Beloved Destination Reborn as Luxury Retreat – Lou Calen Hotel In 1971, Huguette Caren took over La Providence, an orphanage of the Saint Vincent de Paul Sisters, and it became a renowned hotel existing for over 28 years. This could have been a sleepy French country hotel like so many others. However, jazz pianist Jacques Loussier, the man who invented playback, had other ideas. At the nearby Chateau Miraval, lately owned by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, he decided to create a recording studio, which would go on to host the likes of Pink Floyd, Wham!, The Cure, French crooner Joe Dassin, and Shirley Bassey. Due to the proximity to Miraval all the stars and musicians stayed at Lou Calen and starts a close friendship with the Caren family. During the 70s and 80s, Huguette’s cooking was recognised as some of the best in the Var, Provence Verte. Being on the cover of the Gault Millau Magazine helped build the reputation and the success of Lou Calen, but above all it was the convivial atmosphere coupled with the excellent cooking, which cemented its place in local folklore. For more than 15 years, the hotel has stood empty. Expecting the building will come-back alive and the walls could talk and regale us with tales of almost three decades of life as a hotel and restaurant. On the day of the re-opening, the Lou Calen (a traditional Provencal oil lamp) will be turned back on and once again becoming a leading beacon for hospitality in Provence. The logo consists of the flame of the Lou Calen, symbolising the spirit within, and a green leaf to symbolise our commitment to nature and sustainability. Pre Opening – Summer 2021…