- Medieval Village - Medieval Origins of Tourrettes sur Loup - Patrimony

 

Between the sea and the mountains, 14km from the coast, is a village - Tourrettes sur Loup - where a century ago, violets started growing. The culture of this delicate flower is still one of the principal activities of the village, earning it the title of ‘The City of Violets’.

Built on a precipitous rocky outcrop, this medieval village, with its perfect climate in all seasons, is still beautifully preserved.

Fortified in the eleventh century, with its houses forming the ramparts, Tourrettes possesses unusual architectural features, connected around its centre in the shape of a half-moon.

Much-prized by film-makers since 1925, Tourrettes has become a meeting place for musicians, artists, writers and poets, seeing a creative revival during the ‘Fifties when weavers and craftsmen of other quality products settled down here. Today, more than thirty studios and galleries make Tourrettes one of THE arts and crafts centres of the Côte d’Azur.

The Church, originally built on a Roman religious site in the twelfth century, underwent several major changes uptil the eighteenth century.

On the Route de St Jean, you will find a chapel of the same name, decorated with simple frescoes (1959) attributed to the artist R Soupault.

On the outskirts of the village lies the Gorges du Loup, which is one of the outstanding natural features of the Côte d’Azur.

Tourrettan life is animated throughout the year with numerous activities: shows, concerts, exhibitions.... all organised by local associations and the Festival Committee.

Activities available in the town and local area :

Tennis; hiking; para-gliding; canyoning; horse-riding etc