Cotignac Information: A Pleasant Village within the Coronary heart of the Var

Final Up to date on ninth October 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau

This put up might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. Please try my privateness coverage and disclosure for extra data.

Welcome to Cotignac, a medieval gem in southeastern France’s Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur area. This charming city is constructed into the limestone cliffside that looms above and is commonly hailed as one of many nation’s most lovely villages. It’s additionally mentioned to be the positioning of a number of miracles all through historical past. Right here’s your information on Cotignac, a pleasant village within the coronary heart of the Var!

What’s Cotignac identified for?

Nicknamed the “The Little Saint-Tropez of Haut Var”, Cotignac is a medieval gem of Provence most famously generally known as a vacation spot the place miracles have occurred. Nestled on the foot of a limestone cliff generally known as “The Rock”, the place many cave dwellings and crevices have been tunnelled into its face by a waterfall (which has since been diverted).

Due to the dramatic cliffs and quintessential South of France panorama that surrounds it, Cotignac is hailed as one in every of France’s most lovely villages. As such, it has been identified to attract the eyes of celebrities to the likes of George Clooney and Brad Pitt!

A short historical past of Cotignac

The medieval village of Cotignac was first established within the fifth and sixth centuries, although the oldest elements of the settlement seen immediately date again to the twelfth century.

Within the twelfth century, a fortress and two Saracen towers (“Les Excursions Sarrasines”) have been constructed excessive above the village atop the limestone cliff as a lookout to guard the settlement from invasions. Though little or no of the citadel stays, the 2 crumbling turrets nonetheless stand guard above Cotignac.

Through the 18th century, the commune noticed exponential inhabitants progress and skilled a “golden age”, changing into fairly affluent. This being mentioned, the residential inhabitants (final recorded in 2015) sits at round 2,500 individuals.

Traditionally, the village is alleged to have been a web site the place miracles occurred and the Holy household appeared. The 2 miracles embody a imaginative and prescient of The Virgin Mary and child Jesus showing to an area woodcutter, in addition to an area shepherd sighting Saint Joseph some years later. Because of this, Cotignac is a crucial place of pilgrimage.

Certainly, to this very day, some 150,000 pilgrims trek their approach to the settlement annually in honour of Notre-Dame de Grâces and Saint-Joseph.

As we speak, Cotignac is a comparatively undiscovered gem of Provence and a little bit off the crushed path, therefore why it’s maintained its conventional Provençal countryside really feel. Its magnificence and appeal have drawn in inventive minds of the world, in addition to celebrities flocking to admire this tranquil pocket of southern France.

*When you get an opportunity, there are a lot of causes to go to Cotignac, a few of which we’ll define under…

Cotignac has an elevation of 230 meters above sea degree and is protected by an 80-meter-high and 400-meters lengthy limestone cliff generally known as “Le Rocher”, which interprets as “The Rock”. The cliff face is crammed with troglodyte caves which have been historically used as storage holes for animals and grain, and typically shelter throughout stormy climate.

Greatest issues to do in Cotignac

Contemplating that Cotignac is a part of probably the most lovely villages of France affiliation, you’ll wish to dedicate no less than an extended afternoon to absorbing its many charms, perusing its beautiful little reward retailers, and maybe take pleasure in a drink or snack on a terrace.

Go to the cliff homes and caves

Discovered inside the limestone cliff are a number of caves and crevices which have been utilized by the villagers for a whole lot of years. Carved out by a waterfall which as soon as gushed from the rock’s face, within the tenth century the water was diverted to create space for Cotignac.

As we speak, lots of the cave dwellings are nonetheless inhabited, and it’s potential to go to a few of them! There’s an entrance charge of two euros, and you’ll’t guide a slot upfront. Be sure to carry money, as credit score/ debit playing cards should not accepted.

Pattern native meals

With scrumptious French delicacies and, after all, distinctive regional wines, the South of France is a veritable delight in the case of eating experiences. To not point out, Cotignac is house to Jardin Secret,  a Provençal restaurant that focuses on eco-friendly delicacies and has earned its very personal Michelin Inexperienced Star.

Provençal delicacies depends closely on native produce, together with golden olive oil, the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea and the staple fragrant mixture of Herbes de Provence. Among the dishes you may count on to see embody Ratatouille, Bouillabaisse (a standard fish stew) and Salade niçoise (a tuna & egg salad that originated from Good).

Whereas it’s nonetheless fairly widespread to be served an “assiette de légumes” (plate of greens), it needs to be mentioned that the South of France is changing into higher at catering to the vegans and vegetarians of the world.

Wander across the previous city

Characterised by delicate pastel-coloured homes, quaint cobbled lanes and the dappled daylight that leaks by the canopies of timber, Cotignac makes for a beautiful vacation spot for which to take in inspiration and wander round.

Among the principal highlights of a stroll round city embody:

• Cotignac’s many fountains – There are a complete of eighteen fountains to hunt out, virtually all of which have been constructed within the seventeenth century. All the water that spouts out is pure and protected to drink!
• Le Chapeau Voyageur – (The Traveller’s Hat) That is the go-to hat store on the town the place you’ll be able to choose up any type of headwear you want!
• Cotignac Market – An artisan market takes on Tuesdays from 8 am, and merchants normally begin to path off round 12:30 pm. Right here you’ll be able to mooch round stalls brimming with native produce and delights of the area.

I might suggest parking near the vacationer workplace as there’s a enormous free automobile park. From there, you’ll be able to simply head to the vacationer workplace to select up pamphlets in regards to the native space earlier than traversing the bridge that goes over La Cassole River and strolling a couple of minutes into Cotignac’s village centre.

Go to the Shrine of Our Girl of Graces

A fantastic lemon-coloured church the place miracles are mentioned to have occurred, a go to to this ecclesial sight is the spotlight of those that pilgrim to Cotignac. The church was in-built 1519, two years after The Virgin Mary and Child Jesus have been sighted by an area woodcutter.

The place to remain

There are many lovely locations to remain in Cotignac, from conventional Proveneceal dwellings to guesthouses filled with appeal. And, because of it being comparatively unknown on the primary vacationer route of South of France, you’re just about assured a peaceable time! Listed here are a couple of solutions of the place to remain (primarily based on internet critiques):

La maison du bonheur – Providing lodging with mountain views, this not too long ago renovated mattress & breakfast has facilities together with a backyard and personal pool. Visitors have commented on the hosts being pleasant and welcoming and the situation is implausible! Examine costs and availability right here.

La Bastide du Mûrier – Boasting a peaceful atmosphere nestled within the coronary heart of Cotignac, this mattress & breakfast provides an included each day do-it-yourself breakfast, a non-public pool and free parking on web site. Run by a stunning couple, reviewers have commented on their attentiveness and described the residence as “a little bit paradise on earth”. Examine costs and availability right here.

Guesthouse Le Mas de Cotignac – Sitting on the increased finish of luxurious, this lovely guesthouse boasts each an indoor swimming pool and an outside seasonal pool. A complimentary breakfast is on the market each day, and also you’ll additionally discover a solar terrace, backyard and rest space to take pleasure in. Visitors have described it as a peaceable retreat and extremely suggest. Examine costs and availability right here.

Loved studying our information to Cotignac? Pin this text now, and browse it once more later: