10 Photos that will make you want to visit Cotignac Provence

Cotignac is a stunningly beautiful Provencal village, an intoxicating blend of colour and charm that’s off the beaten track, a place to relax and enjoy a slower pace of life and as these Cotignac photos show an unforgettable place that typifies the best of Provence…

The village of Cotignac in the Var, is dominated by majestic cliffs on top of which sit a pair of square, medieval towers, “Les Tours Sarrasins”, which have been watching over the town for centuries. Built into the cliffs are caves which have provided shelter and refuge going back millennia, and even today a few of these troglodyte dwellings are in use. You can visit them from a path behind the town hall or take the road signposted to the Les Tours Sarrasins.

The town dates back to Roman times, the Romans no doubt drawn to the sunny climes and excellent terroir in which the famous vines grow to this day. Village life evolves around the long Cours Gambetta, a raised pedestrian road on the west side with cars on the east side.

Plane trees cast shade over the bubbling fountain “Les Quatres Saisons” and the tables that spill onto the pavement from the restaurants and cafés, like the ever popular café du Cours, and the benches where locals sit and watch the world go by.

Don’t miss the market if you’re in the area. Colourful, vibrant and the perfect opportunity to enjoy a quintessential French market Provence style followed by a glass of rose wine that the area is famous for producing. The market takes place year round on Tuesday morning (08.00-13.00) and is great for fresh fruit, vegetables, honey, olive oil and clothing. It gets busy in the summer and parking can be hard so get there early for a space.

Cotignac old town has pretty, winding streets, mellow stone houses some of which date back to the 16^th Century with beautiful wrought iron decorations.

Everywhere dazzling displays of flowers draw the eye and the admiration of visitors.

There are lots of restaurants, cafés, bars, quirky shops and art galleries to peruse. Enjoy a fabulous gateau or an artisan made baguette from one of the three local bakeries Pouillard, Infosino and Pascale (who has created a special baguette named after the village, the Cotignacéen).

How to get to Cotignac: Cotignac is located on the D13/D22 about 36 km west of Draguignan, 20 km north of Brignoles.

What else to see: Close by are two impressive waterfalls, 6 km to the north of Cotginac is Sillans-la-Cascade with its 42-meter high waterfall in a stunningly picturesque location.

The Gorge du Verdon is just 38 km from Cotignac with its fabulous views and excellent watersports and hiking paths.