Creating memories
Here in Cotignac, local figures are keen to share their love of Provence with you. Lou Calen opens the doors to a sensory journey where nature and tradition intertwine at every turn. As the seasons go by, carefully orchestrated workshops and events bring together artists, craftspeople, well-being specialists and history buffs. With them, you’ll experience moments of sharing and escape, where traditional gestures and forgotten skills are revealed to make every stay an unforgettable Provençal immersion.
Upcoming workshops & events
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
Availability :
Saturday to Tuesday, 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Price:
35€/adulte, 20€/enfant, gratuit/-12ans
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 22 February
Provence is an inexhaustible source of creativity, where Gilles Dugenet invites you to dive in and find your inspiration. Using simple drawing and painting techniques, the artist will encourage you to create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook, that can be cherished long.
Location:
Schedule :
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Price:
55€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 22 February
‘Oursinade’ is one of the most important culinary traditions of Provence. Every winter, a series of culinary gatherings takes place along the majestic Côte Bleue, from Marseille to Martigues. Le Bistrot is joining the celebration by shining their culinary spotlight on the sea urchin for a buffet.
Location:
Schedule :
12 pm to 3 pm
Price:
75€ (white wine included)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 22 February
It was a surprise to Patricia Ortelli, a former student of the École du Louvre, that she became a winemaker. At the age of 30, she decided to acquire an abandoned vineyard: Domaine de la Calisse. She will be signing her book, an inspiring tale of a committed woman.
Sunday 23 February
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.
Location:
Schedule :
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Price:
95€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 23 February
How about a culinary getaway to Italy? The last Sunday of each month, our chef prepares the best of Italian cuisine. : an antipasti buffet with Mediterranean flavours, pasta to order, traditional artisanal breads and the usual desserts. This is an irresistible invitation to savour the dolce vita.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 10 pm
Price:
32€/adult – 15€/child-12 years old
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 1 March
Sandra Dugenet models, sculpts and engraves using earth, stone or wood. While she allows herself to be guided by the material, she inspired by human beings and their philosophy. You will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Location:
Schedule :
9 am to 1 pm
Price:
85€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Tuesday 4 March
To celebrate Mardi Gras, Chef Patrick Périé whisks you away Louisiana. This holiday is a true symbol of joy and gluttony. From gumbo to jambalaya, each delicious dish on this menu embodies the authentic flavours of Cajun and Creole cuisine, so typical of the region.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 10 pm
Price:
58€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 8 March
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.
Location:
Lou Calen
Schedule :
9 am to 1 pm
Price:
65€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 9 March
This cooking class will take place after a truffle hunting demonstration with specially-trained truffle dogs. Meet at 2pm at the Canut family’s farm in Aups (with your own vehicle), before meeting chef Benoit Witz at 4pm in the kitchen of the Jardin Secret restaurant.
Location:
Schedule :
2 pm to 6 pm
Price:
235€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 15 March
Therapist based in Correns, Oriane Mutabazi invites you to immerse yourself in a sound bath using musical instruments and the voice. This will be followed by mantra chanting which will establish and extend the benefits of deep relaxation throughout your being.
Sunday 16 March
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.
Sunday 16 March
A traditional dish enjoyed across many cultures, a good pie combines deliciousness and decent know-how. Under the guidance of Chef Benoit Witz, learn how to work the dough, concoct tasty fillings and master the art of a crispy pastry with tender insides.
Location:
Schedule :
4 pm to 6 pm
Price:
120€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 22 March
Provence is an inexhaustible source of creativity, where Gilles Dugenet invites you to dive in and find your inspiration. Using simple drawing and painting techniques, the artist will encourage you to create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook, that can be cherished long.
Location:
Schedule :
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Price:
55€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 23 March
Mathieu Segret invites you to practice mindfulness. You will use wood carving as a means of relaxation and liberation. Each gesture, each sculpted form will nourish your relationship with yourself and nature. Your work will bear the imprint of this inner journey.
Location:
Schedule :
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Price:
95€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 30 March
How about a culinary getaway to Italy? The last Sunday of each month, our chef prepares the best of Italian cuisine. : an antipasti buffet with Mediterranean flavours, pasta to order, traditional artisanal breads and the usual desserts. This is an irresistible invitation to savour the dolce vita.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 10 pm
Price:
32€/adult – 15€/child-12 years old
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 5 April
Sandra Dugenet models, sculpts and engraves using earth, stone or wood. While she allows herself to be guided by the material, she inspired by human beings and their philosophy. You will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Location:
Schedule :
9 am to 1 pm
Price:
85€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 12 April
Therapist based in Correns, Oriane Mutabazi invites you to immerse yourself in a sound bath using musical instruments and the voice. This will be followed by mantra chanting which will establish and extend the benefits of deep relaxation throughout your being.
