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The Violet Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup – A tribute to the purple flower

The Violet Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup – A tribute to the purple flower

Every spring, the charming medieval town of Tourrettes-sur-Loup is transformed into a colorful floral paradise during the annual Violet Festival. Idyllically located between Nice and Grasse, the town has been known for decades as the “City of Violets” thanks to its proud tradition of cultivating this delicate purple flower.

parade at the Violet Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Colorful parades fill the streets during the Viol Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup.

The story behind the Violet Festival

Violet cultivation in Tourrettes-sur-Loup dates back to the early 20th century when the flower became an important part of the town’s economy. Since 1952, the town has celebrated the violet every spring with a lively festival that brings together locals, tourists and flower lovers in a colorful folk festival.

A day filled with colors and scents

The Violet Festival program is packed with activities for children and adults alike. The streets are decorated with flowers and local artisans display their creations along the cobbled streets. The highlight is the big flower parade, where floats decorated with thousands of violets drive through the city, followed by a spectacular flower fight where the crowd throws petals at each other in a festive atmosphere.

The taste of violet

During the festival, visitors can taste the city’s unique specialties made with violets, such as candied violets, violet syrup and violet-flavored ice cream. There are also workshops where you can learn how to make your own delicacies with the purple flower.

Practical information

The Violet Festival typically takes place in early March and lasts a whole weekend. The city attracts many visitors during this period, so it is recommended to arrive early or use public transportation from nearby cities like Nice, Grasse or Vence.

3 nearby attractions

  1. Saint-Paul-de-Vence – One of the most famous medieval towns in the area, known for its art galleries and narrow streets.

  2. Grasse – The perfume capital of the world, where you can visit famous perfumeries like Fragonard.

  3. Gorges du Loup – A scenic area with waterfalls and hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers.

The Violet Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup is more than just a celebration of a flower – it’s a sensory experience filled with colors, scents and local charm.

Visit the official Violet Festival website to see the full program.

See all events & festivals in the Event Calendar.

By Tommy Sverre – 2025

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