My original plan was to leave Paris to live closer to nature. After looking at several regions, we chose the Var, which we were already familiar with and which ticked all the boxes for us. Cotignac – which is featured in the Routard guide because of its outstanding quality of life – was a natural choice. As soon as we got here, we fell in love with the place. I still remember the shepherds driving their sheep and being surrounded by sheep with my children in the car, feeling as though I were stepping into a scene from my childhood. I chose this house because of its location in the heart of the village and its authentic architecture. I love living here, in tune with the rhythm of the bells, the friendly discussions and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that are the very soul of Cotignac.
The terraced house is built straight upwards, as are most of the houses in Cotignac. It comprises four floors above a cellar, the top one of which is an attic. Each floor covers some 30 m². The house faces north/south, between the street and the gardens. The gabled roof, covered in barrel tiles, is accented with gables, which are characteristic of the region. The house has been completely renovated. Its original features have been preserved wherever possible. The former hayloft has been converted into a spacious, light-filled living room, which opens out onto a covered terrace. The rest of the house retains its traditional layout, whilst offering modern amenities.
The house is situated on one of the oldest streets in Cotignac, whose rich past sheds light on the house's story. It once housed a coaching inn, which has since become the village’s oldest hotel. The neighbouring buildings housed the kitchens, the laundry and the stables, whilst the surrounding gardens were part of this complex. Although the house itself was not built during that period, its vast vaulted cellar may be a remnant of that era. The old stables, still visible on neighbouring properties, serve as a reminder of the street’s role as a stopping place for travellers and their horses. It is thought to have been built in the 18th century, like the buildings surrounding it.
Nestled in the heart of the village, which has been labelled one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France”, the house enjoys a prime location at the foot of the famous tuff cliff and its cave dwellings. From the covered terrace, the view opens out onto the village’s colourful houses and the surrounding hills. Everything is within walking distance: restaurants, shops, the market, summer events, open-air cinema and traditional festivals. The house is also an excellent starting point for walks in the Provençal hills. I like to welcome my guests myself and treat them to a few little personal touches, such as a welcome hamper.
Every summer, the Théâtre du Rocher hosts “Les Toiles du Sud”, an open-air film festival featuring preview screenings, mainstream films and film concerts in a beautiful setting. The village is also home to the "Lou Calen". Having been completely refurbished, this iconic hotel now houses a bookshop open to all, the gourmet restaurant called "Le Jardin Secret" and the cosy "Bistrot du Lou Calen". "La Commanderie de Peyrassol" is one of the most renowned organic wine estates in the Côtes de Provence AOP. Its centuries-old history, the quality of its wines, its sculpture park, its contemporary art centre, its restaurants and its exceptional surroundings make it a must-visit destination.
Spread over four floors and covering approximately 120 m², the house comprises an entrance hall, a utility room and a toilet on the ground floor. The first floor has a kitchen and a bedroom with an en-suite shower room. The second floor has two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. All of them are fitted with double beds. The top floor features a spacious living room that opens onto a covered terrace.
ref 673006
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