Lou Calen

Location: Situated in the village of Cotignac, with proximity to local attractions, shops, and a 5-minute walk to the village center.

Loved Lou Calen. It’s a somewhat quirky hotel and all the better for it. It has character. For example Reception doubles as a bookshop. Delightful. The bistro restaurant does what it says on the tin but the Secret Garden restaurant failed to match the hype. The room was as good as good as any top 5 star hotel I’ve been to, even with a Japanese loo (beyond my pay grade). Lovely large balcony too (Room 101). Bottle of local Rose wine. Huge comfy bed. Clean with beautiful finish. Top notch. The 2 pools are fabulous and the gardens an oasis. I loved also that outside the door you’re right in the main street of Contignac. You can pop out to eat, have a drink, boulangerie etc. The staff are really helpful and kind. They helped us hire electric bikes for a morning tour of the area with maps (€25 - highly recommend). Another day we drove to Moutiers Saint Marie and hired a kayak to paddle up the Gorges Verdun (€20). Great fun. The village is the prettiest I think I’ve ever been to. Buy artisan ice cream at L’Etoile Givree - fab homemade ice cream (and cones!). If eating out try Restaurant Jeanot 50 yds away and the Boulangerie Lou Gourmands in Place Mairie is lovely. Market day is Tuesday. Overall a really enjoyable, relaxing stay.