Cogolin
Charming old village famous for the manufacturing of cork and pipes
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.
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.
Sights in Cogolin
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Le Chateau Grimaud, 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.
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La Tour de l'Horloge
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.
Beaches in Saint-Tropez
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Bouillabaisse Beach
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.
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La Ponche Beach
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.
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Graniers Beach
Plage des Graniers is a beautiful, small sandy bay surrounded by greenery and a few Provençal villas.
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Pampelonne Beach
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.
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Canoubiers Beach
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.
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L'Escalet Beach, Ramatuelle
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.
Events in Cogolin
Events in Cogolin
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Brocante Le Jas des Robert (flea market)
The Brocante (or flea market) Le Jas des Robert has become a must-see place for the bargain hunters of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez.
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.
Things To Do in Cogolin
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Ecole Izzo
Ecole Izzo offers courses on how to survive in the wild without using modern technology.
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Grimaud Karting Loisir, Grimaud
Together with electronic timing, GKL offer you top equipment and professional support for your karting experience.
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Paintball Family
Come and experience an unforgettable and fun day out with Paintball Family.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Hotels in Cogolin
Hotels in Cogolin
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Villa Marie Boutique Hotel
Villa Marie Saint-Tropez reinvents the charm of Riviera style with its elegant suites, a restaurant of southern cuisine and a welcoming seafood bar.
Price: €8,107
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Mas Bellevue Hotel
Minutes from the Pamplonne beaches and the centre of Saint Tropez, discover a charming Provencal farmhouse and its stunning pools and sea views.
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La Bastide de Saint Tropez Hotel
Enjoy the ultimate elegance of typical Tropezienne residence in the heart of heavenly and exotic 2 acre park, where each guest is welcome and considered as a host.
Price: €8,487
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Domaine de L'Astragale Hotel
Enjoy a holiday in one of the most enchanting places on the French Riviera. This resort is perfect for tourists who want to experience a Provence tour or simply enjoy relaxation and comfort in a tranquil and peaceful environment.
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Villa Cosy Boutique Hotel
Villa Cosy hotel is located just a few steps away from the Place des Lices and the old town of St Tropez.
Price: €35,006
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La Ferme d'Augustin Hotel
This four star hotel is an authentic hotel situated in front of the Pampelonne bay, steps away from Tahiti beach and a few minutes away from Saint Tropez.
How to get to Cogolin
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.
Transfers for Saint-Tropez
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Saint-Tropez, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Millenium Transport Transfers
For more than 10 years, Millenium Transport has been the leading firm in terms of top-of-the-range transports with driver and provides a high quality of service in order to satisfy the needs and expectations of international clients who make the French Riviera so famous.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Acarre Limousine Transfers
Acarre Limousine offers transfers from the airport, train station and other taxi services whether it is from the beach or to a nightclub.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
Property For Sale in Cogolin
Property for Sale in Cogolin
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Villa for Sale
Situated in the heart of the Baie of Saint-Tropez, this charming property boasts meticulous design and refined amenities.
Price: €1,995,000