Get Immersed in Provençal Village Charm at Hotel Lou Calen

Located in the Var department of Provence and officially recognized as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages of France), Cotignac is delightfully out of the way, yet it delivers authenticity and postcard-perfect looks in abundance amidst its shaded squares, artisan boutiques, local cafes and vibrant Tuesday market. Even better, Hotel Lou Calen lingers in the heart of it all, allowing you to live out your Provençal village fantasies while staying in a rustically luxurious hotel that appeals to both kids and adults. Our founder and CEO, Amie O’Shaughnessy, recently returned from a stay and was utterly charmed. We think you will be too.

Hotel Lou Calen Exterior
A cream-colored Provençal building features traditional green shutters, French doors with small iron balconies, and “HOSTELLERIE Lou CALEN” painted in elegant lettering across its facade, while ivy cascades down portions of the exterior walls. The historic structure overlooks a cobblestone courtyard with outdoor dining areas, lush greenery, and a brilliant blue sky dotted with white clouds.

Hotel Lou Calen: Boutique Style Amid Authentic Provençal Village Life

CB: What makes this property stand out for Ciao Bambino! travelers?

Amie: Hotel Lou Calen is a gem, truly. It’s an eco-conscious boutique property with just 36 rooms, but it feels expansive and full of character — a good choice for families and travelers seeking something in the heart of an authentic French village, yet with space to roam (it sits on 7.5 acres), a splash pool for kids and even a tennis court. It’s casual, full of Provençal charm and, at around €350 for an entry-level room with village views, the value is unbeatable.

A rustic Provençal bedroom features exposed wooden ceiling beams, weathered stone walls, and wide-plank wooden floors, with warm, golden lighting throughout the space. The room is furnished with a comfortable bed adorned with white linens and striped pillows, flanked by French doors with emerald green curtains that open to small iron balconies, while a mustard yellow armchair and modern amenities blend seamlessly with the traditional architecture.
Rooms and suites come in all shapes and sizes, but each includes salvaged surface materials such as wood and stone combined with modern creature comforts

CB: Can you describe the village of Cotignac for families who may not be familiar with the area or with France?

Amie: Cotignac is one of the cutest villages I’ve seen in the south of France, about an hour and 15 minutes from Aix-en-Provence and two hours from Avignon. It’s set dramatically at the base of a cliff, and some of the oldest homes are built into the rock. It has everything you want your French village vacation to have: cobblestone streets, shady plane trees, adorable cafés and a weekly farmers’ market (Tuesdays). Hotel Lou Calen is a definite yes if you’re traveling to the South of France. It’s no wonder George Clooney and George Lucas both chose to have properties nearby!

A Provençal village cascades down a hillside beneath dramatic limestone cliffs with natural cave openings, featuring warm honey-colored stone buildings with traditional terracotta tile roofs nestled among lush green vegetation. The village is punctuated by a prominent church bell tower and tall dark cypress trees, while the entire scene is framed by densely forested hills under a partly cloudy blue sky.
A view over Cotignac right from a guestroom window

CB: Can you share more about how the hotel caters to families?

Amie: The hotel has made thoughtful choices. There are three pools, one of which is designated for adults only, and a splash pool with a sandy bottom, giving it the feel of a small beach. There are a few multi-room configurations available for families, ensuring everyone has their own space. And the grounds are a bit of a natural maze, which is great for kids who love to explore. Lou Calen is low-key and not a “kids’ club” type of property, but for families who value togetherness in a French village, it works beautifully.

A small stone-edged swimming pool with shallow water sits nestled among lush Mediterranean vegetation, including fan palms and dense green foliage that creates a secluded oasis atmosphere. Two white lounge chairs are positioned on the sandy stone deck beside the organically-shaped pool, which is framed by weathered stone walls and surrounded by a canopy of mature trees under a brilliant blue sky.
The small, sandy-bottom family pool allows little ones to splash while parents relax

CB: How is the dining experience at Hotel Lou Calen?

Amie: The food is fantastic, simple, fresh and prepared with a lot of attention to detail. Their Secret Garden restaurant even boasts a Green Michelin Star, which speaks to their commitment to sustainability. Le Bistrot, meanwhile, leans into French classics and flame-grilled meat in a light and airy space that’s open every day. One night we had dinner for around €55 per person, and the quality blew us away. Everything is elevated enough but doesn’t feel fussy, which is perfectly on brand for laid-back Provence. You’ll feel welcomed and relaxed.

If you’re a fan of local brews, you can’t get more local than the hotel’s microbrewery, La Tuf, set up in a former laundry room (closed Sunday and Monday). There’s also a pastis bar, O’Fadoli, on site, with 80 kinds of pastis and absinthes.

