December in Provence : Tradition, Nature and Magic
With the festive season upon us, Provence gets its Christmas traditions ready. The villages light up at night while the streets fill with joyful spirit. There is much to see and experience: provençal Christmas markets, art and cultural events, seasonal outdoor activities, and other traditional events, in Cotignac and the wider region.
Enjoy a beautiful winter season at Lou Calen and experience a December like no other.
Christmas markets in the Haut-Var
Cotignac Is getting stuck into the festive magic with a fantastic seasonal programme. On Friday, 6th December at 5:30 pm, the village will light up with splendour at the launch of the village Christmas Lights.
As every year, the Provençal nativity scene competition will take place at the Cercle des Arts, from December 14th to 30th. Then again, according to tradition on this special second weekend of Advent, the unmissable Cotignac Christmas market will take over the village square, the cours Gambetta on Saturday 14th December and Sunday 15th December, until 6 pm, when there will be a magnificent fireworks display set off from above the famous Cotignac cliff, from the two medieval towers overlooking the rock.
Then, as Christmas draws nearer, the festive magic continues with two concerts scheduled at the Cercle des Arts on 20th December at 3:30 pm (with the group “Crème Anglaise”) and at the Saint-Pierre church on 21st December at 6:30 pm (La musique de l’Avent).
Save the date !
Sunday December st: Correns, Aups, Carcès
Saturday December 7th: Barjols
Sunday December 8th: Bras, Entrecasteaux, Néoules
Saturday December 14th: Cotignac, Draguignan, Les Arcs
Sunday December 15th: Cotignac, Correns, Carcès, Garéoult, Rocbaron, Sainte-Anastasie-sur-Issole, Varages
Saturday December 16th: Le Thoronet, Montmeyan, Méounes-lès-Montrieux
Sunday December 17th: Cotignac, Tourtour, Varages
Activities for the whole family
The ‘santons’ of Provence
This was after the French Revolution so that the “santoun” were created to enable every Provencal family to celebrate the nativity. Several fairs celebrate them every December at Cotignac, Le Val or at Pierrefeu du Var. You can also visit local santon makers : Au plus près de la Provence in Brignoles, Les Santons Paul Garrel in Rocbaron, or Les Santons Denizou in Tourves.
The Château d'Entrecasteaux
Remains of Valbelle Castle
The Musée des Gueules Rouges in Tourves
The Prehistoric Museum in Quinson
The Museum of Prehistory of the Gorges du Verdon presents a collection of local archaeological pieces across fifty years of excavation, including life-size representations of the first men and their prehistoric animals.
The Musée des Faïences in Varages
Inspiring places for art lovers
The La Falaise Art Centre in Cotignac
The La Falaise Art Centre exhibits works by artists from all backgrounds throughout the year. In partnership with the schools of Cotignac, Carcès, Barjols, Brignoles, Monfort sur Argens, Salernes and IME Haut-Var, the current exhibition “Miro In The Making” celebrates young artists from 6th to 21st December 2023. The local students have freely interpreted their own versions of the work of Keith Haring, a major artist within the Pop Art movement.
The Cistercian Abbey in Le Thoronet
The HDE Var in Draguignan
Located in a 19th-century building in the heart of Draguignan, the Hotel départemental des Expositions du Var presents two exhibitions a year about history and civilisations. From December 14th 2024 to April 6th 2025, the HDE Var is presenting ‘Gardens and Palaces of the Orient’, an exhibition of over 200 works from the collections of the Louvre and the PACA region.
Peyrassol in Flassans-sur-Issole
Founded in the 13th century by the Knights Templar, the Commanderie de Peyrassol covers almost 850 hectares of oak, olive and garrigue trees, protecting a vineyard of great renown. Featuring some of the great names in twentieth- and twenty-first-century art, the Philippe Austruy collection takes visitors on a journey through contemporary buildings, vineyards and undergrowth. A museum-style experience from Monday to Saturday.
The Chateauvert Art Centre
The Châteauvert Contemporary Art Centre is a wonderful arts apace along the Argens river. Stroll between the exhibition room, the media library and the collection of sculptures exhibited in the garden room, in the midst of nature. In winter, the sculpture garden remains accessible 24/7. Don’t hesitate to come and walk around at any time to admire these extraordinary artworks which are in harmony with nature.
Château La Coste in Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
Outdoor activities
The Truffle Season
For over 25 years, the Canut family has been growing black truffles on their farm in Aups. Every winter Patrick and his daughter Lisa roam their oak plantation, guided by their dogs, to harvest the precious black diamond that is the truffle. Join them for an hour, participate in truffle hunting, and treat yourself to tasting your finds! An exclusive experience offered Saturday to Tuesday, 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm.
Wine tasting within the heart of the vineyards
For all lovers of a decent bottle, wine tasting in the heart of the vineyards and their wine estates is an essential experience. Lou Calen has selected three renowned and celebrated wine producers: Domaine Aspras, Château Carpe Diem and Château La Calisse. Whether you opt for the half-day on an electric bike or the full day chauffeured by a driver, this immersive tasting experience promises to be unforgettable.
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking
Explore the natural areas of the Haut-Var in any way you like, while enjoying the superb panoramic views of Provence. On foot, on horseback or by mountain bike, venture along lakes, country lanes, or into small villages. Lou Calen can suggest the very best local service providers or guides to accompany you and enrich your active holiday.
Experience the magic of Provence in December!
Lou Calen has a program that is as festive as it is delicious.
