Things To Do
Tuesday Morning Market
Tuesday Morning Market (Weekly Must-Do!) Location: Cours Gambetta, Cotignac (10-minute walk) Time: Tuesdays, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM Explore one of Provence’s most vibrant village markets: local olive oils, honey, lavender products, wine, cheese, linens, and more.
Cassole River & Waterfalls (Hidden Nature Spot)
Location: Just below the village cliffs – follow signs from Rue de l’Araignée Travel Time: ~10–15 min walk from Lou Calen Swim or picnic by this turquoise spring-fed river with mini waterfalls tucked behind the village.
Wine Tasting near Cotignac
Short visit or strolling guests: • Mirabeau’s Boutique (📍5 Cours Gambetta, Cotignac – 10 min walk) for elegant rosé tastings from one of Provence’s most eco-forward producers. • Les Vignerons de Cotignac, the village’s local wine cooperative just off the main square (5 min walk), offering a great selection of affordable local wines. Full wine tour experiences: • Château Carpe Diem – Organic & biodynamic vineyard known for traditional methods, lunar harvesting, and on-site beehives. 📍Route de Barjols, 83570 Cotignac 🕒 Travel Time: ~10 min drive • Château Nestuby – Family-owned estate focused on rosé, named after a natural spring. Tastings available in a lovely countryside setting. 📍Route de Montfort, 83570 Cotignac 🕒 Travel Time: ~10–15 min drive • Château La Calisse – High-altitude organic vineyard known for crisp rosés and white wines. 📍Pontevès 🕒 Travel Time: ~15–20 min drive
Olive Oil Tasting
• Domaine Clos d'Alari 📍4017 Rte de Saint-Antonin, 83510 Saint-Antonin-du-Var 🕒 Travel Time: ~20 min drive Family-run vineyard and olive grove offering wine and olive oil tastings • Lou Calen Estate Olive Oil 📍Onsite at Hotel Lou Calen Award-winning oils produced from groves across Cotignac—available for tasting at the hotel • Les Flaveurs du Rocher 📍In the village of Cotignac (walkable) Organic olive oil producers with small-scale tastings available by appointment • Château de Taurenne 📍Aups 🕒 Travel Time: ~40 min drive One of the region’s top olive oil estates; open for tours and tastings
Explore the Troglodyte Cliff Dwellings
Location: Behind the Cotignac village center Travel Time: ~10 min walk from Lou Calen Hike up to explore centuries-old cave dwellings built directly into the towering rock cliffs above the village.
Gorges du Verdon + Lac de Sainte-Croix (For a Day Trip)
Location: Pont du Galetas, 83630 Aiguines Travel Time: ~50–60 min drive Rent kayaks or pedal boats in Europe’s “Grand Canyon” and swim in the crystal-blue lake.
Notre-Dame de Grâces Sanctuary (Scenic Pilgrimage Site)
Notre-Dame de Grâces Sanctuary (Scenic Pilgrimage Site) Location: Chemin Notre Dame, 83570 Cotignac Travel Time: ~5 min drive / 15 min walk uphill Built in 1519, this hilltop chapel offers spiritual history and panoramic countryside views.