Gastronomy
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
‘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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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 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
