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Cotignac is a working village of great charm. It is believed to have its origins in a Celtic-Ligurian settlement. Christianity arrived with the Roman Empire. A Jewish community settled here in the fifth century, and there is evidence of this in the cellars of some older houses. The two ancient towers seen from the house, at the edge of the cliff, are known as the Saracen towers. They date from the twelfth century. The Saracens marauded all along the coast of France, and reached far inland; the towers served as protection from any hostile group. For two hundred years, Cotignac prospered from the silk industry; silk worms were kept on the third floor, fed with leaves from the mulberry tree.

A fine market is held every Tuesday. Fresh beautiful fruits and vegetables, heaps of green, black, and purple olives, olive oils of various blends and flavours, truffles, herbs and spices, charcuterie, Provençal fabrics, pottery, and baskets, are spread out under the huge old plane trees in the Cours Gambetta. Roast chicken and hams are available, and a magnificent array of cheeses.

Almost everything required can be found in the village. There are three bakeries, one butcher, a fishmonger, a small grocery store, a fromagerie, a newsagent, a hardware store, a bank, a post office, a pharmacy, hair salons, gift shops, a number of excellent restaurants, three dentists, three doctors and one osteopath. The pompiers will rescue you in an emergency.