The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Cotignac, France - Village of the Holy Family

Cotignac, nestled in the heart of Provence, holds the extraordinary distinction of being the only place on Earth where both the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph have appeared. This sacred village, known as the "Village of the Holy Family," has drawn pilgrims for over 500 years and remains deeply connected to French royal history through its miraculous role in the birth of Louis XIV. Here, pilgrims can visit two major sanctuaries, walk the path connecting both apparition sites, and experience the unique spiritual heritage where the entire Holy Family has chosen to manifest.

Cotignac, a picturesque village nestled in the Var department of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, holds the extraordinary distinction of being the only place on Earth where both the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph have appeared. Set against dramatic tufa cliffs with ancient troglodyte caves, this sacred village has been a powerful center of Catholic pilgrimage for over 500 years.

The village's remarkable Catholic legacy began in 1519 with the apparition of the Virgin Mary, followed 141 years later by the appearance of Saint Joseph in 1660. These divine manifestations have made Cotignac known as the "Village of the Holy Family," drawing millions of pilgrims who come to experience the unique spiritual atmosphere where the entire Holy Family has chosen to reveal itself. The village's connection to French history is equally extraordinary, as the prayers offered here were believed to have secured the birth of Louis XIV, forever linking Cotignac to the monarchy and the destiny of France.

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✝️ Pilgrimage Sites in Cotignac

1. Sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Grâces

Local Name (French): Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Grâces

‍Colloquial Name: Our Lady of Graces (English) / Notre-Dame de Grâces (French)

‍🏛️ Type: Marian Sanctuary, Royal Pilgrimage Site

📖 Description / Highlights: Built in 1519 following the apparition of the Virgin Mary to Jean de la Baume, this sanctuary sits majestically on Mont Verdaille with breathtaking views over the Provençal countryside. On August 10-11, 1519, the Virgin Mary appeared to the devout woodcutter, accompanied by Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Bernard, and Saint Catherine, requesting that a chapel be built under the title "Our Lady of Graces." The sanctuary gained international fame through its connection to the birth of Louis XIV: after Brother Fiacre's vision in 1637, Queen Anne of Austria performed novenas here, leading to the miraculous birth of the future Sun King. In February 1660, Louis XIV himself made a thanksgiving pilgrimage with his mother. The sanctuary features the original miraculous statue (canonically crowned in 1938), Louis XIV's commemorative plaque to his mother, and beautiful ex-voto offerings from grateful pilgrims. Managed by the Community of Saint John since 1981, it continues to be a powerful center of Marian devotion and family prayer.

🧭 Directions:

🌐 Website: https://www.nd-de-graces.com

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2. Monastery of Saint Joseph du Bessillon

Local Name (French): Monastère Saint-Joseph du Bessillon

‍Colloquial Name: Saint Joseph Monastery (English) / Monastère Saint-Joseph (French)

‍🏛️ Type: Monastery, Saint Shrine, Apparition Site

📖 Description / Highlights: This extraordinary sanctuary commemorates the only officially recognized apparition of Saint Joseph alone in Church history. On June 7, 1660, just four months after Louis XIV's thanksgiving visit to Our Lady of Graces, Saint Joseph appeared to Gaspard Ricard, a 22-year-old shepherd suffering from thirst on Mont Bessillon. The saint instructed him to lift a heavy rock, revealing a miraculous spring that continues to flow today. The original chapel was built in 1663, and the current monastery was beautifully designed by renowned architect Fernand Pouillon in the 1970s, harmoniously blending with the 17th-century structures. Since 2019, the site has been lovingly maintained by the Sisters of the Mater Dei Institute, who continue the contemplative tradition with seven daily offices. The monastery features Saint Joseph's miraculous spring, the original chapel, peaceful gardens, and a pilgrim path with six oratories depicting scenes from Saint Joseph's life. Pilgrims come seeking Saint Joseph's intercession for work, family protection, and spiritual guidance, often drinking from the healing waters.

🧭 Directions:

  • 📍 Address: 5248 Chemin de Saint-Joseph, 83570 Cotignac, France
  • 🧿 ///What3Words: ///gloves.shallower.toga
  • 🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
  • 📌 GPS Coordinates: 43.5292, 6.1486

🌐 Website: https://saintjosephdubessillon.org

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3. Village Church of Our Lady of the Annunciation

Local Name (French): Église Notre-Dame de l'Annonciation

‍Colloquial Name: Village Church (English) / Église du Village (French)

‍🏛️ Type: Parish Church

📖 Description / Highlights: This charming 16th-century parish church serves as the spiritual heart of Cotignac village, featuring a beautiful bell from 1524 and traditional Provençal architecture. Located in the village center beneath the dramatic tufa cliffs, the church provides a peaceful setting for daily Mass and community worship. The church complements the hilltop sanctuaries by offering pilgrims a place for quiet prayer and reflection in the village itself. Its simple yet elegant interior reflects the authentic Provençal Catholic tradition that has flourished in this sacred valley for centuries.

🧭 Directions:

  • 📍 Address: Place de la Mairie, 83570 Cotignac, France
  • 🧿 ///What3Words: ///groups.royal.tunes
  • 🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
  • 📌 GPS Coordinates: 43.5183, 6.1453

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🚶‍♂️ The Holy Family Pilgrimage Walk

One of Cotignac's most treasured experiences is the **3.5-kilometer pilgrimage path** connecting the two major sanctuaries. This contemplative walk through the Provençal countryside takes pilgrims from Notre-Dame de Grâces to the Saint Joseph Monastery, passing through six beautifully crafted oratories that depict scenes from Saint Joseph's life according to the New Testament. The path offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys, providing a perfect opportunity for prayer, reflection, and meditation on the mysteries of the Holy Family. Most pilgrims complete the walk in 1-2 hours, making it accessible for families and visitors of all ages.

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🛏️ Where to Stay

Cotignac offers a range of accommodation options for pilgrims, from spiritual retreats to comfortable hotels and charming vacation rentals.

Religious Accommodation

  • Foyer de la Sainte Famille: On-site guesthouse at Notre-Dame de Grâces sanctuary offering simple, peaceful rooms perfect for pilgrims seeking a spiritual retreat atmosphere. Contact: 07 75 21 84 49 or foyer@nd-de-graces.com
  • Saint Joseph Monastery Guest Rooms: Limited accommodation available at the monastery for spiritual retreats and contemplative stays. Contact through their website for availability.

Hotels in Cotignac Village

  • Lou Calen: Elegant 4-star hotel featuring two outdoor swimming pools, beautiful gardens, and refined Provençal décor. Located 15 minutes' walk from the sanctuaries with excellent restaurant and spa facilities.
  • Hôtel La Falaise: Charming boutique hotel in the village center with air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and stunning views of the tufa cliffs. Perfect location for exploring both the village and pilgrimage sites.
  • L'Imprévu de Cotignac: Recently renovated apartments in the heart of the village, offering modern amenities with traditional Provençal charm and easy access to all sites.

Vacation Rentals & Guesthouses

  • Guesthouse le Mas de Cotignac: Peaceful country house with swimming pool and beautiful gardens, offering tranquil accommodation surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.
  • Various Village Rentals: Numerous apartments, villas, and traditional Provençal houses available through Booking.com, Vrbo, and local rental agencies.

Nearby Options (Within 30km)

  • Château de Berne (Lorgues): Luxury 5-star hotel and spa set in a vineyard estate, offering elegant accommodation for special pilgrimage occasions.
  • Brignoles & Saint-Maximin: Additional hotel options including budget-friendly chains for larger groups or longer stays.

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🔗 Useful Links

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