Cogolin, Golfe de Saint Tropez

Charming old village famous for the manufacturing of cork and pipes

featured in Towns & Villages Updated 19 June 2023

Cogolin is a charming old village in the hills above Saint Tropez. There is also Port Cogolin which is a modern, purpose-built marina filled by beautiful boats.

Cogolin, like so many villages in this part of the world, is a town of several parts and with several distinct characters.

The old town is located several kilometres back from the coast, whilst down by the sea there are two marina villages - Port Cogolin is the older, smaller (and more charming) port, whereas Marines de Cogolin is a more modern 'seaside village' with a large yacht port and the feel of a created but pleasant Provençal-style town.

The older part of Cogolin is built on a small hill (cougoul) where the main town hall square is located, plus the clock tower and cemetery.

The town has lots of the little smoking pipe shops that Cogolin is famous for, as well as other crafts such as carpet-weaving, reeds for musical instruments, pottery and ceramics.

Down on the coast the ports of Cogolin are full of cafés, restaurants and boutiques, good for a wander and a long lunch looking out over the yachts. Many events are held throughout the year in Cogolin such as exhibitions, flea markets, concerts and festivals, giving this Provençal village-of-three-parts a very welcoming feel.

History & Culture in Cogolin

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in Cogolin

The old town is dominated by a 14th century clock tower on the hill, which is all that remains from the Wars of Religion when everything else was destroyed.

Of interest is also the 16th century Saint-Sauveur (Saint-Etienne church), which has a restored sundial on it with a Provençal inscription which reads "We each have our own sun".

As you wander through the town you'll also notice many dual street name signs with both the ancient and modern names, the most amusing of which is the Rue Rompe Cul, meaning 'fall on your butt'. Why? Because it was the steepest street. It's a common street name in France when there's worn, slippery cobblestones to be navigated.

There's also the Raimu Museum celebrating the French actor's film career and the Templier Museum exploring the history of the Knights Templar in Provence.

Le Chateau Grimaud, Grimaud

Located in Grimaud

Situated on a hilltop dominating the town, this medieval castle boasts absolutely breathtaking panoramic views over the Maures massif and the Saint-Tropez gulf.
La Tour de l'Horloge

Located in Cogolin

Cogolin's 14th century hilltop clock tower is all of what is left of its original castle, which was destroyed in 1579 during the Religious Wars. It now dominates the town creating an imposing view.

Beaches in Cogolin

There is a beach at Les Marines-des Cogolin which has golden sands and watersports (including sailing lessons) and a lovely view of Saint Tropez. It also has picnic tables, snack bar beach volleyball and a beach restaurant.

Bouillabaisse Beach

Located 7.7 km away

La Bouillabaisse is a more low-key option to the swanky beach clubs on Pampelonne beach and is situated closer to the town of Saint Tropez.
La Ponche Beach

Located 9.1 km away

Plage de la Ponche and its neighbour Plage de la Fontanette are two lovely beaches which you can access directly from the heart of the village.
Graniers Beach

Located 9.6 km away

Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
Pampelonne Beach

Located 10.8 km away

Pampelonne Beach is the beach most people associate with Saint-Tropez. This is where you will find the A-listers, the famous beach clubs, and the super yachts resting in the bay.
Canoubiers Beach

Located 11.0 km away

This beach is situated around the coastline from Plage des Graniers, and sits close to the main road of Route des Salins, so access from St-Tropez town is fairly easy.
L'Escalet Beach, Ramatuelle

Located 11.5 km away

The coastline between Cape Taillat and Cape Camarat is a succession of pretty little beaches, coves and rocky inlets, with translucent waters over the polished rocks or golden sands.

Dining in Cogolin

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Things to do in Cogolin

A lot of the activities around Cogolin are water-based, including sailing, chartering a boat for the day or relaxing on the nearby beach.

With the thickly forested Maures hills rising up behind the town, there are also great hiking opportunities such as the GR51 'Balcony de Côte d'Azur' long range hiking trail that passes by Cogolin, plus other walking and mountain-biking trails within this forest.

When it comes to organised activities, there's mini-golf, tennis and bike hire along the coast. For entertainment, there's the theme park Azure Park at nearby Gassin, with rollercoasters, waterslides and a ferris wheel.

For a more grown-up day out Riviera style, hit the Saint Tropez Polo Club, or head to the nearby vineyard of Domaine de la Giscle for a tour and some wine tasting.

Ecole Izzo

Ecole Izzo offers courses on how to survive in the wild without using modern technology.
Grimaud Tourist Train

Aboard a little train discover the small hilltop village of Grimaud, a medieval town nestled below its feudal castle. Hop off to explore the medieval village and catch the next train to complete the tour.
La Palmeraie Mini Golf

With your friends and family come and discover this beautiful Mini Golf course with its many waterfalls and different types of palm trees.
Paintball Family

Come and experience an unforgettable and fun day out with Paintball Family.
L'Ecurie du Golfe de Saint Tropez, Grimaud

Located in the heart of the Saint Tropez Gulf, this riding school welcomes you in nearly 10 acres of land at the foot of the magnificent Grimaud castle.
Grimaud Karting Loisir, Grimaud

Together with electronic timing, GKL offer you top equipment and professional support for your karting experience.

Nightlife in Cogolin

When it comes to nightlife, Port Cogolin has a few small clubs and late opening bars by the marinas, but in reality, nearby Saint Tropez is the destination for a spectacular night out.

See all Bars & Clubs

Hotels in Cogolin

Le Y Boutique Hotel

Located in Saint Tropez

Hidden amongst the narrow streets of the old village, this discrete hotel is right at the foot of the Citadel and only 2 minutes from the Port and La Ponche beach.
Pan dei Palais Boutique Hotel

Located in Saint Tropez

Near the Place des Lices in the old town of St Tropez, a finely carved wooden door invites you to enter the Pan Deï Palais hotel, a Garden of Eden.
Le Pre de la Mer Hotel

This four-star hotel is ideally located and offers a luxurious and serene setting for your holiday in Saint Tropez.
La Ponche Hotel

Located in Saint Tropez

This exquisite five star hotel is all about elegance and luxury and is dedicated to Jacques Cordier’s work.
Lou Pinet Hotel & Spa

Located in Saint Tropez

Opened in 2017, this hotel was completely transformed with a team comprising some of the best designers, architects and landscapers, as well as world-famous chefs and mixologists.
Chateau de Valmer Spa Hotel, La Croix Valmer

This luxurious sea-side chateau, a former stately house with its winery is an elegant and charming country house which has been restored and re-decorated with care and finesse.

Directions

For those relying on public transport, you can take bus no.7601 from Saint Raphael or Saint Tropez, although it will drop you off by the 'Cogolin-Foux' stop and you will have to swap to the no.7702 line running from Les Arcs to get to the old part of town.