Lou Calen & Cotignac,
two histories intimately linked
Labelled a prominent “Plus beau village de France” within the Var, Cotignac sits at an altitude of 230m and shelters under the impressive looming limestone cliff. Originally an old waterfall from the Cassole river which is now diverted elsewhere, evidence of the old still lingers today. In the Middle Ages, a fortification was built into the cliff face as well as two Saracen towers at the top of the rock. Many trogologyte dwellings in and around the rock were used as refuge for the villagers during invasions. Then in the 17th century, Cotignac’s lands extended to encompass the original property of the monastery of White Penitents, which is what makes up the village region today.
The White Penitent Priests
In the middle of the 17th century the chapel of the brotherhood of White Penitents was built in Cotignac, in the centre of Cours Gambetta. Behind this chapel sat the remains of where the monks lived in their seclusion. They cultivated vines and olive trees as well as a vegetable garden, spread across three hectares, which were then sold by the Duke of Condé in separate plots.
1810
Construction
In the post-revolutionary beginning of the 19th century, around 1810, a wealthy landowner from Aix, Mr Templier, bought one of the Duke of Condé’s plots of land at the entrance to the village. There he undertook the construction of a large building using stones from the Notre Dame des Graces church, which had been destroyed during the revolution.
However, with this construction project he had deprived the local people of a section of their land used for grazing, and so Mr Templier built two large fountains in Cotignac on the Cours Gambetta: one proudly set in front of the washhouse and the other – the Fountain of the Four Seasons – set at the top of the main square.
Over time, the Templier building project passed from generation to generation, and has become a perfect example of intertwined local stories and the reward within day-to-day life.
1940
The Providence
In the 1940s, the destiny of this building took a new turn when it was entrusted to the care of the local nuns, the Sisters of Saint Vincent de Paul. They gave it the name “The Providence” and transformed the building into a residential holiday home for young girls that were wards of the nation, thus offering them summers filled with joy and adventure.
After a few years of running the holiday home without water or electricity, the sisters were forced to reevaluate their idea and consider a different mission. They decided to put The Providence up for sale, thus opening a new chapter in the building’s destiny.
1968
The Joe Dassin Concert
Huguette Caren, a local girl, was responsible for chairing the committee that organised Cotignac’s festivals. She often had to arrange festivals on a very small budget, she had the genius idea of offering the young and famous singer, Joe Dassin, a piece of land in exchange for performing a concert in the village.
Joe Dassin accepted the offer and performed on 12th August 1968 at the local village school. During his visit to Cotignac, Huguette showed him the piece of land on offer, which was a beautiful place, but which Joe considered too close to the village. He was then offered land near the Saint Joseph monastery, up on the hill. He accepted it immediately, thanks to its stunning location, but also because Joseph was his first name.
1971
The Birth of the Hotel
Huguette Caren lived in a house on the Cours Gambetta, in the villa Font Vieille, which sat beside The Providence, and always kept up a healthy friendship with the religious sisters. She regularly lent them a hand in maintaining the building.
During a discussion with Mother Marmaillou – where the mother superior was surprised at the lack of interest in the building for sale – Huguette offered to purchase it. Her husband was a trained mason, and so they renovated the building together, creating 16 hotel rooms and a restaurant on the ground floor.
She then renamed the hotel, Lou Calen, in reference to her surname ‘Caren’ and the old familiar Provençal meaning: oil lamp, which she lit every evening beside the front door, to encourage and welcome her guests.
In 1972, Yvonne de Gaulle stayed at the hotel for more than a month, which brought great renown to the place. And then in 1973 the hotel’s restaurant was mentioned in the Gault et Millau guide, thanks to Huguette’s excellent cuisine.
1977
Miraval Studios
Meanwhile, Jacques Loussier, famous jazz pianist and founder of the band play-Bach, created Miraval Studios in Correns.
From 1977 until the early 2000s the greatest French and international stars followed one another to visit Studio Miraval and record their albums there – artists from AC/DC, Pink Floyd, Sting, The Cranberries, to The Cure, Muse, and then also beloved French singers such as Henri Salvador, Serge Lama, Gipsy King, Louis Chedid, Telephone, and Indochine. Once the recordings were done, it was common for these musical stars to stay at Lou Calen.
Brad Pitt purchased the Château Miraval in 2011, and decided to relaunch the famous recording studios. In 2022 he joined forces with Damien Quintard, a young producer and musical prodigy, with the intention of reviving this legendary place, and inviting international stars such as Justin Bieber, Sade or Travis Scott. And so the Studio Miraval story continues.
