Tucked away in high Provence is this glorious, three-hectare country estate. Within it, set among olive groves, are 12 uber-chic rooms and suites. Each one is unique, some with a history dating back to the early 1800s. Choose a room in the lovingly restored, original stone house (all have private terraces), or splurge on a three-storey, tower-like suite with views over the cliff.
The gardens are vast, tranquil and beautifully well-kept. A large heated pool sparkles somewhere among the trees. You can see why yoga is a popular pastime here. Potter through the grounds to the restaurant, another successful restoration project undertaken by the owners. Here a top-rated chef works his magic using produce plucked from the kitchen garden. Spend days reclining on a sunny pool lounger or sampling beer at the hotel microbrewery (yep, it has one of those too). Postcard-perfect Cotignac, the local village, is a stunner, backed by cliffs with ancient cave dwellings, and watched over by two medieval towers. Explore on foot, or hop in the car and venture a little further out to discover Provence's spectacular scenery. We can’t wait to retreat here.
Highs
- The picturesque, nature-rich country estate is quite the setting
- We love the look of the classic-yet-chic Provencal country styling in the rooms
- The tree-lined pool, perfectly placed in the lush green gardens
- A top location: within walking distance of a charming Provencal village
- We hear the food served in Jardin Secret is top-notch
Lows
- The restaurant is closed for lunch and dinner on Wednesdays (Thursdays too in mid/low season), but there are plenty of places to eat nearby; the wine bar is only open mid-June to mid-Sept
- Finding the place is a challenge – bring detailed directions!
- The pool can be a little chilly during colder months
- There are no TVs in the rooms, but there are in-room tablets
- No rooms or suites can be set up as twins; top suites have sofabeds
Best time to go
From April to June, and September to October, the climate is warm and the sights are less busy. Summers (July to August) are hot and busy in this region. That said, Lou Calen is a haven away from the masses. The hotel is open all year.
Our top tips
There’s no need to pack a hat. The hotel provides chic straw sun hats for use during your stay.
- Boutique hotel
- 12 rooms
- Restaurants and bars (varying opening hours)
- All ages welcome
- Closed: Early Nov-early Dec
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
Rooms
The 12 rooms and suites are spread across the three-hectare estate. All have been beautifully styled using wood and stone; the vibe is classic Provencal chic. Bathrooms are sleek, with feature tiling. All are nestled amid beautiful surroundings; you can expect a private terrace and garden views.
Troglodyte looks particularly cool. It's built into a limestone cliff and has a gorgeous, light-drenched living room located within a glass-enclosed terrace. At the upper end of the scale, the suites have a luxury self-catering vibe: we're talking kitchen corners and cosy living areas, great for families or larger groups. For maximum wow factor, book The Pigeonnier, set in an impressive tower-like structure and spread over three floors. They had us at 'cliff views' and 'hammam shower'.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Minibar/fridge
- WiFi
Eating
Stroll across the grounds to the hotel restaurant, Jardin Secret. You'll find it nestled in the hills, surrounded by picture-postcard olive grove views. It's housed in one of the estate’s original 200-year-old buildings. A continental breakfast is served on the shaded roof terrace. Produce is plucked from the garden or purchased from local markets, so expect the freshest ingredients on your plate. At dinner, scoff monkfish stew with potatoes, leeks and Provencal garlic sauce, or pan-fried beef with tender vegetables.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner from Friday to Tuesday (Thursdays too in high season), but there are other excellent food options in the village. We hear Picotte Provence does a mean sea bass dish. Then, back at Lou Calen, swing by Didier’s Wine Bar for a nightcap. The manager (Didier) knows his stuff when it comes to decent local tipple (note the bar is open mid-June to mid-September only). Plans are underway for two more restaurants and another bar. Watch this space.
Features include:
- Children's meals
- Minibar/fridge
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
- Spend days swimming in the tranquil, tree-lined pool or snoozing on a sun lounger
- This is the perfect spot for unwinding. Make the most of the space and join a yoga class; do ask if there are any workshops and retreats during your stay
- Visit the friendly on-site microbrewery, Tailleur de biere, and sample unique, seasonal beers. Or take part in a brewing workshop. Games nights take place here too, as do live music gigs
- Discover the fascinating Troglodyte caves of Villecroze, which date back to the Middle Ages (19km/25 mins)
- Potter the streets of Cotignac, where there is art to see, shops to explore and cafes to people-watch from. Don’t miss the weekly market on a Tuesday
- Travel a little further to the teeny village of Sillans la Cascade (10 mins). A fairly tricky but short walk takes you to an incredible, clear-blue, 40m-high waterfall. Note that it gets slippy, so bring proper shoes
- Sun worshippers should head to the beaches of the vivid-blue Lac de Sainte-Croix (50 mins)
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Horse riding
- Kayaking
- Shopping / markets
- Yoga
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome here and there's a dedicated pool for families plus a lagoon like splash pool for smaller ones. There’s lots of outdoor space to spread out and explore in. Younger ones will love the garden treasure hunts. You can even arrange a fun in-room tipi for an extra fee. The restaurant offers a children’s menu and high chairs.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The Cassole rooms, with their private terraces and garden views, can interconnect. The Sarrasine Suites come with a mezzanine offering a little second bed. Bigger families should opt for a Trompine suite, which has a spacious living area and kitchen and sleeps up to 4 guests, including a baby.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
- Baby cots
- High chairs
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
Kids menu
Kids Activities on site:
- Swimming pool for families
- Petanque
- Billiards
Kids Activities nearby:
- Canoeing on the Argens river
- Electric boat on Sainte Croix lake
- Rent e-bikes and explore
- Sillans and its waterfall
Families Should Know:
The main pool is adult only
Distances:
- Airport: 1hr15m
- Hospital: 30 minutes
- Shops: 2 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Lou Calen is a three-hectare country estate in Cotignac, a pretty village in central Provence.
By Air:
Fly into Nice or Marseille (70-80 mins/100km).
By Train:
Alight at Aix en Provence or Marseille.
From the Airport:
The easiest option is to drive. Car rentals are available from both airports. It is about 1hr15m drive from Nice or Marseille airports, and a 1hr drive from Aix en Provence or Marseille railway stations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport 118.0 km NCE
- Marseille Provence Airport 100.0 km MRS
Other:
- Beach 40.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km