A bright, airy restaurant interior features floor-to-ceiling black-framed windows that flood the space with natural light and offer views of an outdoor terrace with white umbrellas and lush greenery beyond. The dining room showcases an eclectic mix of seating including coral-red quilted banquettes, emerald green velvet chairs, and cream-colored dining chairs arranged around wooden tables, all set against an intricate patterned tile floor with geometric and floral motifs.
Le Bistrot serves French classics in a casually elegant setting

CB: You mentioned the Tuesday market. What will we find there?

Amie: The market on Tuesdays is my new favorite in the region with loads of French goodies like spices, olive oil, wood products, beautiful fabrics and, of course, fresh locally grown and made food.

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CB: How does Cotignac fit into a broader Provence itinerary? Could you use Hotel Lou Calen as a home base?

Amie: This part of Provence, the Var department, is still relatively under the radar, which is part of its appeal. The hotel is also well-situated to make it a peaceful home base for exploring other major French cities. So while Cotignac feels blissfully off the beaten path, you’re never too far from a cute café or a local market, and within a couple of hours of more iconic sites and hubs of Provence and the Côte d’Azur.

For first-timers to Provence, I’d recommend staying on-property for two days, exploring Cotignac, enjoying the market, sipping local rosé under the plane trees and dining at the hotel’s excellent restaurants. Then, if you want, move on to the Alpilles or the Luberon Valley, or nearby cities or coastal towns like Sainte-Maxime or Saint-Tropez.

4sLooking at this image, I can see a bustling market scene in what appears to be a typical Provençal town. Let me describe what I can visually observe:A tree-lined street or plaza with large, mature plane trees creating shade Traditional Provençal architecture with warm-colored buildings (ochre/orange tones) and green shutters Market stalls with white canvas covers/umbrellas set up along the street People walking through the market, browsing the stalls On the right side, there appears to be a café or restaurant with outdoor seating A traditional French street lamp visible Clear blue sky with some white clouds The overall atmosphere looks very Mediterranean/Provençal with the typical market day scene I need to focus on the visual elements only, not make assumptions about the location beyond what's clearly visible.A vibrant outdoor market fills a tree-lined street beneath a canopy of large plane trees, with white-covered vendor stalls displaying various goods while visitors stroll leisurely through the bustling scene under a bright blue sky dotted with white clouds. The scene is framed by traditional warm-toned buildings with green shutters and a café with outdoor seating, creating the quintessential atmosphere of a Mediterranean market day with dappled sunlight filtering through the lush green foliage.
The Tuesday market is among the highlights of a stay in Cotignac

CB: What kinds of travelers should consider Hotel Lou Calen as part of their French holiday?

Amie: Families, couples and friends looking for an immersive experience with a touch of rustic elegance will fall in love with Hotel Lou Calen’s eclectic and stylish vibes. Anyone who wants to show their kids a more authentic side of France, or who appreciates relaxed hospitality in the heart of a Provençal village, will get the most out of it. Think of it as less tourist checklists and more authentic connections.

A rustic outdoor dining setup features a long wooden table with distinctive X-shaped legs in a weathered blue-gray finish, surrounded by neutral-toned upholstered chairs on a stone-paved terrace. The intimate space is sheltered by a wrought iron pergola adorned with climbing vines and a hanging copper lantern, while lush Mediterranean vegetation and potted plants create a naturally enclosed garden atmosphere with dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.
Hotel Lou Calen has lots of appealing alfresco corners to enjoy a meal or a glass of local rosé

CB: Any tips for booking?

Amie: As is the case everywhere these days, if you have your heart set on an experience or a place, book early, especially in high season, to avoid disappointment. The town is small and the hotel, with only 36 rooms, fills fast. It’s open year-round, so off-season travel is also a worthwhile consideration.

A Provençal town square features traditional honey-colored buildings with green and blue shutters, small iron balconies, and ground-floor shops and cafés beneath a brilliant blue sky dotted with white clouds. The cobblestone plaza is anchored by a magnificent mature plane tree that provides natural shade over outdoor café seating with wicker chairs, small tables, and white umbrellas.
Cotignac embodies classic Provençal village character

CB: How does Hotel Lou Calen compare to other resorts in the area?

Amie: Nearby Château de Berne is gorgeous, but it’s much more of a wine resort. It’s also more remote, not in a village setting. At Hotel Lou Calen, you get the best of great food and wine, warm hospitality and a setting that lets you walk out your door and straight into French village life.

To book your stay at Hotel Lou Calen, contact our Ciao Bambino Travel Advisor team today.

Relevant Links: 

Browse all accommodations and destinations in France on Ciao Bambino

52 tips for traveling in France with kids

5 favorite kid-friendly things to do in Provence

Top kid-friendly things to do in Sainte-Maxime, France

Photos by Amie O’Shaughnessy.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented. 

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