Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a village that captured my heart from the very first visit
Perched on the edge of a rocky spur, it offers a stunning blend of medieval charm, artistic flair, and unforgettable landscapes
I first visited Tourrettes-sur-Loup in 2013, on an organised excursion when I was studying at the Instituit de Francais in Villefranche sur Mer. I couldn't believe that I was able to experience the quietude and serentiy that this village offered. Plus, it's so close to the Riviera and some of the most wonderful attractions in the region, like Antibes and St Paul de Vence. I filmed a short video and literally whispered in the absolute quiet. 11 years later it was still as charming and special as I remembered.
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Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a beautiful place to stay
Apart from Villefranche-sur-Mer, I think it is my favourite
I was lucky enough to stay for a week in a small apartment with a balcony overlooking the valley and coastline below—a panorama so spectacular that I found myself mesmerised every morning and evening. On a clear day, I could see the Mediterranean Sea below me. I spent the first 3 days literally going nowhere, just relaxing on the balcony, reading, maybe editing some photos, and making everyone jealous on Facebook and Instagram. Oooops!
Whether you’re visiting for the day or staying a while, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a place that lingers in your memory
A little History about Tourrettes-sur-Loup
The village dates back to the Middle Ages and retains much of its original layout
Tourrettes-sur-Loup has classic winding cobbled streets and ancient stone houses that seem to grow out of the rock itself. Though it once had defensive walls, today the sense of protection comes more from its elevated position than from any remaining fortifications.
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is also known as the Cité des Violettes (City of Violets) thanks to its long tradition of violet cultivation. The annual Fête des Violettes in March celebrates this local heritage. During the festival, everything is decorated with violets — there are flower parades, art displays, and even violet-infused treats to try. It’s a beautifully fragrant and colourful weekend that really brings the village to life.
There's even a sweet little museum known as the La Bastide aux Violettes where you can learn more about the village, the festival, and buy some goodies to remember this beautiful village.
A village of art and character
What makes Tourrettes-sur-Loup so special is the way it balances its history with creativity
The village is home to a thriving artistic community, and as you wander through its narrow streets, you’ll come across galleries, workshops, and studios showcasing paintings, ceramics, sculpture, and jewellery. Many artists live and work here, making it a wonderful place to pick up a unique piece of art, or simply just enjoy looking. I love tiny ceramic bowls as they are easy to nestle into my onboard bag to take home.
Plus, of course, if you love a good market, you’ll be pleased to know that Tourrettes-sur-Loup has a sweet little weekly market every Wednesday morning from 9 am to 1 pm at Place de la Libération, right in the heart of the village. It’s a great little market where you can shop for fresh local produce, flowers, artisan crafts, and a mix of other bits and pieces. It’s also a lovely way to soak up the local atmosphere and perhaps pick up something delicious for lunch.
On the first Sunday in September, there’s also a pottery market, where ceramic artists from across the South of France gather to showcase their work. If you appreciate handmade crafts, it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the artisans and find a unique piece to take home.
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Where to eat: Restaurant recommendations
I’ve found some highly regarded restaurants that are well worth considering
Clovis
Clovis is a refined dining experience with an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. It’s a place for those who appreciate inventive cuisine in an intimate setting. Learn more in the Michelin Guide.
L’Ecole des Filles
A short drive from the village, this restaurant is set in a former schoolhouse and offers delicious Provençal cuisine in a lovely garden setting.
Spelt Restaurant
This restaurant is an experience beyond any other place in town. Go here for a special evening. great service, delicious food. Make sure that this is on your list and you make a reservation for dinner during your stay.
Bistro : Le bouchon
Bistro Le Bouchon is a beautiful restaurant with amazing food and wonderful, welcoming service. The setting is lovely and the passionate team serves an excellent meal and wine pairing.
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Nearby villages worth visiting
If you have time to explore beyond Tourrettes-sur-Loup, there are some fantastic villages nearby
Antibes (24 km)
Antibes is lovely with a colourful old town, some utterly classic streetscapes, a vibrant daily fresh food market, some cool shops, and some great restaurants set around a lively square. You won't go wrong visiting or staying in this lovely spot on the Riviera.
Villefranche-sur-Mer (34 km)
Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of those places that feels like a secret—despite being just minutes from Nice, it has the soul of a quiet fishing village with all the beauty of the Riviera. Its harbour is one of the deepest natural bays in the Mediterranean, which is why the water here is that mesmerising shade of blue you can’t quite believe is real.
