What to do in Tourrettes-sur-Loup

In the Alpes-Maritimes, the village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup is one of those authentic destinations not to be missed. Its picturesque character, typical of medieval villages, is revealed through the vaulted passageways, giving a peaceful atmosphere to the “city of violets”.

The most authentic village in the hinterland of Nice

Perched between the sea and the mountains, less than 20 minutes from the coast, this charming medieval village on the Côte d’Azur is one of the most authentic in the region.

The old stone houses built into the ramparts around the town, which has been fortified since the 19th century, are extremely charming.

Tourrettes-sur-Loup is best explored by strolling through its narrow streets, vaulted passageways and flower-lined stairways. The village is home to an incredible wealth of history and architecture, as well as being a popular meeting place for the artists and craftspeople who bring this little town to life.

And when Tourrettes-sur-Loup is scented with violets, all your senses are awakened.

Discover the cultivation of violets

This village on the Côte d’Azur is the only place in France where violets are grown as the main crop by horticulturalists. Here, the flower is grown organically and in a sustainable way to produce a product of excellence. So it’s not for nothing that Tourrettes-sur-Loup is nicknamed “the City of Violets”!

The delicately scented winter flower, commonly known as “Victoria”, is the only variety still cultivated, all year round.

In spring, the flower is picked and used for confectionery.

In summer, the leaves are harvested for distillation in the various perfume factories in Grasse.

In autumn and winter, the flowers are picked to make pretty bouquets. The traditional Violet Festival, which heralds the arrival of spring, features majestic floral floats in the heart of the village.

Come along to the Violet Festival

Cultivated for almost a century under the sun of the Préalpes d’Azur, the Fête de la Violette has been held every year for over 70 years! It was created in 1952 by Victor Linton, an artist and goldsmith of Scottish origin who lived in Tourrettes-sur-Loup.

On the first weekend in March, the streets of the village will come alive from early morning with musical aubades and local dances. In the early afternoon, there will be a flower parade.

The day closes with the Battle of the Flowers, in which young and old alike can take part, and the traditional hunters’ brissaudo.

Going home with a beautiful bouquet of violets as a souvenir is the high point of a successful day!

Over the years, the violet festival has become a veritable institution, attracting locals and tourists from all over the world!

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Fragrant treats to enjoy without moderation

Flowers are also a treasure trove for confectioners. And the expertise of the last three violet growers is a treasure that has been handed down from generation to generation.

In the heart of nature, along the banks of the River Loup, Confiserie Florian honours the men who lovingly craft these delicacies.

Picked in the morning dew, the fresh violets are mixed with gum arabic.

They are then coated in icing sugar and laid one by one by hand on a grid. After drying in a drying oven, the dehydrated violets are immersed in a sugar syrup and drained for several hours. The flowers crystallise when they come into contact with air.

Bite into a mouthful of crystallised violet flowers and feel the fragrance spread generously across your palate…

In candies, nougat, chocolate or tea, violet flowers are hard to resist!

Outing idea: the Bastide aux Violettes and Saint-Grégoire church

La Bastide aux Violettes is a museum and farm dedicated to growing violets. Young and old alike can discover the history of Tourrettes-sur-Loup and its terroir, as well as visiting the flowering greenhouses and learning about the methods used to grow this flower.

Don’t leave the village without visiting the 15th-century Château des Villeneuve and its superb little square.

Saint-Grégoire church, built in the 12th century, is nestled in the heart of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, in the village’s main square, surrounded by the remains of medieval times.

It houses a remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures, including a small pagan altar built into the church that’s well worth a visit!

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