Cotignac, a village that blends nature, history, and Provençal charm
Gambetta Street
At the foot of an 80-meter-high cliff, you’ll find one of the gems of the Var region: Cotignac. This trip will take you just 17 kilometers from the Gorges du Verdon campground and let you discover a place with a truly unique character, full of wonders and surprises that will transport you back in time.
Cotignac is a village dominated by two Saracen towers, remnants of the fortifications that once protected the area. They are unique in that they have no entrance at their base. This architectural peculiarity has raised many questions and given rise to legends that have been passed down from generation to generation in the Var region.
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It is said that they could communicate with one another through secret passages, and we know that the residents of Cotignac would hide in secret caves in the event of a siege. Those caves that have been discovered are now open to visitors, so a visit to Cotignac and the villages of the Verdon offers a glimpse into the history of the Var region.
Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation and Shrine of Saint Joseph of Bessillon
During your stay in the Var, at our campground near Cotignac, take the time to explore the spiritual heritage of Cotignac, a village in the “Land of Art and History” region of the Provence Verte. It’s worth noting that Cotignac is considered a major Christian pilgrimage site in the Var. In fact, it’s one of the few places in the world where Saint Joseph, a central figure in Catholic tradition, is said to have appeared.
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Visit the Church of Notre Dame de l’Annonciation. It is located at the top of Cours Gambetta. Dating back to the 13th century, it features an 18th-century marble high altar and a magnificent 19th-century organ. A 10-minute drive from this church, near the villages of the Verdon, you can admire the Sanctuary of Saint Joseph du Bessillon.
Note: According to our latest information, the Saint-Joseph du Bessillon Shrine is not open to visitors, but you can enter its chapel.
The Rock of Cotignac
Overlooking the village of Cotignac, the tuff cliff—nicknamed “Le Rocher”—imposes itself with its majestic presence. Standing 80 meters high and 400 meters long, it provides a spectacular backdrop for the houses that seem to nestle naturally against it.
A winding staircase leads to the gardens of Le Rocher, a former hospice founded in 1314. The climb leads to a terrace that serves as an orientation point. From this rock, you can admire a spectacular panoramic view that takes in much of the Provence Verte region.
The Culinary Delights of Cotignac
After visiting the Cours Gambetta, the Church of Notre-Dame de l’Annonciation, the Sanctuary of Saint Joseph of Bessillon, the Sanctuary of Notre-Dame-de-Grâces, the Rocher de Cotignac, the Troglodyte Caves, the Saracen Towers, the Cassole Waterfall, and the “Autrefois et Aujourd’hui” Museum, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the restaurants in the village of La Sainte Famille. You’ll find the best places to eat on the Cotignac Tourist Office website.
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Thanks to these restaurants’ menus and the expertise of the chefs behind the stoves, you can savor the flavors of Provence, such as pistou soup, tapenade, anchoïade, ratatouille, and vegetable tian…Pair these delicacies with a fine wine from the Var, a world-renowned producer of rosé wine.
Note: The Tuesday market, held on Cours Gambetta, is a great opportunity to buy the best local products from Cotignac: honey, lavender, truffles, olive oil…
Festivities in Cotignac
This village in the Var comes alive throughout the year and takes on a special atmosphere depending on the festivities taking place in Cotignac. Depending on when you’re vacationing at our 4-star campground, Les Oasis du Verdon, you may be able to attend some of these festivals:
- St. Joseph’s Day Celebrations: This is a diocesan pilgrimage, a major religious festival, celebrated in Cotignac in March. It takes place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace and the Shrine of St. Joseph.
- Festival de la Terre: Held in late March, this festival features discussions, meetings, tastings, and forums on sustainable development. It also extends to the villages of Correns and Le Val.
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- Quince Festival: This event celebrates the quince, the iconic fruit of the Var region, with a market and special activities. It is usually held in October.
- Soapbox Derby: In September, join this wild race followed by a festive afternoon.
- Festival des Toiles du Sud: This outdoor film festival takes place at the foot of the Rocher de Cotignac between July and August.
- Provençal Christmas Market: This is a traditional Christmas market that takes place in December.
Cotignac is much more than just a village in the Var and Provence. It is an invitation to contemplation, a crossroads between history and spirituality, a setting where traditions and natural beauty blend together.
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