Cotignac, June 13 - 18, 2026
The 10-bedroom Provençal farmhouse is enchanting and we are so excited to return there for this 5 night retreat. It is nestled within a sprawling private domaine surrounded by wild, untouched nature. Gaze out at the tranquil St. Joseph Monastery as the sun sets behind the majestic Besillon mountain. The original stone archways you see from the great hall was once the monastery’s stables, built in the 1600s. Over the centuries it has been added to and modernized, yet it still carries the spirit and character of its long history.
Just 5 minutes away, nestled beneath towering limestone cliffs, lies the medieval village of Cotignac. Step back in time as you wander cobblestone streets, explore the year-round market brimming with local treasures, or watch the world go by while sipping a café au lait.
The villa is comprised of three buildings; you'll find a number of idyllic patios, an outdoor kitchen under the trees, and a charming pool house with sauna, seating and a bathroom. At your leisure, explore your creative side with an art project, relive the childhood joy of bouncing on an in-ground trampoline, or challenge new friends to a game of pétanque during "apéro hour" (that's French Happy Hour!).
The bedrooms are spread across the buildings and offer a mix of options - twin rooms, queen rooms, and king rooms. Each shares a bathroom (with either tub or shower or both) with one other bedroom. As is the case in many centuries-old European homes, no two rooms are alike: they vary in size, come with their own quirks, and storage is on the cozier side. What they all share is a sense of charm and authenticity that makes staying here feel like stepping into history, with Provence right outside your window.
Select Highlights
Here’s a glimpse of what awaits during our unforgettable week in Cotignac, a place where Provençal charm, soulful connection, and simple joy unfold beneath the warm southern sun and the shadow of the Besillon mountain.
Daily Morning Rituals
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Ease into your day with guided meditations, yoga, or a quiet walk through the vines and olive groves—followed by a nourishing breakfast spread eaten al fresco in the garden courtyard.
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Or sleep in, your call.
The Inner Joy Series
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Our signature program, led by Marea, gently invites you to reflect, reset, and reconnect through short but powerful lesson & guided meditations, journal prompts, and discussion.
Provençal Adventures
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Market mornings
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Wander through lively village markets bursting with lavender, sun-ripened produce, artisanal cheeses, and local treasures. Maybe buy a thing or two.
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Private vineyard visit & tasting
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Sip your way through the region’s famed rosés and reds, guided by a passionate local vintner and lunch amid the vines.
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Afternoon in Cotignac village
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Explore the charming square, ancient troglodyte caves, and boutiques tucked into cobbled lanes with a guide who knows all the great spots.
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Scenic countryside walks
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Expansive Domaine in which to wander the olive groves and stone paths through the wilds of Provence.
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Embrace the Magic of Our Villa
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Lounge by the pool with mountain views, unwind in shaded courtyards, or play pétanque at sunset with a glass of rosé in hand.
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For those craving stillness, retreat to the villa’s nooks and terraces, perfect for reading, journaling, or simply being.
Evenings to Remember
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From long table dinners under the stars to music, candlelight, and a cheeky nightcap, our evenings are filled with warmth, laughter, and connection. Think French country fête meets soul retreat.
Beautiful Surprises
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We won’t give too much away—but you can expect unexpected moments of delight woven throughout the week.
Rooms and Pricing
We are excited to offer a number of options and all prices include meals and snacks, drinks (wine, aperitifs, and, of course, non-alcoholic options), all on-site and off-site activities, and moments of surprise and delight.
Please note that in Cotignac, all bathrooms are shared with one other room. As with many beautiful historic homes in Europe, most bedrooms aren’t large—but they’re full of charm and character.
Pricing is based on a 5-night stay, with the option to add a 6th night for USD$395 - including dinner, breakfast, and a ride to the Marseille airport or Aix-en-Provence TGV. You can choose this add-on when you register!
Early Bird Pricing available now! Prices increase by 10% after February 9, 2026.
The Charm of Cotignac & the Area
Explore the Town
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Village Stroll: Wander Cotignac’s charming streets, lined with pastel houses, fountains, and artisan shops.
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The Rock of Cotignac: Admire the dramatic limestone cliff and explore its troglodyte caves, beautifully lit at night.
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Market Day: We will visit the bustling Provençal market on Tuesday morning to shop for local delicacies. You can choose to hike down or get a ride—rides are guaranteed back up the hill!
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Wine Tasting: Sample local wines, especially the region’s stunning rosés, at town tasting rooms. We’ll also visit a nearby winery.
Explore Nature
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Cascade de Cotignac: Explore this serene waterfall, a short 15-minute walk from the town center .
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Sillans-la-Cascade: We'll swim in a secret swimming hole nearby.
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Hiking Trails: We’ll explore the 3 km scenic trail from the Monastery of St. Joseph Font Bessillon to Notre-Dame de Grâces Sanctuary, connecting two significant spiritual sites.
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Cycling: Use the villa’s bikes to explore the hills. If you would like to rent a bike with electric assistance, we can help!
Explore Culture
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Notre-Dame de Grâces Sanctuary: Visit this historic pilgrimage site with stunning architecture.
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Château de Cotignac Ruins: Discover the remains of a medieval fortress atop the cliff.
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Local Art Galleries: Browse works by talented local artists in town galleries and studios.
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Cliff Houses: Walk to explore the troglodyte houses built into the cliffs of Cotignac, many of which are still occupied. They're magical.
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Pétanque: Play this classic Provençal game with locals in the village or at the Villa with your new friends.