Cogolin

Cogolin Information

At the foot of the Massif des Mures Cogolin in the Var (83) is the real spirit of the South of France. Cogolin, next door to Grimaud, is a centre for the local people of the Golphe de Saint Tropez both in summer and winter and is famous for craft manufacturing. Cogolin is named so because of its ‘little rounded hill’ or ‘cougoul’. Cogolin is centered at the Place de la République, site of the Hotel de Ville and the bustling Provencal market every Sunday.
Cogolin is famous for its pipe factories and businesses which have been there since the early 19th century owing to the abundant supply of the wood that makes the pipes: tree heath. Other crafts manufacturered are wind instruments, wrought-iron furniture, silk yarn and knotted wool carpets. Cogolin is 4km from the sea where you will find Port Cogolin and the Marines de Cogolin where boats are kept.

History of Cogolin

The legend says that a small boat, carrying the body of Knight Torpes watched by a rooster and a dog, landed in the end of the gulf of Saint-Tropez. The rooster flew away and settled in a flax field. The village built there was named Coq au lin (Rooster "by" flax). The dog walked to the village of Grimaud. Cogolin has come from the name Cougolin, which means a rounded top hill. Cogolin village was built on a hill Massif of Maures. Like the neighbouring villages of Gassin and Grimaud, Cogolin was built awxay from the shore which was responsible for malaria.
The village was built in the end of the 10th century and was restored at the end of the 16th century with the northern gate made in 1546. Clock Tower was part of the walls which protected Cogolin and can still be seen today.The first lord of Cogolin was Henri de Cuers, who bought half of the domain of Cogolin for 3,000 crowns, according to the bill of sale kept in the Archives of the Deparment of Var. The Sellier family later bought the castle, restored it in the 1960s and sold it to the municipality in 1982. The castle houses today the municipal museum. During the Second World War, general de Lattre de Tassigny set up his headquarters in Cogolin from 17 to 20 August 1944. After the Liberation, Lattre was granted the honour citizenship by the municipality.

Top 5 Things to See in Cogolin

Visit the craft factories on a guided visit in Cogolin. Appointments from Cogolin Tourist Office.
Views from Place Bellevue over the plains of Ramatuelle, Saint Tropez, and Gassin.
Try local Cogolin wines at the local vineyards.
Cycle to Saint Tropez on the special foot paths.
Go to the beach at Port Cogolin.

Weather in Cogolin

Direction to and from Cogolin

Cogolin is very easy to get to by air, sea, or by car. Airport of choice would be Hyeres Toulon airport, but Nice Cote D'Azur airport would also be ok. From Nice Airport or if in fact you are coming into the Cote D'Azur by car you will take the A8 to Le Muy Turn-off. On this new modern road you will drive down the D25 all the way to Sainte Maxime. There are also possibilities to come off at Saint Raphael save on the tolls and drive in along the coast on the D1098. From Hyeres there is a short drive to Cogolin past Bandol and some great vineyards.
There is no train station in Cogoilin, nor does it seem a bus/coach station however there are limited buses to St Raphael, where there are boats and trains to Nice. To get to Saint Tropez from Cogolmin is pretty easy and you can take a baik or car past the Foux round about and head in on the D98. For Pampelonne take the Ramatuelle road.

Beaches near Cogolin

Cogolin is 4 km from the sea but has created a holiday beach resort in the Marines de Cogolin which is not only equipped with 1,500 moorings but also has a great fine sandy beach which overlooks the village. The buildings visible from the beach are a blend of old and modern and beautiful. The sand is fine and light colored . The beach has a few rocks and the seawater is a beautiful light blue and transparent. The water is very clean. Various bars and restaurants are located on the beach and the beach is easily accessible by car.

Pampelonne Beach and Escalet are also not far if you are looking for a more exclusive or amazing beach experience.