Sunday 13 April
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 19 April
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.
Location:
Lou Calen
Schedule :
9 am to 1 pm
Price:
65€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Saturday 26 April
Provence is an inexhaustible source of creativity, where Gilles Dugenet invites you to dive in and find your inspiration. Using simple drawing and painting techniques, the artist will encourage you to create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook, that can be cherished long.
Location:
Schedule :
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Price:
55€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 27 April
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.
Location:
Schedule :
9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Price:
95€ (material provided)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 27 April
How about a culinary getaway to Italy? The last Sunday of each month, our chef prepares the best of Italian cuisine. : an antipasti buffet with Mediterranean flavours, pasta to order, traditional artisanal breads and the usual desserts. This is an irresistible invitation to savour the dolce vita.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 10 pm
Price:
32€/adult – 15€/child-12 years old
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Past workshops & events
Saturday 24 August
Come and learn about the Provençal tradition of lavender spindle-crafting, a charming craft that encloses the lavender flowers inside their stems to preserve their wonderful scent. Discover how to gather them, how to sort them, and how to weave it all together with a beautiful ribbon.
Saturday 14 September
Ceramics artist in Cotignac, Inès Ciccone practices throwing pottery with the aim of giving life to stoneware pieces, always drawing her inspiration from natural plants and minerals. During her workshop, Inès will share three modelling techniques to make a cup, a plate or a bowl.
Friday 18 October
The Jardin Secret restaurant celebrates the 11th edition of the Fascinant Weekend. Every 3rd weekend in October, the vineyards of France come alive for this food and wine celebration festival. For the occasion, Chef Benoit Witz designed a gourmet menu around the flavors of autumn.
Thursday 21 November
Come celebrate the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau at Bistrot de Lou Calen! Every year, this primeur wine announces with freshness and lightness the flavors of a new harvest. To accompany this festive tradition, our chef offers you a gourmet menu with regional accents.
Saturday 23 November
A Franco-British author of gothic novels, Phoebe Wynne set our literary encounters off to a flyings start at Lou Calen. We have the honour of hosting a discussion of her two acclaimed novels in English, Madam and The Ruins, before a book signing session.
Thursday 28 November
Thanksgiving is a great start for the festive season, offering sharing moments and a friendly atmosphere. Chef Benoit Witz invites you to savour the traditional meal: turkey stuffed with chestnuts, Brussels sprouts with cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and pecan pie.
Saturday 7 December
A passionate author and book editor, Axel Graisely joins us to look back on his inspiring journey as a committed globetrotter, and to discuss four of his literary creations (Histoires et légendes, Traditions et symbolismes en Provence...) which he will be happy to sign for visitors.
Saturday 14 December
A writer from Marseille, René Frégni explores the darkness of mankind against the light of Mediterranean landscapes through his fifteen novels. He will join us to present six of his literary works, filled with travel, humanity and poetry, followed by a booksigning session.
Saturday 21 December
A nostalgic wind full of Provençal flavours is blowing through Cotignac with Huguette Caren’s book. A true ode to Provence and its culinary heritage, this collection of recipes not only invites you to get busy behind the stove, but also opens a door to the fascinating history of Lou Calen.
From 24 Dec. To 1 Jan.
What if during this festive season you let us take care of you? Lou Calen opens the doors of its two restaurants to allow guests to fully enjoy the magic of a Christmas in Provence. The Chefs have crafted special menus with seasonal ingredients and and Provencal delights.
Saturday 28 December
With her rich experience in the field of art, Sophie Anais Sanderson guides her students to develop their artistic flair through the craft of drawing. During her workshop, she will teach the basics of drawing as well as a study into how to create volume by using different forms of collage.
Saturday 1 February
Let the gorgeous menu transport you to the heart of the culinary traditions of Asia. From starter to dessert, each dish delights with the authentic flavours of this ancestral festival. Come and celebrate the beginning of the Chinese year of the Wood Snake, the symbol of a new start!
Friday 14 February
The chef brings their passion for local culinary delights by crafting refined dishes that will seduce with every bite. Our menu offers scallops, saffron, squab, foie gras and truffles to celebrate the most romantic evening of the year, where love is in the air as well as on the plate.
Location:
Schedule :
7 pm to 10 pm
Price:
74€ (excluding drinks)
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
Sunday 16 February
Ideal for accompanying meats or as the star of any vegetarian dish, root vegetables lend themselves to many creative interpretations. Discover how to combine them harmoniously, and explore slow cooking that reveals the best of their texture and depth.
Location:
Schedule :
4 pm to 6 pm
Price:
120€
Booking:
Mandatory, limited availability
