The purple flower that put Tourrettes-sur-Loup on the map
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is known as “La Cité des Violettes ” – the city of violets. Since the early 1900s, the delicate purple flower has been the town’s pride and main source of income. Today, violets are still grown around the city and used in everything from perfume and confectionery to cosmetics. Visit the Bastide aux Violettes, a small museum and shop where you can smell, taste and buy local violet products.
Explore a real medieval town
The old town of Tourrettes-sur-Loup is almost car-free and built as a semicircle on a rocky outcrop. Here you can stroll along winding streets lined with art galleries, small shops and cozy cafés. It’s all framed by flower pots, lavender shutters and panoramic views of the valleys below.
Top sights in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Old Town
Stroll through the authentic medieval town with narrow cobbled streets and 15th-century stone houses.Rue Grande - the street of artisans
Discover local artists and craftsmen selling ceramics, jewelry, glass and textiles in charming little workshops.Saint-Grégoire Church
15th century church with fine wooden sculptures and a beautiful altar. Still in use for services and concerts.Château des Villeneuve (Town Hall)
The old castle now houses the town hall and is used for temporary exhibitions and cultural events.La Bastide aux Violettes (The Violet Museum)
A small museum dedicated to the city's signature flower. Here you can learn about the history of the violet, see the production and visit a small violet garden.Viewpoint at the city wall
Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and the Mediterranean Sea from the southwest side of the city wall - perfect for photos.The marketplace and local events
Visit the weekly Wednesday market with local specialties. In March, the city is transformed during the Fête des Violettes with flower decorations, music and food.
The old town
The Old Town - a medieval work of art in stone
Exploring the old town of Tourrettes-sur-Loup is like stepping into another time. The narrow cobblestone streets wind in soft arcs through the town and nothing is symmetrical - every street and every house is unique. The structure of the city follows the medieval city walls, and the original arched entrances under the houses lead you straight into the heart of the city.
Everywhere you look you'll find small workshops, galleries and handicraft shops that bear witness to the city's vibrant artist scene. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming - and you can easily spend hours just strolling, looking and enjoying.
History of the city
From Celtic settlements to violet city - the history of Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Tourrettes-sur-Loup has roots that stretch back more than 2,000 years. Celtic-Ligurian tribes settled in the area as early as 900 BC and the town has been inhabited in different eras ever since. Around 262 BC, the Romans arrived and stayed until 476 AD. It was during this period that the city got its name. The Romans used the area as a lookout post - "turres altea" - which later developed into Tourrettes.
After the fall of the Romans, the area was invaded by the Saracens, who were only driven out in 972. In 1387, Tourrettes came under the control of Guichard Villeneuve and the city remained in the hands of the Villeneuve family until the French Revolution in 1789.
Before the Revolution, the town was called Tourrettes-lès-Vence, but in 1894 it was renamed Tourrettes-sur-Loup to avoid confusion with nearby Tourette-Levens and to mark its location on the Loup River.
The historic city center was originally fortified and still serves as a living testimony to medieval times. You can still walk through three arched passages that lead under the houses and into the heart of the old city. A labyrinthine network of narrow streets awaits you, where nothing is symmetrical and every stone tells its own story.
The Violet Festival
The Violet Festival in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
Every spring, the charming medieval town of Tourrettes-sur-Loup is transformed into a blooming paradise during the annual Violet Festival, also known as Fête des Violettes.
Taking place on the first weekend in March, the festival celebrates the city's long tradition of growing violets, a custom that dates back to the early 20th century.
Visit Bastide aux Violettes, a small museum and shop where you can smell, taste and buy local violet products.
Visit the city's galleries and workshops
Visit the city's galleries and workshops
As you stroll through Tourrettes-sur-Loup, take the time to take in some of the town's most interesting galleries and workshops:
Galerie L'Atelier - A gallery and working workshop for local painters and sculptors, located in an atmospheric stone-vaulted space in the heart of the city.
Atelier Passiflore - Colorful ceramics and hand-painted porcelain inspired by floral motifs from Provence.
La Maison de Violette - A shop and small exhibition dedicated to the city's iconic violets - you'll find everything from perfumes and sweets to violet-themed textiles.
Les Verriers de Tourrettes - Glassblowing workshop where you can experience traditional glassblowing and buy beautiful unique glass pieces.
L'Atelier du Cuir - Locally designed and handmade leather crafts in modern and classic styles.
Most workshops are open all year round, and especially during the summer months the city buzzes with creative energy. Many artists are happy to invite you inside and talk about their work - an experience that makes your visit even more personal and inspiring.
Excursions in Tourrettes-sur-Loup
An atmospheric mountain town in the hinterland
Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a great destination for a day trip from Nice. The medieval village offers narrow cobblestone streets, local crafts and beautiful views of valley and sea. Here you'll get an authentic taste of Provence in a peaceful setting. Try one of these tours.
Read more about the tour:
Full-day tour of historic medieval villages - Grasse, Gourdon, Tourrettes-sur-Loup and Saint-Paul de Vence
Read more about the tour:
Full day tour with medieval towns (like above), the Cascades du Saut du Loup waterfall and Fragonard perfumery in Grasse
Read more about the tour:
Half-day trip to Tourrettes-sur-Loup and the Domaine des Claus vineyard.
Discover the estate, its vines and its wine through tasting. The owner will give you all the explanations about the vinification of his organic products.
How to get to Tourrettes-sur-Loup
The city is about a 45-minute drive from Nice and can be combined with a visit to Grasse or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. There are also buses from Vence if you prefer public transportation.
You can also visit the city on one of the recommended excursions (see the green drop down bar).
TIP: Park at Parking des Ecole (400 m from the city center) – in high season it’s almost impossible to find a space in the city.
4 nearby cities you should also visit
Saint-Paul-de-Vence – An iconic artist town with charming streets and the famous Fondation Maeght Museum.
Grasse – The capital of perfume with historic perfumeries and exciting museums.
Gourdon – A spectacular mountain village with panoramic views and small shops selling local crafts.
Vence – A lively Provençal town with a medieval center, art galleries and Matisse’s Chapelle du Rosaire.
By Tommy Sverre – updated 2025
