner
Price:
75€ (concert + 3-course menu, excluding drinks)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 14 November
Medicinal plant, artists’ muse or notorious spirit? Vera, our herbalist, dedicates this new workshop to the fascinating world of absinthe. Discover its uses through the centuries and the secrets of its production before tasting two elixirs and exploring their full aromatic richness.
Thursday 19 November
Let’s come together to celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau! Each year, this young wine introduces the flavours of a new harvest with freshness and lightness. To accompany it, the chef presents a delicious menu that pays tribute to French cuisine and specialities from Lyon.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
45€ (3 courses, 2 glasses of Beaujolais)
Booking:
Recommended
Sunday 22 November
Tempted by a culinary escape to Italy? On the third Sunday of every month, the chef prepares a selection of antipasti for you to share, as much pasta as you like served with a choice of different sauces, and a generous buffet of traditional desserts. An irresistible invitation to savour la dolce vita.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
35€/adult ; 15€/child (<12 years)
Booking:
Recommended
Thursday 26 November
A historic US celebration, Thanksgiving brings families together around a hearty meal honouring the harvest, mutual support and sharing. At lunch and dinner, the chef invites you to enjoy a traditional menu, with fireplace-roasted turkey, and to start the festive season together.
Location:
Schedule :
12pm to 2pm and 7pm to 9.30pm
Price:
42€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Recommended
Tuesday 1 December
Lou Calen launches the festive season in Cotignac! The hotel lights up on Tuesday 1 December as night falls. Neighbours, friends and visitors alike, come and join us at O’Fadoli, at the foot of the hotel on cours Gambetta, to raise a glass together over an aperitif on the house.
From 1 Dec. To 28 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
Days :
Saturday to Tuesday
Hours :
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Price:
40€/adult, 25€/child, free/under 12s
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 6 December
A Sunday to get moving and enjoy good food: once a month, former Olympic athlete Fabé Dia guides you through a Pilates session designed to strengthen your body and ease tension. Then it’s time for Le Bistrot’s generous buffet, to savour at your own pace.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 12 pm
Price:
Pilates only : 25€ ; Pilates + Brunch : 76€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 6 December
Nothing beats a good roast beef for a comforting meal. On the first Sunday of every month, Le Bistrot goes British. After a classic starter comes the roast beef itself, served with a rich gravy and seasonal vegetables. Save room for the buffet of traditional desserts.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
35€/adult; 15€/child (<12 years)
Booking:
Recommended
Sunday 20 December
Tempted by a culinary escape to Italy? On the third Sunday of every month, the chef prepares a selection of antipasti for you to share, as much pasta as you like served with a choice of different sauces, and a generous buffet of traditional desserts. An irresistible invitation to savour la dolce vita.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
35€/adult ; 15€/child (<12 years)
Booking:
Recommended
Thursday 24 December
Le Bistrot puts on its festive finery for a cosy Christmas Eve dinner, in the spirit of a family feast. Chef Yvan Franceschi prepares a generous, indulgent menu: from the sea, Mediterranean sea bass and lobster Wellington; from the land, roast venison with earthy woodland flavours.
Location:
Schedule :
From 7 pm
Price:
95€ (4-course menu, 1 excluding drinks)
Booking:
Recommended
Friday 25 December
Santa Claus has been, and now it’s time to indulge. At Le Bistrot, family and friends gather to share this special moment. Chef Yvan Franceschi puts scallops, sole and capon at the heart of a generous menu, ending with the refreshing flavours of citrus from Provence.
Location:
Schedule :
12 pm to 2 pm
Price:
100€ (4-course menu, 1 excluding drinks)
Booking:
Recommended
Friday 25 December
On the evening of the 25th, Christmas continues at Le Bistrot with a feast of a buffet. Christmas jumpers are out in force: a complimentary glass of sparkling rosé awaits anyone wearing one! An evening full of joy and colour, like one last gift tucked under the tree.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
50€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Recommended
Thursday 31 December
Champagne sparkles in the Glass Room to open the final evening of the year, before dinner at Le Bistrot with an exceptional menu created by Benoît Witz and Yvan Franceschi. The party then moves to the dance floor, where the DJ keeps us dancing until 3 am as we ring in 2027.