1978
Joe Dassin ’s Wedding at Lou Calen
Originally planned to take place in Tahiti, Joe Dassin changed his mind last minute and organised his wedding in Cotignac, on 14th January 1978. On that day, nearly 500 guests rushed to our village in the Haut Var for this magnificent event.
Rain fell continuously but did not dampen the enthusiasm of the guests, who carried on partying through the night at Lou Calen hotel.
1986
Lou Calen in California
For nearly 15 years, celebrities and regular guests came to the hotel and of course to its restaurant, thanks to Huguette’s fantastic recipes.
Driven by their fierce friendship and a boundless ambition, Joe Dassin and Huguette shared a common dream: to open another Lou Calen in Palm Springs, California. After Joe Dassin’s death in 1980, Huguette decided to bring this project to fruition with the help of Béatrice Dassin, Joe’s mother, who had supported her for six wonderful years.
To carry out this new adventure across the Atlantic, Huguette entrusted the running of Lou Calen in Cotignac to her daughter Claudine.
1999
A New Chapter
New Year’s Eve on 31st December 1999 marked the end of an era for Lou Calen, when the hotel closed its doors, overwhelmed by the weight of financial burdens and the rising demands on national hotel standards.
The new owner introduced a period of radical transformation. With a specific vision for the hotel, he removed many of the characteristic elements that made up the soul of Lou Calen: woodwork, fireplaces, terracotta tiles, and stained glass windows were all dismantled or destroyed. However, this new era was short-lived, since the new owner’s vision collapsed, and he left behind a Lou Calen emptied of its essence.
This unsatisfactory ending wasn’t just temporary, it marked the beginning of a twenty year standstill, during which the walls of the hotel – once filled with laughter, endless conversations and brilliant songs – fell silent, desperate for a new breath of life.
2015
A Fresh Outlook
In 2015, a new page was turned in the history of Lou Calen, thanks to Graham Porter, Canadian entrepreneur whose love for Cotignac went all the way back to his youthful vacations in the village. It was during this time that he formed a real bond with this picturesque place, and later decided to buy a home in Cotignac.
Graham, whose private business was thriving, was determined to revive the parts of the village that had been devoid of life for several years. His first initiative, in 2015, was to purchase a former garage located on the bottom section of the village square, and breathe new cultural life into Cotignac by creating the La Falaise art centre which now hosts three art exhibitions every year.
In the same year, Graham also decided to buy the old Lou Calen hotel building. This was the beginning of an intense period of reflection and renovation, an immense mission that involved searching for building companies capable of realising his vision, and filing of the necessary permits within the French bureaucratic system. These first steps marked the beginning of an ambitious project which would restore Lou Calen hotel to its former glory while adding a touch of modernity.
2019
La TUF Micro Brewery
Continuing his desire to breathe new life into local day to day life, Graham Porter decided to completely transform the old hotel laundry room and create a lively social sort of space.
This is the spot where the micro brewery “La Tuf” was born, which was inaugurated in the summer of 2019. This brewery-pub, set up in the heart of what was once a utilitarian space, now welcomes visitors from far and wide to discover a great menu of drinks and nibbles, of course including the local craft beer from Cotignac.
2020
The Jardin Secret Restaurant
In Spring 2020, the Jardin Secret restaurant and wine bar opened its doors, inviting diners to enjoy a delicious meal in an historic building, a true Provençal country house, built more than two centuries ago and now standing proudly in the midst of olive groves and vineyards. The house, full of history and charm, has become a highly successful restaurant and as such a thrilling setting for an exceptional culinary experience.
The restaurant’s cuisine advocates a return to basics and the glorious significance of simple ingredients. Each dish is generous and sincere, drawing inspiration from local Provençal food and of course the changing seasons, to guide each guest towards the (re)discovery of the true taste of authentic Provence.
In March 2023, the restaurant was awarded the MICHELIN green star which celebrates excellent food and the commitment to eco-responsible gastronomy.
2021
Opening of the First Rooms
2024
The Hotel’s Renaissance
In June 2024, Lou Calen continues to rewrite its new history by opening of a second restaurant and a pastis bar “O Fadoli” on the main square of the village. Both of these new innovations are housed in the historic hotel building, where Lou Calen originally began, and promise the very best evening out for all who attend.
In the same month and in the same hotel building, the last 10 guest bedrooms will be ready to open their doors. This expansion completes the Lou Calen’s transformation into a three hectare estate and a haven of peace, combining history, nature and luxury.
