Where the best memories are made
Here in Cotignac, the local people are keen to share their love of Provence with you. Lou Calen opens its doors to welcome you into a sensory journey where nature and traditions intertwine. During every season of the year, the hotel offers finely-crafted workshops and events that bring together local artists, artisans, wellness specialists and history enthusiasts. With each workshop comes the promise of escape, fascination, and reward – where traditional practices and forgotten knowledge is revealed – and will make each stay a truly unforgettable Provençal experience.
Upcoming Workshops & Events
From Dec. 1st to Feb. 28th
The Truffle Harvest
For over 25 years, 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 fascinating art of truffle hunting, before treating yourself to tasting your finds!
Venue : Aups
Availability : Sat. to Tuesday, 1.30 to 3.30 pm
Cost : 35€/adult, 20€/child, free/-12ans
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
From 6th to 21st December
Miro In The Making
La Falaise Art Center is exhibiting children’s paintings that have been freely inspired by the work of Joan Miró, as part of an educational project with several local schools. Assisted by their teachers, students have immersed themselves in the study of the creative process of a particularly renowned artist.
Venue : La Falaise Art Center
Days : Tuesday to Saturday
Hours : 10am to 12:30pm and 2:30pm to 6pm
Full price entry : 4€
Saturday December 21st
Wood Sculpture Workshop
Artist, sculptor and designer, Mathieu Segret guides you through the meditative process of sculpting wood. After choosing one of the various options of Provençal wood to work with, you will be encouraged to get creative and abandon yourself to the craft of a personal piece of woodwork.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 95€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday December 21st
Literary Encounter
A nostalgic wind full of Provençal flavours is blowing through Cotignac with the release of the cookbook designed by Huguette Caren. 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.
Schedule : Presence from 3pm to 6pm
4pm : Conversation at O’Fadoli
5pm : Book signings at the Bookstore
Free entry
From Dec. 24th to Jan. 1st
Festive Feasts
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 dishes enhanced by the delights of the Provencal region.
Venue : Jardin Secret & The Bistrot
Dates : 24, 25, 31 December & 1st January
Cost : from 95€ to 150€.
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday December 28th
Drawing & Collage Workshop
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 three hours workshop, she will teach the basics of drawing as well as a study into how to create volume by using different forms of collage.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday January 5th
Cooking Crusty Pie
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.
Saturday January 18th
Drawing & Watercolour Workshop
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.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Cost : 55€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday January 18th
Sound Bath
A practitioner in energy work based in Correns, Oriane Mutabazi invites you to her workshop 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.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 11 am to 12 pm
Cost : 25€
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday January 19th
Botanical Walk
Are you interested in learning about wild plants? Vera, 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, Véra passionately shares all her knowledge about wild plants.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 25€
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday February 1st
Clay Modelling Workshop
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. During this workshop, you will learn the principles and techniques of sculpture by creating a piece using Provence clay.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 9 am to 1 pm
Cost : 85€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Saturday February 8th
Basket Weaving Workshop
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.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 9 am to 1 pm
Cost : 65€ (material provided)
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday February 9th
Cooking Black Truffle
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 to learn how to cook with black truffles.
Saturday February 15th
Sound Bath
A practitioner in energy work based in Correns, Oriane Mutabazi invites you to her workshop 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.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Cost : 25€
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday February 16th
Botanical Walk
Are you interested in learning about wild plants? Vera, 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, Véra passionately shares all her knowledge about wild plants.
Venue : Lou Calen
Schedule : 10 am to 12 pm
Cost : 25€
Reservation : Booking is mandatory
Sunday February 23rd
Cooking Root Vegetables
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.
Past Workshops & Events
Literary Encounter
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.
Venue : Bookstore
Literary Encounter
A passionate author and book editor, Axel Graisely joins our literary to look back on his inspiring journey as a committed globetrotter, and to discuss four of his literary creations – Histoires et légendes, Superstitions…, Traditions et symbolismes en Provence – which he will be happy to sign for visitors.
Venue : Bookstore
Thanksgiving
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 and cranberry sauce. And for a sweet ending, try our unmissable pumpkin pie and pecan pie.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Literary Encounter
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, and a conversation about her writing process, before a book signing session.
Venue : Bookstore
The Fascinant Week-end
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.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Soap Box Race
Hear ye, hear ye! There’s a huge dollop of fun on the way with the return of the soap box race. The race will barrel down the Notre-Dame de Grâces road across two timed runs, with a refreshment bar and DJ set at lunchtime, prize giving ceremony at the stadium and after party at La TUF.
Venue : Lou Calen
Classic en Provence
The Fanny Mendelssohn Artists have prepared an innovative programme to fit the unique atmosphere of the hotel surrounded by nature and steeped in history. Be it during a musical breakfast at the Jardin Secret or a concert in the conservatrory, the five young musicians will enchant you with their talent.
Venue : Lou Calen
Ceramics Making Workshop
Potter and 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 a 3 1/2 hour workshop, Inès will share three modelling techniques to make a cup, a plate or a bowl.