Location:
Schedule :
From 7 pm
Price:
160€ (aperitif, dinner and dancing)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Friday 1 January
On 1 January, we gather at Le Bistrot for the very first brunch of the year. Sweet and savoury buffets bring together exceptional produce and festive dishes created by chefs Benoît Witz and Yvan Franceschi. The magic of New Year’s Eve continues around the table, in good company.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 3 pm
Price:
70€ (including hot drinks and fruit juices)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Friday 1 January
On the first evening of the year, we raise a glass at Le Bistrot, Italian style! Antipasti to nibble on, al dente pasta, traditional dishes and the chef’s creations make up a buffet that tempts you to try it all. Good food and good company keep the festivities going. Buon anno a tutti!
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
50€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Recommended
Sunday 10 January
A Sunday to get moving and enjoy good food: once a month, former Olympic athlete Fabé Dia guides you through a Pilates session designed to strengthen your body and ease tension. Then it’s time for Le Bistrot’s generous buffet, to savour at your own pace.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 12 pm
Price:
Pilates only : 25€ ; Pilates + Brunch : 76€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 10 January
Nothing beats a good roast beef for a comforting meal. On the first Sunday of every month, Le Bistrot goes British. After a classic starter comes the roast beef itself, served with a rich gravy and seasonal vegetables. Save room for the buffet of traditional desserts.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
35€/adult; 15€/child (<12 years)
Booking:
Recommended
Saturday 30 January
Medicinal plant, artists’ muse or notorious spirit? Vera, our herbalist, dedicates this new workshop to the fascinating world of absinthe. Discover its uses through the centuries and the secrets of its production before tasting two elixirs and exploring their full aromatic richness.
Sunday 7 February
A Sunday to get moving and enjoy good food: once a month, former Olympic athlete Fabé Dia guides you through a Pilates session designed to strengthen your body and ease tension. Then it’s time for Le Bistrot’s generous buffet, to savour at your own pace.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 12 pm
Price:
Pilates only : 25€ ; Pilates + Brunch : 76€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 14 February
By candlelight, Le Bistrot invites you to celebrate your love with a refined menu at a table scattered with rose petals. An evening to say “I love you”, savour the joy of being together and fall in love… all over again. What if this dinner became an unforgettable stay?
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 9:30 pm
Price:
75€ (1 glass of champagne included)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 27 February
Medicinal plant, artists’ muse or notorious spirit? Vera, our herbalist, dedicates this new workshop to the fascinating world of absinthe. Discover its uses through the centuries and the secrets of its production before tasting two elixirs and exploring their full aromatic richness.
Sunday 7 March
A Sunday to get moving and enjoy good food: once a month, former Olympic athlete Fabé Dia guides you through a Pilates session designed to strengthen your body and ease tension. Then it’s time for Le Bistrot’s generous buffet, to savour at your own pace.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 12 pm
Price:
Pilates only : 25€ ; Pilates + Brunch : 76€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 4 April
A Sunday to get moving and enjoy good food: once a month, former Olympic athlete Fabé Dia guides you through a Pilates session designed to strengthen your body and ease tension. Then it’s time for Le Bistrot’s generous buffet, to savour at your own pace.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 12 pm
Price:
Pilates only : 25€ ; Pilates + Brunch : 76€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Past workshops & events
Sunday 1 November
A Sunday to get moving and enjoy good food: once a month, former Olympic athlete Fabé Dia guides you through a Pilates session designed to strengthen your body and ease tension. Then it’s time for Le Bistrot’s generous buffet, to savour at your own pace.
Location:
Schedule :
11 am to 12 pm
Price:
Pilates only : 25€ ; Pilates + Brunch : 76€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 25 October
Lou Calen joins in the Cotignac Quince Festival! The village’s signature fruit features on Le Bistrot’s brunch buffet and in a new cocktail at O’Fadoli. Market, competitions, parade, concert… An autumn Sunday just as we like it, with good food and good cheer.
Location:
O'Fadoli :
11 am - 10 pm
Bistrot :
11 am - 3 pm
Price:
Brunch from 56€
Booking:
Recommended at Le Bistrot
Saturday 17 October
To mark the Vignobles en Scène festival, wine takes a playful turn in cocktails. Alongside Thomas, our mixologist, follow the Spritz through time, lifted by Prosecco bubbles, then create Negroni variations by playing with the aromas of vermouth. A different way to appreciate wine’s nuances.
