Cogolin: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
Cogolin is located on the Gulf of St. Tropez on the French Côte d'Azur. With its fine sandy beach and marina with up to 1,800 berths, the town is still considered an undiscovered gem on the famous coast. Culture enthusiasts also discover impressive stone witnesses of the Middle Ages and experience old traditions in traditional festivals.
Table of contents
Cogolin - Must-see attractions
Port of Cogolin
The marina Les Marines de Cogolin, enclosed by the beach and Port Grimaud, is divided into 4 basins with hundreds of boat moorings. Numerous shops and art galleries invite you to shop and marvel. The local restaurants indulge you with French seafood cuisine. In the summer season, leisure activities such as diving, boat trips, a bike path, a sailing school, and an inviting beach await you. Head out to sea on a boat or simply enjoy the maritime flair in the harbor.
Beach of Port Cogolin
Plage Port Cogolin is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the Côte d'Azur and delights with many leisure activities. Due to its proximity to the marina, you can rent boats and jet skis here. Additionally, sun loungers and changing cabins await sun-seekers. Here you can relax on the fine sand or exert yourself with beach volleyball, while your children play on the gently sloping shore. In between, visit a café. Two restaurants offer you specialties from southern France and a magnificent view of the sea.
Castle of Cogolin
The small castle in Cogolin consists of two floors and offers you a magnificent view over the Gulf of Saint-Tropez from the terrace. Additionally, you can see the picturesque houses of the village from here. The Château de Cogolin is primarily used for cultural events. Art exhibitions, conferences, concerts, and workshops take place in the manor house. It is best to find out in advance what is being offered during your stay.
Butterfly house
The late Dany Lartigue, who passed away in 2017, was not only an artist but also a passionate collector of butterflies. In the Maison des Papillons, alongside Lartigue's works, around 35,000 different specimens of the insects are exhibited, including endangered and exotic species. The famous coastal community of Saint-Tropez is always worth a visit. It also serves as a starting point for excursions to the surrounding area. Popular destinations include Cogolin and Saint-Raphael. The communities are characterized by beautiful beaches and historical sights.
Church of Saint-Sauveur
The Église Saint-Sauveur is a Catholic church in the heart of Cogolin. Its origins date back to the early 11th century. The current church building is from the 15th/16th century. The basalt stone used comes from regional quarries. Inside, the church surprises with its simple design. Noteworthy are the numerous paintings with biblical stories that adorn the interior church walls. Some of the precious works date from the 17th century, but contemporary paintings are also featured as a special highlight.
Domaine du Rayol - The Garden of the Mediterranean
Once conceived by Gilles Clément, Domaine du Rayol - The Garden of the Mediterranean is divided into several gardens. Depending on the country of origin, plants from Southern Europe, Africa, or America grow in Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer. Particularly striking are the huge cacti and agaves. In summer, Domaine du Rayol also offers underwater trails that you can explore while snorkeling and workshops for children. The park, open year-round, also hosts concerts and other events as well as guided tours. In the nursery, you can purchase plants.
Cogolin - Secret spots
In the Footsteps of the Pilgrims: Chapel of Our Lady of the Quest
A few kilometers north of Cogolin, you will discover in Grimaud, amidst venerable oaks and olive trees, the enchanting Chapel of Notre-Dame de la Queste. The restored building, serving the Marian cult, dates from the late 11th century and has extensions from the 16th century and an altarpiece from the 17th century. Concerts are often held here.
Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions
If you want to learn more about the regional customs on the Côte d'Azur, visit the town of Puget-sur-Argens, located about 50 km from Cogolin. Here stands the Museum Puget d'Antan Arts et Traditions Populaires, which is dedicated to folk art and customs. You will learn a lot about life in past centuries.
Wine tasting at Domaine de la Bastide Blanche
Less than 20 km south of Cogolin, take a tour of the winery at Domaine de la Bastide Blanche in La Croix-Valmer and enjoy the local products such as the spicy Bastide Blanche Rosé. The scenically located estate also offers opportunities for relaxing hikes.
Historical mill tour of Moulin de Paillas
From Cogolin, follow the Route des Moulins de Paillas for 10 km until you see the historical landmark. Of the Provençal mills from the 19th century, only one remains, which is operational again after restoration. It is an ideal shady destination for a family-friendly bike tour.
Cogolin - In 3 days
Day 1
Between the glamorous holiday resorts of Saint-Tropez and Port Grimaud lies the rather quiet coastal community of Cogolin. Here you can escape everyday life and fully enjoy the beauty of the Côte d'Azur. Your tour of Cogolin on the first day of your vacation begins on the hill that rises above the town. Here, as a remnant of an old castle, stands a clock tower from the 14th century. Descend on the left side until you reach Place Bellevue with the Chapel of Saint-Croix. This is adorned with modern artworks. After a delicious lunch, visit Les Marines de Cogolin. This beautiful harbor is the jewel of the town and features a long sandy beach with a magnificent view over the Bay of Saint-Tropez. The marina can accommodate around 1,800 yachts. If you are in town on a Wednesday or Saturday, a visit to the market is an absolute must.
Day 2
On your second day, visit the Chateau des Garcinières winery. Here, wine has been produced from high-quality grape varieties for five generations. The rosé is particularly noteworthy. You can participate in a tasting and stroll through the winery. About 5 km from the winery is another one, Chateau Saint-Maur. Here, too, you can expect top-class wines, which you can taste with musical accompaniment. Hop on a bike and explore the Môle Valley with its wonderful nature. Families with children can make a detour to the Azur Park amusement park with a variety of attractions. In the evening, you can relax in the neighboring town of Port Grimaud and let the fresh sea breeze blow around your nose. Among the most significant sights of Port Grimaud is the 11th-century castle ruin. Stroll through the narrow streets of the old town, which exude a special Provençal charm.
Day 3
Your third day in Cogolin begins with a trip to the neighboring Saint-Tropez. Located on the eponymous gulf, the place has long since become a legend. Several iconic films were shot here. You can learn more about the film history of Saint-Tropez at the Gendarmerie and Cinema Museum. Overlooking the harbor of the resort town is the Citadel, from which you have a magnificent view of the sea. Descend from the Citadel to the Sentier du Littoral, the coastal path. This leads past the Quai de la Pesquière and the Tour Portalet, a 15th-century watchtower, to the Old Port. There, you can enjoy the original Saint-Tropez - a lunch of freshly caught fish is a must. East of the harbor is the Plage des Canoubiers. This 200-meter-long sandy beach is particularly appreciated by the locals due to its central location.