Èze (46 km)
Èze is a medieval hilltop village with stunning sea views, winding stone streets, and a magical, timeless feel. From the exotic garden at its peak, the Riviera stretches out below in breathtaking detail. It’s a place to wander, soak in history, and feel like you’ve stepped into a dream.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence (7 km)
One of the most famous perched villages in Provence, known for its art galleries and the Fondation Maeght, this is an absolute must on the French Riviera. Saint-Paul-de-Vence can get very busy, even in the shoulder season, but it is well worth a visit if you can make it!
Gourdon (16 km)
A spectacular hilltop village with incredible panoramic views over the French Riviera. I absolutely loved visiting this village. It's a wee bit of a scary drive but just take it slow and, as always, try to get there early before the crowds. But, just lovely!
Staying in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Many people visit Tourrettes-sur-Loup as a day trip but, if you can, I highly recommend staying there
The village takes on a different character in the early morning and evening when the day-trippers have left, and the atmosphere becomes beautifully peaceful.
During my stay, I had the privilege of waking up to a breathtaking view over the valley, with the Mediterranean shimmering in the distance. In the evening, the sky would glow in shades of pink and gold, making it the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine on the balcony. Oh, yes! Heaven...
Accommodation Options
If you’re looking for a place to stay, here are a few great options:
Auberge de Tourrettes
A charming boutique hotel with spectacular views, a peaceful garden, and an excellent restaurant.
Les Belles Terrasses
A small, welcoming hotel offering comfortable rooms and a lovely terrace where you can soak in the scenery.
Maison d’Hôtes Bleu Azur
A beautiful bed and breakfast with a pool, friendly hosts, and a wonderful location just outside the village.
Rental Apartments & Gîtes
There are several self-catering options in the village, perfect if you want to experience local life at your own pace. I personally loved having a private balcony to enjoy the incredible views. I found mine on Airbnb. Yay!
Fly in a hot air balloon over the colourful landscapes of Provence in the South of France and the lovely village of Forcalquier. Absolute heaven! Discover more by clicking the link below.
How to Get to Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is tucked into the hills of the Alpes-Maritimes, making it a peaceful escape yet still easy to reach
If you’re coming from Nice, the drive is just over 30 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. The most straightforward route is via the A8 motorway, exiting at Cagnes-sur-Mer, then following the D6 road through the hills. It’s a beautiful drive, winding through olive groves and with glimpses of the Mediterranean along the way.
Public transport is a little trickier, but it’s possible. From Nice, you can take a train to Cagnes-sur-Mer and then catch Bus 500, which runs to Vence. From there, Bus 510 continues to Tourrettes-sur-Loup. The journey takes around an hour and a half in total, depending on connections.
If you’re exploring the region, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is just 6km from Vence (a short drive or bus ride), 15km from Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and about 40km from Grasse, the perfume capital of France.
Having a car will make your visit much easier, especially if you want to explore nearby villages and the stunning countryside.
Why I Think Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a wonderful place to visit (or stay!)
What makes Tourrettes-sur-Loup so special? For starters, it feels lived-in
Unlike some villages that can feel a little too polished, Tourrettes-sur-Loup still has that wonderful mix of everyday life and creative energy. If you love medieval villages with cobbled streets, art galleries, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to quit your job and move to France immediately, then Tourrettes-sur-Loup is for you. I first came here thinking it would be a lovely stop—quaint, picturesque, maybe a place to have a coffee and wander for an hour or two. I left completely smitten and, on my last visit, stayed for a wonderful 5 nights. Oh, joy!
You’ll find local artisans working in their studios, friendly café owners who remember your coffee order after a couple of days, and those ridiculously beautiful views over the valley to the sea. Mornings on my little balcony were something else—watching the soft light spread across the hills while sipping coffee was the kind of 'peaceful' I wish I could bottle. Evenings were just wonderful as well, with golden sunsets and the distant twinkle of the coast.
It’s also a great base. If you’re staying for a few days, you can easily explore Vence, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and even Grasse without feeling like you’re constantly packing and unpacking. But honestly? You might just find yourself lingering in Tourrettes-sur-Loup, slowing down, enjoying long lunches, and wondering how soon you can come back!
Enjoy!
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