Friday 16 October
To mark the Vignobles en Scène festival, Jardin Secret welcomes Clos de Caille, a family-run, certified organic estate in Entrecasteaux. Benoît Witz has created a four-course menu centred on autumn produce, paired with three wines introduced at the table by Guillaume Galliano.
Location:
Schedule :
From 7 pm
Price:
105€ (wine pairings included)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Friday 16 October
To mark the Vignobles en Scène festival, wine takes a playful turn in cocktails. Alongside Thomas, our mixologist, follow the Spritz through time, lifted by Prosecco bubbles, then create Negroni variations by playing with the aromas of vermouth. A different way to appreciate wine’s nuances.
Monday 21 September
Who will be named Cotignac’s best mixologist? For the inaugural Cotignac Cocktail Challenge, Lou Calen is challenging professional bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike to reinvent pastis or absinthe. To enter, send us your recipe by 19 September.
Saturday 19 September
For their second four-hands dinner, Benoît Witz and Théo Sanchez continue to explore the many facets of plant life. Leaves, flowers, seeds, branches and fruits picked at different stages of ripeness become the ingredients of a cuisine where fermentation reveals unexpected new flavours.
Location:
Schedule :
Please arrive at 7:30 pm
Price:
120€ (5-course) – Wine pairing: 30€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Wednesday 9 September
Step behind the bar with Thomas, our mixologist, and explore two cocktails with plenty of character: James Bond’s iconic Dry Martini in several guises, and a Moscow Mule made with ginger beer prepared in-house. Shaker in hand, it’s your turn to mix… and taste!
From 4 Sep. To 5 Sep.
Monty Python legend Eric Idle is coming to Cotignac for a very special weekend. Open-air film screenings, a signing of his book Idle in Provence, an aperitif and dinner at Le Bistrot will mark this unique opportunity to meet the British comedian, who has been in love with the Var for more than fifty years.
Location:
Friday :
From 8.30 pm
Saturday :
From 3 pm
Price:
Friday : 12€ / Saturday : 68€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Monday 17 August
Step behind the bar with Thomas, our mixologist, and learn to create two cocktails with plenty of character: a Chameleon Mojito that changes colour before your eyes and a perfectly balanced, tangy Cosmopolitan. Shaker in hand, it’s your turn to mix… and taste!
Thursday 13 August
For this four-hands dinner, Benoît Witz and Théo Sanchez make the tree the centrepiece of an original menu. Medlar, quince, mulberry, fig and apricot trees inspire a five-course culinary journey where wood, leaves, blossoms, fruit and young shoots reveal unexpected flavours.
Location:
Schedule :
Please arrive at 7:30 pm
Price:
120€ (5-course) – Wine pairing: 30€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Wednesday 12 August
This summer, as dusk settles over Lou Calen, the big screen comes to life. After dinner at Le Bistrot, the evening continues with a screening of *The Grand Budapest Hotel*, a whimsical comedy to watch, rewatch and share. An open-air cinema night where time happily slips away.
Location:
Schedule :
Dinner from 7:00 pm – Film at 9:30 pm
Price:
55€ (3-course menu + cinema)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Thursday 6 August
A few acoustic guitar chords set the tone for the evening as Provence wines accompany the aperitif. At sunset, Patrick Périe and Benoît Witz host a convivial dinner among the vineyard rows, celebrating the generous spirit of traditional Provençal feasting.
Location:
Schedule :
From 8 pm
Price:
150€ (Provence wines included)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Wednesday 29 July
This summer, as dusk settles over Lou Calen, the big screen comes to life. After dinner at Le Bistrot, the evening continues with a screening of *A Good Year*, a sun-drenched comedy to watch, rewatch and share. An open-air cinema night where time happily slips away.
Location:
Schedule :
Dinner from 7:00 pm – Film at 9:30 pm
Price:
55€ (3-course menu + cinema)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Wednesday 8 July
This summer, as dusk settles over Lou Calen, the big screen comes to life. After dinner at Le Bistrot, the evening continues with a screening of Life Is Beautiful, a moving film to watch, rewatch and share. An open-air cinema night where time happily slips away.
Location:
Schedule :
Dinner from 7:00 pm – Film at 9:30 pm
Price:
55€ (3-course menu + cinema)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
