Are you planning your next vacation on the Côte d’Azur and looking for a confidential destination full of charm? Then look no further than the hilltop village of Tourrettes sur Loup (06)!
Located in the hills above Nice, just 30 minutes from the heart of the metropolis and 10 minutes from Vence, the town of Tourrettes sur Loup has a lot to offer tourists and the curious in search of new discoveries.
In this article, you’ll find the top 10 places to visit if you choose to come to Tourrettes sur Loup, as well as related suggestions (stores, restaurants…) to complete your journey!
And if you have any questions, just leave a comment at the bottom of the article: I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
Enjoy your discovery!
1. THE MEDIEVAL CITY
All year round, the village of Tourrettes sur Loup offers its inhabitants, as well as tourists and visitors passing through, a concentrate of authenticity and beauty 😍 !
The village – at an altitude of 400m – is perched on a rocky spur and has perfectly preserved its historic center.
Visiting the fortified town couldn’t be easier! Just head for the Place de la Libération (where you’ll also find a small paying parking lot) and one of the two large medieval gates. Then take a stroll around the village along the famous horseshoe-shaped Grand’Rue, taking in all the little nooks and crannies; you won’t get lost!
Feeling peckish 🍦? Pop into Tom’s Glacier, located at 25 Grand’Rue, to savor a delicious artisanal ice cream. Taste the floral fragrances: jasmine, rose and, of course, violet!
Among the emblems of the medieval center, the Château – Mairie 🏰 and the arts and crafts stores are well worth a visit. I’ll tell you all about it right after!
2. THE CHÂTEAU-MAIRIE
Located in the heart of the fortified town, Place Maximin Escalier, the Château de Tourrettes sur Loup now houses the town hall. When you arrive, you’ll find a charming little patio with a fountain ⛲️.
The Château was built in 1437 by the Villeneuve family. At the time, its construction encompassed the fief’s old belfry, which dated back to the 12th century.
On the 2nd floor of the Château, after climbing the majestic stone staircase, you’ll find a museum area featuring regular exhibitions open to the public 🖼. Don’t hesitate to take a tour of the town’s Facebook and Instagram pages for news of the place!
3. ART GALLERIES AND CRAFT STORES
Tourrettes sur Loup is also considered a Cité des Arts. This appellation is the legacy of the encounters and passages of a multitude of artists of all kinds after the 40s.
Today, as you stroll along the Grand’Rue in the historic center, you’ll discover numerous craft boutiques, workshops and art galleries 🎨 ! Don’t hesitate to push open the doors of these boutiques to discover their creations.
How about a visit to the Poterie Tournesol 🌻? Located at 7 Grand’Rue, it’s a Tourrettes sur Loup institution. Virtually every household in the town has ordered its nameplate and/or house number there.
4. THE RUE DE LA BOURGADE: EXCEPTIONAL PANORAMAS
Would you like to take a 10-minute stroll to admire and capture superb panoramic views of the hilltop village of Tourrettes sur Loup?
It’s very simple! I suggest you start your walk at the Madeleine parking lot, then take the staircase and footpath that will take you under the road. You’ll then reach the Rue de la Bourgade and walk alongside a small stream – the Vallon du Cassan 💦.
You’ll then pass under an old village aqueduct. The water was used to power the olive oil mills below. Today it’s a private estate, but you can still see the large red iron wheel and the remains of an old mill.
Now, open your eyes wide 👁 because as you get closer to the center, you’ll discover beautiful panoramas including the eastern part of the village perched on its rocky spur. The houses cling to the cliffs and act as ramparts, it’s impressive!
A few meters before arriving in front of the Eglise Saint Grégoire, don’t miss the Rue des Moulins on your left, offering a magnificent view ❤️ of the perched town!
Can’t get enough of picturesque panoramas? Here are two addresses to delight your taste buds and your eyes in fine weather:
- Il Ponte Vecchio 🍕. Located at 28 route de Vence, this friendly restaurant serves pasta dishes, foccacias and other Italian specialties. The elevated terrace offers a beautiful view of the perched Cité.
- La Cave de Tourrettes 🍷. A wine bar, located at 8 rue de la Bourgade, where you can enjoy a drink or lunch/dinner on the premises. The menu is homemade and renewed daily. The little extra: the balcony-terrace offers a lovely panoramic view of the sea and surrounding hills.
