The Rocher et Grottes Troglodytes de Cotignac form one of the most remarkable historic landscapes in Provence. Unlike many Provençal villages that were deliberately built on hilltops for protection, Cotignac developed directly along the flank of its massive limestone cliff, using the rock itself as a natural defensive wall.

During the 13th century, the settlement became a fortified castrum, with the cliff protecting one side of the village. Access was controlled by four gates, which remained in use until 1785:

• Porte de la Puade

• Porte Saint-Sébastien

• Porte Notre-Dame

• Porte Saint-Martin

The area near the cliff, known as La Puade, once housed pigsties, which explains its name, derived from a word meaning “strong smell.”

At the top of the Rocher stand two towers commonly called the “Saracen towers.” These were likely built in the 13th century when the fortified village was established. They served as lookout posts guarding the Saint-Martin plains to the north and the valley stretching toward Carcès and Entrecasteaux to the south.

The village originally clustered tightly at the base of the cliff, with its southern boundary located near today’s Place de la Mairie, once the medieval market square.

Although many medieval buildings have disappeared, a few traces remain. One of the most interesting is a corbelled house on Rue Clastre, where the upper floor extends above the street to create additional living space.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a large rock collapse destroyed part of the houses of the “Upper City.” The unstable ruins were later cleared by the municipality, leaving behind traces such as the remains of the Rocher Theatre.

Today, the caves and cliffs remain the dramatic backdrop of Cotignac and one of the most fascinating places to explore the village’s medieval origins and troglodyte heritage.

👉 Local tip: If you climb up to the Saracen towers at the top of the Rocher, you’ll get one of the best panoramic views over the valley toward Carcès and the surrounding vineyards.