Cotignac: Holiday Apartments and Homes

The Rocher of Cotignac is a 400-metre-long and 80-metre-high tuff rock. Former troglodytic dwellings can be visited in the rock; the rock balcony offers panoramic views over the village.

Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Cotignac should focus their accommodation search on this location.

Culture

The Promenade du Rocher can be reached from the Place de la Mairie via a staircase and comprises 90 steps, narrow sections and steep passages. Two so-called Saracen watchtowers stand on the Rocher; an orientation board offers a view of the rooftops of Cotignac and the surrounding area.

“Cotignac Autrefois & Aujourd'hui” presents a look back at the former village with historical information panels, old tools, traditional costumes and reconstructions of traditional trades. The Atelier-Galerie Stéphane Lopez displays original artworks, unique pieces and handicraft objects, including ceramics, sculptures and woven works.

History

The Notre-Dame de Grâces sanctuary was built in 1519 following apparitions of the Virgin Mary. A free visit without a guide is possible; in addition, the free “Baludik” app offers a historical treasure hunt lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.

The esplanade of the Notre-Dame de Grâces sanctuary offers panoramic views over a plain characterised by olive trees and cypresses and can be reached via the steps known as the “Escaliers Louis XIV”.

The “Sainte-Famille” hiking route leads to the Notre-Dame de Grâces sanctuary and the Saint-Joseph du Bessillon sanctuary and refers to the apparitions of the Virgin with the infant Jesus and of Saint Joseph described there. The Saint Joseph du Bessillon sanctuary commemorates an apparition on 7 June 1660 on Mont Bessillon; a chapel dedicated to the event, the Saint-Joseph chapel, was built and consecrated in 1663.

Nature

The Cassole River runs through Cotignac and forms the Trompine waterfall. Cotignac has a mountain biking trail as well as opportunities for hiking.

Things to Do

The “La balade du petit poucet” hike is an easy, 9.5-kilometre tour with approximately three hours of walking time, 220 metres of ascent and yellow trail markings. My Cycles Location rents out electric bicycles, mountain bikes and VTC bikes and offers a guided ride once a week.

Local Life

“Les Toiles du Sud” is an open-air cinema series held every summer at the Théâtre du Rocher. In October, the quince festival combines a craft market, entertainment and a parade centred around the quince, which is typical of Provence. The Tuesday market offers food, local products, wine, catering and goods from artisans.

Further destinations: Cap Bénat, Bagnols-En-Forêt, Vins-Sur-Caramy, Les Adrets-De-L'estérel, Plan-D'aups-Sainte-Baume, Le Cannet-Des-Maures, Ampus, Saint-Antonin-Du-Var

To the higher-level travel overview: Var.