5. THE VIOLETS FESTIVAL
After the Cité Médiévale and the Cité des Arts, Tourrettes sur Loup is also the Cité des Violettes 💜!
The Victoria violet has been grown here since 1880. This 5-petal, sweet-scented flower is picked between October and March for bouquets 💐 and confectionery 🍬. The leaves are cut after flowering to supply perfumers.
In the early ’50s, a Tourrettan craftsman by the name of Victor Linton had the idea of creating the “Fête des Violettes” to showcase the town’s artists and producers. The first edition took place in March 1952.
Since then, every year, the village of Tourrettes sur Loup is decked out in flowers for a whole weekend in early March – when the violet blossom is at its peak – to celebrate the “Fête des Violettes” 🥳 ! On the 2nd day, Sunday, visitors have the chance to discover a parade of floats with a flower corso and witness a flower battle.
In 2024, the “Fête des Violettes” will take place on Saturday March 2 and Sunday March 3. Come and see for yourself!
Can’t make it that weekend? But in the meantime, come and visit the Bastide aux Violettes! I’ll tell you all about it below.
6. THE BASTIDE AUX VIOLETTES
The Bastide aux Violettes is a small museum honoring the Violet 💜 the emblem of the village of Tourrettes sur Loup. Here you’ll discover its history and its link with the town, its special features and its many uses…
A large greenhouse is also accessible outside the Bastide. You’ll be able to see the famous Victoria Violets if your visit takes place during the flowering period, i.e. between mid-October and mid-March.
If you’d like to take home a souvenir, there’s a mini boutique in the museum area. On offer: perfume, soap, syrup, crystallized flowers 🍬…à la Violette!
La Bastide aux Violettes is located on the Chemin de la Ferrage. You’ll find plenty of parking inside the Bastide and in the small parking lot below.
7. WEDNESDAY MORNING MARKET
Every Wednesday morning, from 9am to 1pm, the village of Tourrettes sur Loup hosts its weekly market on the Place de la Libération.
You’ll find market gardeners and their fruit and vegetable stalls 🍓, meat 🥩, flowers 🌺, jewelry and clothing 👗, handicrafts 🛍… all in a cheerful atmosphere!
The right idea at the end of your market? Pop into the “In the Food for Love” vintage truck and sample its delicious organic concoctions or drinks 😋!
As the La Libération parking lot is reserved for market stalls, you won’t be able to park there. Parking will be available in the Madeleine and La Ferrage parking lots.
8. THE HAMLET OF PONT DU LOUP & GORGES DU LOUP
The pretty hamlet of Pont du Loup at the gateway to the Gorges du Loup is now administratively divided between the villages of Gourdon and Tourrettes sur Loup.
I can only advise you to drop in, as the scenery with its canyons is truly grandiose 🏞!
On your way to Pont du Loup, I’d advise you to stop by La Confiserie Florian des Gorges du Loup . The famous Maison Florian has been in business in Nice for over 100 years! You can not only visit the factory, but also buy the delicacies prepared there. Chocolates 🍫, candied fruits, jams, sweets 🍡, crystallized flowers and, more recently, cookies…you’re spoilt for choice!
Then, if you feel like it, take a trip to the Cascades du Saut du Loup ❤️ located just a few kilometers away. For fans of adventure and nature, I can’t recommend taking part in a canyoning session in the Gorges du Loup.
9. THE RANCH DES BAOUS
Located at an altitude of 650 meters, on the road to Cairo, the friendly Ranch des Baous welcomes you all year round and all week (except Thursdays and Sundays) for horse or pony rides 🐴.
Given its dominant position, the Ranch offers rides with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding area 🤩!
Please note: you can accompany your children aged 18 months and over for 30-minute self-rides on pony or shetland. The perfect way to spend a special moment with your family!
10. THE CHARMING NEIGHBORING TOWN OF VENCE
Located just 10 minutes from the village of Tourrettes sur Loup, the town of Vence is well worth a visit if your schedule allows.
Much larger than Tourrettes, Vence offers a wealth of discoveries in the heart of the village or in the hills ❤️!
Visit the article dedicated to the town of Vence to find out more.
I hope these 10 must-see places will inspire you to come and visit Tourrettes sur Loup, this pretty perched village on the Côte d’Azur!
Don’t hesitate to check out my other articles about Tourrettes sur Loup on the Blog.
Enjoy your stay and see you soon!
