{"id":94827,"date":"2024-08-06T15:02:28","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T05:02:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/?p=94827"},"modified":"2024-08-06T15:02:28","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T05:02:28","slug":"an-early-spring-day-in-the-haut-var-provence-cotignac-part-2-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theproject.com.au\/myfrenchlife\/2024\/08\/06\/an-early-spring-day-in-the-haut-var-provence-cotignac-part-2-3\/","title":{"rendered":"An early Spring Day in the Haut Var, Provence: Cotignac \u2014 Part 2\/3"},"content":{"rendered":"

An early Spring Day in the Haut Var, Provence<\/h2>\n

Here, in Provence not only has Spring officially started but it feels like someone turned on a switch and the temperatures have risen, the flowers have bloomed and the sunny terraces are busy again.<\/p>\n

I spent a lovely day visiting a few of the many spots that the Haute Var has to offer.\u00a0 <\/span>If you\u2019re down by the sea (like me) it\u2019s only about an hour away so it\u2019s a very easy way to spend a day.\u00a0 <\/span>Not only is it a beautiful drive but it\u2019s a complete change of atmosphere.\u00a0 <\/span>Here you\u2019ll enjoy a beautiful drive through the countryside and will be enchanted by the many villages that are tucked away amongst the grottos and hills.<\/p>\n

As always, I loved it, and like every time I go anywhere for the first time, in France I feel just as excited as the first time I arrived over 30 years ago. Here\u2019s what I discovered.<\/p>\n

Cotignac<\/b><\/h2>\n
\"Cotignac\"

Cotignac<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

When I arrived in Cotignac I was immediately taken aback by the beautiful Platane trees that line the main street. \u00a0 <\/span>They are not yet in bloom but still beautiful as their light branches contrast against the crisp blue sky.<\/p>\n

I walked past a little schoolyard where I could hear the children playing and I heard a Mom, talking to her child through the gate in English.\u00a0 <\/span>It made me think that this might be a town with lots of expats.<\/p>\n

Along this tree-lined street are restaurants, shops, and cafes.\u00a0 <\/span>Not many but enough to create a lovely atmosphere.<\/p>\n

\"Cotignac\"

Cotignac<\/p><\/div>\n

From everywhere on this street the presence of the large grotto that feels like a protector as they look over the village cannot go unnoticed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I wandered a bit further along and found myself in a small square.\u00a0 <\/span>Here, there was the Hotel de Ville and one restaurant.\u00a0 <\/span>It was quiet and quaint and again, must be just heaven in the warmer months.\u00a0 <\/span>I loved this little square and of course, there was a fountain.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

After a long leisurely walk through the many little streets of Cotignac, we went back to the main street and enjoyed a wonderful lunch.\u00a0 <\/span>This is France at its best.\u00a0 <\/span>Simple, great food and wine and we were eating outdoors.\u00a0 <\/span>It\u2019s only March but it felt like the beginning of summer.\u00a0 <\/span>Bliss.<\/p>\n

I must admit, that I didn\u2019t make it to the top of the grotto but I will be sure to spend a full day there next time and take it all in.<\/p>\n

I really liked Cotignac and would almost consider this a nice place to live or spend a few months.<\/p>\n

\"Cotignac\"<\/p>\n

As you can see, a day out exploring the Haut Var is well worth the effort.<\/p>\n