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180 EUR/night
* starting atLou Calen is a magnificent 3-hectare estate set in lush green countryside in the heart of Cotignac in the Haut-Var. Its history, intimately linked to that of the village, makes it an address not to be missed in Provence.
Its lands extend over what was, at the beginning of the 17th century, the property of the monastery of the white penitents, and still today houses some sumptuous buildings.
Huguette Caren, a native of the area, bought this manor house in 1971. Huguette had never been to a hotel management school, yet...
She transformed the old building into a magnificent hotel-restaurant, which she named Lou Calen (the oil lamp) and whose reputation spread far beyond the borders of Provence...
The hotel soon attracted a cosmopolitan clientele. Among them were many celebrities who came to record in the studio of the famous jazz pianist, Jacques Loussier, located just a few minutes from Lou Calen, at Château Miraval (now the home of Brad Pitt). Joe Dassin, Henri Salvador, Brigitte Bardot, Pink Floyd, The Cure and even Mme De Gaulle, the biggest stars all came to Huguette's table!
After 20 years of closure, a new version of Lou Calen has been on offer since 2021. Imagine a place resolutely turned towards people and nature, offering immersive experiences in Provence... Lou Calen is an eco-place where people come to recharge their batteries and reconnect with themselves, with others and with nature. It invites visitors to rest and relax, while offering them the chance to enjoy new experiences through interludes that are as enriching as they are surprising.
Christmas and New Year break at €450 for 2 people
23-25 December 2024 and 30 December 2024 - 2 January 2025
More than 20 years after its closure, the estate has been reborn as a 3-hectare eco-responsible project focused on people and nature. The suites and rooms are housed in separate buildings. Ranging in size from 16 to 90m2, almost every room has its own private terrace and a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. Bright and carefully decorated with soft colours, natural materials and Provençal fabrics, they have been designed to offer you a privileged place to rest.
CONTACT LOU CALEN
The Jardin Secret restaurant invites you to open the doors of its 200-year-old building, set amongst vineyards and olive groves in Cotignac.
Enlivened by the passion and kindness of chef Benoit Witz, the cuisine at Jardin Secret advocates naturalness and a return to basics. Generous and sincere, it draws its inspiration from local gastronomy to help you (re)discover the taste of authentic Provence. Benoit Witz, awarded the Michelin Green Star in March 2023, offers a unique menu that changes daily. Let us guide you through a unique experience that will tantalise all your senses.
La Tuf is a friendly bar and micro-brasserie in the heart of the charming village of Cotignac. Open the door and discover a unique atmosphere, with large stainless steel vats and a monumental staircase beneath a Tuff stone vault. In summer, a superb shaded terrace welcomes you with a programme of concerts and events of all kinds. As an independent microbrewer, the brewer experiments with new recipes and brews seasonal beers. Called TUF, Cotignac's beer comes in 7 or 8 classic recipes (Blonde, IPA, Triple...) with limited editions featuring quince, lemon verbena, mimosa, fig... To take away or enjoy on the premises, the beers are accompanied by platters of traditional charcuterie and cheeses.
CONTACT LA BRASSERIE
A veritable summer institution at Lou Calen, this ephemeral bar brings together lovers of fine wines and lively conversation every evening from mid-June to mid-September. Led by the truculent Didier Romieux, guests from the estate mingle with locals who have come to discover some of the region's most cutting-edge wines.
With around thirty references in total, and fifteen wines by the glass, this is a no-holds-barred approach to wine. Didier has been touring the French vineyards for over 30 years. His passion for wine and his exacting standards have enabled him to build trusting relationships with a network of virtuoso producers.
For the most discerning wine-lovers, Didier gives you access to some rare vintages at deliberately reasonable prices: Domaine des Tours by Emmanuel Reynaud, Chablis by Vincent Dauvissat, Domaine Coche-Dury...
Over a glass or more, let yourself be carried away by his sound advice and the notes that escape from the piano... An experienced music lover and pianist in his spare time, Didier invites all the amateur and experienced musicians who stay at Lou Calen to share their talent.
Lou Calen invites you to experience unique moments of sharing and unforgettable encounters.
Lou Calen has put together a merry, gourmet programme that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories as you round off the year in style.
Between 23 and 25 December, or 30 December and 2 January
2-night stay, from €450 for 2 people
This offer includes:
- breakfast
- on the evening of 24th or 31st, champagne aperitif accompanied by savoury snacks
- on the evening of 24th, 6-course dinner at the Jardin secret restaurant (drinks not included)
- on the 31st evening, 5-course dinner at the Bistrot (drinks not included)
- on the 31st evening, dance party from 11.30pm to 3am
Bar
Fireplace
Heating
Parking
Restaurant
Swimming-pool
Tennis
Contact and access
The essentials
History of the Cistercian Abbeys of Provence
The Cistercian adventure in Provence, Sénanque, Silvacane andThoronet, the three sisters of Provence.
