Whether you're staying with me at La Bergerie or just passing through Cotignac for the day, here are a few practical things I've learned about village life in Cotignac.
They should help you get the most out of your time here.
Market day:
The weekly market is on Tuesday morning, roughly 8am to 1pm, all year round. It runs along the Cours Gambetta, the main street, under the plane trees. You'll find fresh fruit and vegetables, local honey, olive oil, cheese, and some simple clothing stalls. In summer it gets busy, so arrive early, before the heat and before the parking areas fill up. Bring a Provençale basket, and it's handy to have some cash to hand too. The ATM is at the village bank, Credit Agricole, over by the Mirabeau wine boutique.
Lunchtime closures:
Like much of rural France, Cotignac stops for lunch. Many smaller shops close from around midday until mid-afternoon (2.30pm-ish), though hours vary from shop to shop. Plan any errands for the morning, and use the middle of the day for a long, unhurried lunch. In summer it's worth booking your lunch table in advance. Most good local restaurants have online booking websites that are easy to use.
Must buys:
Local honey from the market or the honey shop on Cours Gambetta.
Olive oil, ideally from a local producer.
Fresh goat’s cheese, from the market or one of the several fine food emporiums in the village.
Dried lavender from the market.
Straw market bags from the market.
Parking:
The streets in the old village are narrow, so it's easiest to park on the edge of the village and walk in. On market day and in high summer, spaces go quickly, so the earlier you arrive the better. All public carparks are currently free to use. These parking areas are the largest and easiest to find….
Free parking lot just up the hill from the Vignerons de Cotignac co-operative wine shop.
Free parking lot just before you enter the village, next to Avia gas station. In peak summer months there is a nearby overflow parking lot for larger vehicles opposite the public garbage bins.
Free parking lot behind the pharmacy in the centre of Cotignac.
Free parking lot next to the cemetery, which is up a steep & narrow hill between two restaurants on Cours Gambetta (a lane not for the faint of heart).
Things to visit in cotignac:
The cliff and troglodyte caves: The village sits beneath a cliff of around 80 metres high, with two medieval towers, the Tours Sarrasins, on top. The cliff once had a waterfall flowing over it, until the river was diverted thousands of years ago. The caves in the rock have sheltered people over the ages. A path behind the town hall leads up to them, just follow the signs for ‘Promenade de Rocher’. Opening hours to enter the caves are limited, so check before you go. However, it’s still worth taking the Promenade de Rocher to see glimpses of the caves and to marvel at the view of the village from this beautiful high vantage point.
The Cours Gambetta:The main street of Cotignac, Cours Gambetta, is at the heart of the village and is lined with plane trees, cafés and the Fontaine des Quatre Saisons. Perfect for a morning coffee and some people-watching. Many great restaurants are along this street and most open for lunch and dinner throughout the year.
Notre-Dame de Grâces. A holy sanctuary/church on Mont Verdaille, just outside the village, that has welcomed pilgrims since 1519. It's open daily and free to visit. Modest dress is requested.
Local Hidden gems:
Sillans-la-Cascade. A village about 6 km north of Cotignac (just 4km north of La Bergerie), with a waterfall of around 42 metres. The path to the waterfall is well-signposted from the village carparks in the centre of Sillans-la-Cascade. Note that swimming in the pool beneath the waterfall is not allowed.
Saint-Joseph du Bessillon. A quieter holy sanctuary/church on Mont Bessillon, linked to the same pilgrimage route as Notre-Dame de Grâces.
my favourite shops:
La Gallerie de Cotignac - for unique Provençale artworks and sculptures.
The Bookshop at the Lou Calen Hotel - for inspiring local and international books.
L’ame de Sud - for local food and wine delicacies to eat in or take home as beautifully packaged gifts.
La Brocante de Nina - for gorgeous vintage art, tableware and small furniture finds.
The Mirabeau Wine Boutique - for beautiful Provençal wine and unique homewear & art.
I hope this helps you settle in quickly. If you're staying at La Bergerie, I'm always happy to share more tips when you arrive.
