Calen
Eccentric eco-resort with deep Provençal character. Think local artisan toiletries, straw hats left in your room, Japanese toilets in restored stone buildings, and a pastis bar opening onto the village square. Culturally rich — there are rotating art exhibitions, creative writing workshops under olive trees, and live concerts in the microbrewery. Not a manicured resort hotel: the grounds are deliberately wild and rambling, accessed via a narrow road that surprises most arriving guests.
Ask for a room with a kitchenette in the Providence category if you want more independence
Why It Matters
The hotel gained its original fame in the early 1970s when rock stars and celebrities gathered here — French singer Joe Dassin was such a regular he spent his wedding night in what is now the named Joe Dassin Room. Jacques Loussier, the jazz pianist, recorded nearby at Château Miraval (now Brad Pitt's property). After over 20 years shuttered, it was reborn as a serious eco-resort. The Jardin Secret restaurant holds a Michelin Guide selection, and Cotignac itself carries the coveted 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' label.
Lou Calen ('oil lamp' in Provençal) is a 3-hectare eco-resort sitting right in the heart of Cotignac, one of France's officially designated most beautiful villages. The property is split between a lovingly restored 1970s historic hotel facing the main village square and a garden hamlet called Mico — 36 rooms and suites spread across old stone buildings, a limestone cave, and a three-storey dovecote tower. It reopened after more than 20 years of closure, rebuilt around an eco-conscious ethos: local suppliers, a Michelin-recognised restaurant, a craft microbrewery, an art centre, and a bookshop where reception also operates.
Where You'll Stay
15 room types available
Bessillon
From EUR240 / nightLocated in the historic hotel building, these rooms combine old building materials with modern furniture. Square views over the Cotignac village square make them feel anchored to the village life below. Cheerful and comfortable, if not the most spacious.
King (180cm) or Twin (290cm on request) · 35 sqmCassole (Historic Hotel)
From EUR300 / nightWarm and cosy rooms in the historic hotel that extend onto private terraces with panoramic views of the Maures mountains. Japanese toilet included. Named after the traditional Provençal cassoulet dish.
King (180cm) or Twin (290cm on request) · 30 sqmCassole (Mico Hamlet)
From EUR300 / nightWarm and elegant garden rooms in the Mico Hamlet, set into greenery for total nature immersion. Private terraces, Japanese toilets, and a relaxed Provençal palette.
Double (160cm) · 30 sqmFamily Suite (Historic Hotel)
From EUR700 / nightThe largest accommodation at Lou Calen. Three bedrooms (two large doubles plus a smaller room for children or staff), a separate living room with fully-equipped kitchen, three bathrooms, bathtub, hammam shower — and a private terrace with a small water feature. Sleeps 4 adults and 2 children.
2x King (200cm) + 2x bunk beds (90cm) · 100 sqmJoe Dassin Room
From EUR280 / nightThe most storied room in the hotel. French singer Joe Dassin was a regular at Lou Calen in the 1970s and 80s and spent his wedding night here. Now redesigned with natural materials while keeping its mezzanine layout and old-world charm. Bathtub plus hammam shower, valley views.
King (180cm) · 40 sqmProvidence (Historic Hotel)
From EUR350 / nightExtremely spacious rooms in the historic building with large private terraces. Soft colours and natural materials with Provençal fabrics. Optional kitchenette for more independence. Among the most comfortable and versatile rooms on the property.
King (180cm) · 47 sqmProvidence (Mico Hamlet)
From EUR350 / nightSpacious and light-filled rooms spread across the Mico Hamlet, each with a private terrace and optional kitchenette. Soft colours and natural materials. PMR (wheelchair) room available on request.
Double (160cm) · 45 sqmSarrasine Suite (Historic Hotel)
From EUR450 / nightStrong character throughout: wood, stone, and marble crafted together with a mezzanine second bed, a lounge area, and a hidden open-air roof terrace. Ideal for small families or couples wanting more space and drama.
King (180cm) + small child bed on mezzanine · 55 sqmSarrasine Suite (Mico Hamlet)
From EUR450 / nightA haven for contemplation. Soft colour palette, wood stove, hammam shower, and a private terrace with a panoramic view of the Cotignac cliff. One of the estate's most scenic and romantic rooms.
King (180cm) · 55 sqmSignature Suite (Historic Hotel)
From EUR600 / nightThe flagship suite in the historic hotel. Designed top to bottom to represent the full Lou Calen spirit — two bedrooms, two bathrooms with bathtub and hammam shower, a separate living room, small kitchen, and a wide private terrace looking onto the greenest part of the estate.
