16/10/2026: The Union Bar. Cotignac
A cobbled square where enormous plane trees stand guard in the shade. Here, it's called the Cours, the place where all the recreations the world could dream of take place. Markets, flea markets, games of pétanque, the arrival of cycling races, weddings, funerals—everything begins and ends here!
On either side, narrow streets like secret paths where everything fell asleep long ago. Have the shadows on their walls and vaults become reasonable? I don't think so! The visitor, with eyes wide open, feels the emotion of a thousand love stories, of a thousand everyday moments where time held little importance. Suffering and joy aren't written on the walls; they rush in through the closed shutters, like a breeze, refreshing moods, amplifying laughter, songs, fears, and tears in echoes.
Oh! People speak loudly here. They don't want to risk not being heard. For serious matters, for laughter, everything is said aloud; even the sky joins in, warming bodies and calming minds.
Above all, there are times that are respected: aperitifs, lunch, naps, a game of pétanque. Moments where everything comes together without hierarchy, but always, the heart has this benevolence that gives rise to fits of laughter and arguments, quickly forgotten. Everything is done with the same thought: tomorrow will be better!
Up there, at the end of the courtyard, there's "the Union Bar." A wide terrace bordering the plane trees, a bar just big enough for cozy get-togethers. The chairs are red, the color of the struggle, which once noisily and until very late remade the world... but not too much! We like our routines here!
The food is good, generous plates, quality ingredients with local herbs, and above all, a good dose of laughter.
"There aren't any! The toilets are across the street, behind the building, they're the public restrooms." The answer to my question:
"Where are the toilets, please?" Delivered with such confidence, such seriousness, that I couldn't help but believe this six-foot-tall waiter, a Lyonnais no less.
There's a sense of another kind of humanity in this place, or rather, a heart whose only concern is to bring a little happiness to those who stop for a moment—a moment of pleasure, I might add!
So, if your travels take you to Cotignac, go up the courtyard, on the right, to the Bar de l'Union (it's called), settle in, and savor a few minutes of bliss!
The waiter will know who he is.
13/10/2026: Go there without hesitation. Very friendly servers, a great, welcoming atmosphere, and homemade food. Top-notch. I'd give it 11/10 if I could.
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