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Cotignac
Var
Cotignac, a gem of cave dwellings and vineyards in the heart of the Green Provence
Nestled between the Verdon Gorge and the French Riviera, Cotignac welcomes you with its colourful façades, set against a spectacular tuff cliff.
As you stroll through the village, you’ll come across some remarkable dwellings carved into the rock, the remains of a troglodytic settlement. From the top of the Rock, a sweeping panorama unfolds before you: hills covered in pine, olive and cypress trees stretching as far as the eye can see.
Cotignac invites you to experience the Provençal way of life.
Artists’ village in the Green Provence
Here, history is etched into the rock face and stretches right up to these heights. In the sun-drenched alleyways, art and history intertwine amongst the fountains, small squares and cave dwellings.
F. Galil-OT Provence Verte & Verdon
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Word of Mouth
To attract Joe Dassin, the Chair of the Festival Committee negotiated a concert… in exchange for a plot of land! The singer agreed, became a regular visitor to the village, and even built his house in Cotignac!
Your experiences to live in Cotignac
©F. Galile, Provence Verte & Verdon Tourist Office
Soak up the atmosphere of the village
Explore the village on the ‘Pays d’Art et d’Histoire’ trail for a quick tour, or opt for the ‘flash’ itinerary by scanning the QR codes for a more immersive experience. You simply can’t miss the Rock and its cave dwellings; climb up to the Saracen towers and enjoy an exceptional panoramic view.
©F. Galile, Provence Verte & Verdon Tourist Office
Bringing a little bit of Provence home from the market
Every Tuesday morning, head to Cours Gambetta, in the shade of the plane trees. Set to the rhythm of the trickling fountains, the Cotignac market is a festival of flavours and scents typical of Provence: bottarga, honey, olive oil, goat’s cheese and lavender soaps are sure to find their way into your basket!
©F. Galile, Provence Verte & Verdon Tourist Office
A blend of culture and tradition
In Cotignac, the seasons bring a succession of festivals and local celebrations: cinema and music in the summer with “Les Toiles du Sud” and “Cotignac Village Rock”, local produce in the autumn with the Quince Festival… And so many opportunities for sharing and socialising!
Cultivating your artistic side
Alongside the village’s artists’ and craftspeople’s studios, you can indulge your passion for art at various venues such as the “La Falaise” Art Centre or the “Carré et Cercle des Arts”, which host exhibitions, concerts, talks and meetings with artists.
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026
Sur les pas du vigneron
Château Nestuby, family estate since 1949, offer you to discover its history and philosophy through a guided tour of the vineyard. It will be followed by a wine tasting and provençal specialties.
Next dates:
- From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
From Jan. 1, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026 from 8 a.m.
Marché du mardi (40-90 exposants)
Food, textile, local products and wine, caterers, craftsmen...
Next dates:
- From 01/01/2026 to 12/31/2026
Open every day
From Oct. 16, 2026 to Oct. 17, 2026 from 5 p.m.
Atelier de mixologie | Vignobles en Scène
Awaken your senses and create your own wine-based cocktail, guided by Thomas, a passionate mixologist!
Next dates:
- From 10/16/2026 to 10/17/2026
Open every day
The Oct. 17, 2026
Le sanctuaire au son du vin | Vignobles en scène
Enjoy a culinary and musical experience in the company of the monks at the Sanctuary!
Next dates:
- 10/17/2026
Treasure hunt: ‘The Sanctuary Through the Ages’
Put on your detective hats with the treasure hunt “The Sanctuary Through the Ages”. Using the Baludik app, set off on an exciting (and free!) adventure around the Notre-Dame-des-Grâces sanctuary to discover its history… whilst having fun.
"Tom Thumb's Walk" hike
Lace up your walking boots and follow the trails around Cotignac to the Cabanon de Sara. Enjoy a picnic and a game of pétanque amidst the Provençal countryside, with quality time with friends guaranteed during this three-hour walk.
Wine tours and tastings
Share a special moment together on a tour and tasting at one of Cotignac’s wine estates, discovering the Côtes de Provence AOP. Stroll through the vineyards, meet the winegrowers, discover the vintages… and take the opportunity to savour the Provençal terroir to the full.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous. Please drink in moderation.
A walk in the Vallon Gai
As the warmer weather returns, set off on a refreshing walk to the Gouffre waterfall in Vallon Gai. It’s a place to linger and take in the beauty of the surroundings… but keep your feet dry; swimming is not permitted there. Please note: Vallon Gai is subject to regulations governing access to woodland areas from June to September due to the risk of fire.
Vines and Olive Trees Cycle Ride
Setting off from Cotignac, enjoy an easy 26 km ride (around 2 hours 15 minutes) through the countryside of the Var hinterland and the village of Entrecasteaux. Autumn casts a soft light over the vineyards and olive groves, as well as the stone buildings of these charming villages...
Our recommendations
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Maison Troglodyte de Lucie
Enjoy a unique experience at Lucie’s Cave House in Cotignac. Nestled against the impressive Cotignac rock face, the house welcomes you to a suite featuring a bedroom and living room painted and decorated by your host.
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Le Jardin Secret
Le Jardin Secret, located within the Lou Calen hotel, is a socially conscious restaurant that has been awarded a Michelin Green Star in recognition of its commitment to sustainable gastronomy.
Hervé Fabre
Lou Calen
Steeped in history, the historic hotel Lou Calen on Cotignac’s main square offers a taste of Provence with its modernly decorated rooms.
La Falaise
This three-star hotel has nine rooms and is located in the centre of Cotignac on Cours Gambetta, where the weekly market is held every Tuesday. It shares a reception with the Lou Calen hotel, which is located on the opposite side of Cours Gambetta.
Mélanie Retamar
La TUF
La Tuf is not only a bar, but also a social hub and events venue that’s a must-visit for Cotignac residents.
Map of Cotignac
Extend the visit to near Cotignac
Tourtour
(14 km)
Moustiers-Sainte-Marie
(36 km)
Prepare your stay at Cotignac
Office de Tourisme Provence Verte et Verdon
Accessibility
Cotignac
# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Village accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes, mais pas le rocher
# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélos
# Parking : Stationnement payant ou partiellement payant en fonction de la période ou de la situation
Labels and rankings of
Cotignac
