Visit Charming Tourrettes an Artistic Village Near the Côte d’Azur

Escaping from the vibrant Côte d’Azur to the serene countryside is always refreshing. Less than an hour’s drive from Cannes, you’ll find the charming medieval village of Tourrettes, nestled in the Var department. This village is one of the eight ‘villages perchés’ of the Pays de Fayence, along with Mons, Fayence, Seillans, Callian, Montauroux, Tanneron, and Saint-Paul-en-Foret. Their elevated locations historically protected them from enemy attacks.

Explore the Villages of the Pay de Fayence

Visit Charming Tourrettes

You can park in the spacious visitors’ parking lot at the village’s base. From there, stroll through picturesque streets to the Place de la Mairie. Following the signs, you’ll pass by La Tour de l’Horloge and the Church of Saint Laurent. Surprising artwork throughout the village adds charm to your walk.

Good to know: Every year around mid-July, the event ‘l’Art au coeur du village‘ takes place in Tourrettes. Around 60 artists from all over France exhibit their works in the village.

Lunch in Tourrettes

During filming, we were fortunate to meet three Dutch friends who have lived in the area for years. While enjoying a delightful lunch at La Pause Tourrettane on the Place de la Mairie, these locals enthusiastically shared their tips about the village.

Restaurant La Pause Tourrettane is highly recommended for a delicious lunch or dinner under the plane trees, with views over the valley and the glider airstrip. The adjacent wine bar, La Vigne Vincent, is also worth a visit for a fine glass of wine with matching snacks.

We spoke about the Chateau du Puy, visible from the square. The castle is privately owned and has been converted into a hotel. The local tourist office organizes jazz concerts in the castle courtyard every July: the renowned Festival du Jazz de Tourrettes.

Watch: Video of Our Visit to Tourrettes

Artisan Hat Makers

Additionally, they pointed Hans and Christine to two talented milliners who create beautiful hats under the brand Naomi Christina. Their studio is about a ten-minute drive from the parking lot. Remember to make an appointment in advance, as the studio is located at their home behind a gate. Parking is available on their premises. Please watch our interview with this creative mother-daughter duo in the video.

Naomi Christina (Instagram profile)
Telephone: +33 (0)6 64 45 65 56

Practical Information

La Pause Tourrettane (website)
Place de la Mairie
83440 Tourrettes
Telephone: +33 (0)6 62 62 79 25

La Vigne Vincent (Facebook)
2 Place de la Mairie
83440 Tourrettes

Château du Puy (website)

Festival de Jazz (website)
This two-day music festival has taken place the first weekend in July for over two decades.

More About Tourrettes

Close to Cannes and Saint-Raphaël, Tourrettes is roughly 20 kilometres from the sea. Like its neighbours, this village has a long history, beautiful vistas, and plenty of charm. Discover the street art created by 70 artists on facades, doorways, and shutters in the old village. Don’t miss the Château du Puy, constructed in 1830 under Jacques Alexandre Fabre’s direction. The castle replicates the Naval Cadet Corps in St-Petersburg, Russia. Fabre had worked for Tsar Alexander I as a civil engineer, tracing roads in the Russian Empire. Home to the International Gliding Centre in Fayence – Tourrettes and the Terre Blanche golf courses, there is plenty to do near this town.

Tourrettes ©Catherine Karnow

Must-see:
Château du Puy
International Gliding Centre in Fayence – Tourrettes
The open-air museum through the tiny streets of the village

Please consult the tourism website for additional information on things to do and see in the Estérel Côte d’Azur area.

Pays de Fayence Tourism (website)
Office de tourisme intercommunal du pays de Fayence
Place Léon Roux, Centre Village,
83440 Fayence
Telephone: + 33 (0)4 94 76 01 02