Tourtour

Visit Tourtour, Provence

Tourtour is about 50km inland from the coast in Provence, west of Frejus and north-west from Draguignan. The town is also at the north of the Cotes de Provence region, a wine growing region that stretches south-east to the coast from Tourtour.

Explore Tourtour

The old town dates from the middle ages and is the most interesting part of a visit to Tourtour.

There are lots of the narrow streets lined with very picturesque Provencal houses to explore that we associate with the region, and a few minor highlights such as the oil mill (still in operation) and the clocktower, and the remains of two old castles. The main pleasure comes from simply strolling along the streets enjoying the ambiance.

There are two parts to the old town, the earlier dating from the 11th century, and the latter (around the square) from the 14th century.

The beautiful old olive trees in the central square were imported from Italy to replace the elms that long stood here but died.

photos of fountains in Tourtour

The town hall, the post office (housed in an old chateau) and the Chapel of Saint Trinity are later additions, dating from the 17th century. The former is painted in lovely pastel colours and with unusual towers at each corner. Not quite sure if I like it or not, but its impressive. You can also see the 12th century Grimaldi tower a little way outside the town (direction Aups).

On a clear day there are great views from the church that extend out across to the Mediterranean beyond Frejus, and also to Mont Ventoux - hence the village has been attractively labelled as 'the village in the sky'.

Attractions nearby

Tourtour is one of a group of towns each with their own particular charm in this part of Provence known as the Upper Var - see also Salernes, Les Arcs, Aups, Lorgues and Flayosc.

The position of Tourtour between the coast and the Gorges du Verdon mean that it well placed to explore both the Cote d'Azur and the Provence countryside.

Note: photos kindly contributed by Valerie Willis

See Provence-Alpes-Cote-d'Azur and Var (the region and department for Tourtour) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Tourtour: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 1*; One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Tourtour, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Lorgues 12km; Draguignan 14km; Les-Arcs-sur-Argens 20km; Barjols 24km; Bargeme 27km; Seillans 28km; Gorges du Verdon 28km; Moustiers 29km; Riez 30km; Fayence 32km; Roquebrune-sur-Argens 32km;

Tourtour tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Thoronet Abbey - national monument (15km) : Abbaye du Thoronet (Le Thoronet) - religious monument (16km) : Verdon - regional natural parc (22km) : Lac de Sainte-Croix - site of natural beauty (22km) : Lac de Castillon - site of natural beauty (37km) : Clos de Villeneuve - remarkable garden (38km) : Jardin d’Elie Alexis - remarkable garden (38km) : Frejus Cathedral cloisters - national monument (39km) :

See more places and a map at places near Tourtour