Cotignac is a beautiful village in the Var department of Provence. It is about 100 km North-East of Marseille, (Roughly 90 minutes drive.) It is a medieval town set against tall cliffs and amidst green rolling hills and valleys.
Things I love about Cotignac – in no order of preference
- It is in a most beautiful part of France
- The vineyards and the wine
- Freshly baked croissants and coffee in the morning
- Moules et frites at The Bar Modern
- The Saturday market – with the glorious selection of produce
- Live music in the amphitheatre
- Walks in the countryside
- Sipping beer in “The Zone” in the company of friends
- Soaking up French countryside culture
When planning the journey to collect the bicycle, and having a stop-over in Istanbul it seemed a natural choice to visit Jude and Mike in Cotignac – after all, it is only a short flight across the Mediterranean (I rationalised.) Then we heard they were planning a party to celebrate multiple birthdays and that sealed the deal.
We stayed in an interesting house in Cotignac that we booked through Airbnb. It rested against the cliffs at the top of the town. However this meant that I had to navigate very narrow, twisty, curvy (did I say narrow?) streets on the right hand side of the road in a hired left-hand drive car. A nerve-wracking experience!. I had too many close encounters with walls, buttresses, parked cars, moving cars, pedestrians and dogs for my peace of mind.
The house in Cotignac
The party was themed Mexican so for 2 months beforehand I grew a bad-boy droopy moustache.
It was great, just very grey so it had to be dyed black and my eyebrows and chest hair had to match. As I was not going to dye them, Tarryn did a fine job with her mascara.
Hola Senor
Transformation complete – from Elred to El Rojo
We were joined in Cotignac by our daughter, Tarryn, and my sister, Joy and our nephew, Andrew.
Joy and Andrew relaxing
We spent time visiting the neighbouring towns, Entrecasteaux and Carces and we took a trip to the Gorges du Verdon in the lovely Moustiers-Sainte-Marie. On the way back we stopped at several vineyards. One of my favourites is Fontainbleau
Fontainbleau Wine Farm Cotignac
But soon it was time to say goodbye so we had a farewell supper at the house.
So long ..farewell to friends and Cotignac