2x King beds · 80 sqmSignature Suite Le Pigeonnier (Mico Hamlet)
From EUR600 / nightThe most spectacular room on the estate and possibly one of the most distinctive in inland Provence. A three-storey converted dovecote (pigeonnier) with rounded stone walls, wood stove, kitchen, bathtub and shower. The top-floor terrace delivers a 360-degree view of the hotel gardens and the Cotignac cliff. You'll want to stay in it all day.
King (180cm) · 60 sqm
The Bastidon (Mico Hamlet)
From EUR220 / nightThe most compact and the most authentic room on the estate. Built from old Cotignac stone with south-facing terrace, it sits at the heart of the Mico Hamlet gardens. Cosy and full of rustic character — a genuine Provençal bastidon in miniature.
Double (160cm) · 16 sqmThe Troglodyte (Mico Hamlet)
From EUR350 / nightGenuinely singular. The bedroom and bathroom are carved directly into a limestone cave, which keeps temperatures naturally stable and the atmosphere romantic and quiet. The living room is glass-enclosed for natural light. A kitchenette adds practicality. One of the most talked-about rooms on the estate.
Queen · 30 sqmTrompine Suite (Historic Hotel)
From EUR550 / nightThe largest standard suite in the historic hotel. Two adults plus two children, fully-equipped kitchen, living room with convertible sofa, bathtub and hammam shower, and a private terrace in the gardens. Good for families who want self-catering flexibility.
King (200cm) + convertible sofa · 65 sqmTrompine Suite (Mico Hamlet)
From EUR550 / nightSplit-level family suite in the garden hamlet with generous living spaces — a lounge, fully-equipped kitchen, wood stove, bathtub, shower, two bathrooms, and a private garden terrace. The convertible sofa can sleep children.
King (180cm) + convertible sofa · 65 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Led by plant specialist Vera Schütz, guests tour the Lou Calen gardens to discover Provençal plants and their traditional medicinal virtues. Phytotherapy and herbalism knowledge shared.
Guided tickets to tour the troglodyte cliff caves of Cotignac, which sit just above the town and the hotel's upper estate.
Reception doubles as a curated bookshop with Provençal and French literature. A wine selection and local artisan products also available. One of the property's more unusual features — guests frequently mention it.
Workshop with Fabienne encouraging guests to read aloud, share and explore writing. Open to all levels. Held under the olive trees in the gardens.
Led by local artist Gilles Dugenet. Guests create a series of small drawings and paintings in a sketchbook using simple techniques inspired by the Provençal landscape. Materials provided.
On-site contemporary art centre with rotating exhibitions. Entry from €4. Linked to the hotel's Art and Gastronomy package.
With artist Sandra Dugenet, guests learn sculpting principles and create a piece using Provence clay. Guided by the material and human philosophy.
Mindfulness-focused wood carving sessions with Mathieu Segret. Each carved form reflects an inner journey, used as a means of relaxation.
Half-day or full-day electric bike hire with guided itinerary maps for exploring Provence Verte. Available through reception.
18-hole green fee at the Barbaroux golf course, a nearby course in a natural Provençal setting. Bookable as part of the Golf in Provence package.
Two pétanque courts on the estate for guests.
On-site tennis court available for guest use.
Regular live music events at the microbrewery bar, hosting artists from all musical backgrounds. Entry includes one drink.
Monthly Sunday event combining a Pilates session with Fabé Dia (former Olympic athlete) and the Bistrot's generous buffet brunch. Bookable separately or together.
Three outdoor heated pools on the estate, open April to October. One is family-friendly, one is adults-only. Non-guests can also access the pools via a Lunch & Pool day package.
Summer evening event combining Provence wines, live acoustic guitar, and a shared flame-cooked dinner among the vineyard rows. Seasonal — July and August dates.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Dedicated coworking area on the property.
On-site contemporary art centre with rotating exhibitions.
On-site curated bookshop at reception with Provençal and French literature and a boutique.
Working kitchen garden supplying produce to the Jardin Secret restaurant.
Two separate car parks at different entrances. €10 per vehicle per day.
Some rooms can accommodate small pets. Prior arrangement required by email.
Three outdoor heated pools on the estate, open April to October. Includes a family pool and an adults-only option.
Rooms stocked with products from local Provençal brand Une Olive en Provence.
A classic Lou Calen touch — each room receives a straw hat for guest use during their stay.
BUILD YOUR LOU CALEN PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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