Venue : Lou Calen
Paper Moulding Workshop
Solange Battarra’s true creative self is anchored in the Upcycling movement. A local artist and a specialist in the creation of objects made from paper pulp, in this workshop she will teach an artisanal moulding technique by crafting a unique decorative object to set on a piece of furniture or to hang on the wall.
Venue : Lou Calen
Plant Painting Workshop
Did you know that you can make ink from vegetables and their tinctorial plants? Anna Piquardt is here to show you how. Come and learn how to transform well-known plants into watercolour paints, and then decorate your very own postcard with them. A wonderfully creative and personalised gift for a loved one!
Venue : Lou Calen
Lavender Spindle Workshop
Come and learn about the Provençal tradition of lavender spindle-crafting. Get stuck in to this charming craft that encloses the pretty 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.
Venue : Lou Calen
The Secret Song of Plants
Did you know that all the plants emit vibrations to communicate? And did you know that this electrical activity can be converted into musical notes? Botanical music therapist, Sabrine SC&YOU can guide you towards a meditative state and fully experience this sensory opportunity.
Venue : Lou Calen
Louisiana Style
Benoit Witz welcomes guest chef Patrick Périé for a themed evening with a four course menu. With 40 years’ experience across the world, ten of which were spent at the Méridien in New Orléans, this celebrated French chef is back in his homeland and ready to serve a delicious loiusiana cook.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat
In India, every spring season is welcomed with “Holi”- the festival of colour. It celebrates the expansion of light, the end of winter. This 4-day and 3-night retreat, combining yoga practice, meditation and Ayurvedic treatments, is an opportunity to revitalise yourself in the heart of the Var region.
Venue : Lou Calen
Creative Writing Workshop
This workshop will be a special opportunity to free your mind and express yourself in writing. French literature teacher, Jéromine Dalmasso, will guide you towards this creative escape with two thematic ideas: “Describe a place using sensory language” and “Write a description while observing a photograph”.
Venue : Lou Calen
Valentine's Day
Chef Witz and his team bring their passion for local culinary delights by crafting refined and spectacular dishes that will seduce with every bite. Our menu offers langoustine, John Dory whitefish, and tender veal to celebrate the most romantic evening of the year, where love is in the air as well as on the plate.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Oursinade
‘Oursinade’ is one of the most important culinary traditions of Provence. At the start of each year, sea urchins cluster around the Côte Bleue, the Rivera sea coast which stretches from Marseille to Martigues. Benoit Witz is joining the celebration by shining their culinary spotlight on the sea urchin for a buffet.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Eastertide Buffet
The weather’s not cooperating on this Sunday, March 31. Initially scheduled to take place in an olive grove not far from Notre-Dame de Grâces, the country-style Easter buffet will be held in the cosy bastide of the Jardin Secret restaurant, where fireplaces crackle and hushed music lulls the meal to sleep.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
An Evening of Truffles
This winter, our chef Benoit Witz is dedicating several evening menus to the black truffle. They are found locally in Aups, the region’s capital of the ‘tuber melanosporum’, and are known for being particularly tasty. Come and enjoy the dishes specially crafted in celebration of this precious ‘black diamond’.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Dinner with Huguette Caren
Benoit Witz welcomes Huguette Caren, the previous owner of Lou Calen and valued guardian of special Provençal recipes. Huguette’s spectacular cooking contributed to the hotel’s famous reputation in the 70s, 80s and 90s. To keep this iconic legacy alive, Huguette has passed on all her secrets to our chef.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Japanese Cuisine
Susana Iwase was born in Tokyo, the sushi capital, and brings her experience of traditional Japanese cooking blended with her years of working in Californian restaurants. She will collaborate with Benoit Witz to bring an evening of Japanese cuisine.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Auvergne Cheese Day
Calling all cheeselovers! This day is designed for all who celebrate good French cheese. Our chef Benoit Witz hosts Dominique Prugne – two-time world champion at the Tours International Cheese Festival – for a menu dedicated to fine Auvergne cheeses and the secrets behind the art of their cheesemaking.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Lebanese Cuisine
Venture on a culinary journey into the heart of the Middle East. Chef Benoit Witz invites Mirna Cortas into his kitchen to explore the many rich and varied flavours of Lebanon. Mirna, of Greek-Lebanese origin, looks forward to celebrating her inherited know-how of traditional cuisine from Zahlé, her hometown in the Lebanon mountains.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Patrick Périé's come back
Exceptional opening of the Jardin Secret restaurant where we will welcome the chef Patrick Périé. With 40 years’ experience across the world, ten of which were spent at the Méridien in New Orléans, this celebrated French chef is back in his homeland and ready to serve a spectacular meal full of delicious discoveries.
Venue : Jardin Secret restaurant
Gathering Saffron
Nestled in the midst of the restanques a unique spice grows naturally. In our region, flowering begins in October and lasts for a month while the harvest reaps rich rewards. Sabine and Jean will guide you and explore more herbs to ensure you fully understand the culture and nature of organic saffron growing.
Venue : Le Safran du Cabanon
