Tourtour
Charming rural village packed with art galleries
Located in the hills of the Var, Tourtour is a wonderful Provençal town which has been noted as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'. It has great views of the surrounding countryside - lush green wooded hills as far as the eye can see.
Tourtour itself is known as 'the village in the sky' because of it's panoramic position at 635m above sea level. With plenty of tiny streets to explore, and ancient towers from the medieval era, this place is certainly worth a detour. The local spring runs through the village, and sources several fountains that decorate the alleyways.
History & Culture in [locality]
There has been a village on this site since the 12th century and there are still remenants of buildings dating back to this time. As you wander around, you'll see ancient ramparts, doorways and gates.
A 17th century castle, complete with turrets at each corner, is now home to the Town Hall and the post office. Another old castle from the 12th century can be found on the far side of Tourtour, with its imposing round tower - you'll find it next to the Lavoir washing area.
A dominant feature on the outskirts of the village is the 11th century Romanesque church of Saint Denis. On a clear day, you can enjoy fantastic views from here down to Fréjus on the coast and Mount St Victoire towards Aix en Provence. There is a viewing platform with a helpful orientation table.
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
The village has a number of art galleries and artisan workshops, and you can pick up paintings, sculpture, pottery and ceramics, and hand-crafted jewellery in the boutiques.
On the road to Aups, you'll find a sculpture park called Musée de Faykod.
There is an oil mill dating from the 17th century which is open to the public, and a fossil museum that is open during the summer months (closed on Tuesdays).
Sights in Provence
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Monastere de Saorge Monastery
Beautiful baroque architecture, examples of 17th- and 18th-century frescoes and furniture and a large terraced garden.
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Musee des Arts & des Metiers du Vin
This wine museum situated just outside of Ansouis is a must for all wine lovers, and a fascinating for all amateurs.
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Eglise Saint Leger, Seillans
The church of Saint Leger sits amongst the narrow cobbled medieval streets in the very pretty little town that is Seillans.
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Musee des Alpilles, Saint Remy de Provence
Created in 1919, this museum is located inside a former townhouse, the Hôtel Mistral de Montdragon, which dates from the Renaissance period and is classified as an historical landmark.
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Chauvet Cave - Caverne du Pont d'Arc Gallery, St Marcel d'Ardeche
Finally visitors will be able to experience the cave paintings of the Grotte Chauvet in the state of the art replica that has been created by artists and builders.
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Commanderie de Peyrassol, Flassans sur Issole
Acquired in 2001 the Commanderie de Peyrassol, an old Knights Templar staging post, is now one of the outstanding vineyards of Provence. Its reds, whites and rosés are to be found in the finest dining establishments in France and throughout the world.
Events in [locality]
Next to the square is an area set aside for games of Boules, and this is also where you'll find the the twice-weekly market, held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
The annual village festival is held on the first weekend of August - expect music and dancing, street parties and petanque.
Events in Provence
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Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
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a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
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Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
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Anniversary of the liberation of Avignon
As part of the Commemoration of the liberation of Avignon, a day of festivities honouring this historical event takes place.
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Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
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Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
Things to do in [locality]
Tourtour is just a lovely place to wander around. Its views, quirky medieval houses and lanes and plethora of fountains add a great deal of charm to the village. The main square, Place des Ormeaux is home to several cafes and restuarants and provides welcome shade in the summer months.
A number of hikes in the area wander through rolling forested hills and over pretty bridges. You can hike to the nearby villages of Sillans, Salernes and Villecroze.
Things To Do in Provence
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
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Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €974
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Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
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Renaissance Hotel
Built in 2013 this modern, contemporary five star hotel in Provence combines art work in contemporary spaces, filled with uber stylish furniture and fittings.
Price: €2,405
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La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
Price: €3,780
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Le Vallon de Valrugues Hotel & Spa, St Remy
The Vallon de Valrugues is located in the centre of St Remy, a stylish Provencial town filled with chic boutiques and galleries.
Price: €2,965
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Hotel de Tourrel, Saint Remy de Provence
This 17th century palais in charming Saint Remy de Provence is a historic-meets-contemporary sanctuary for lovers of all things gourmet.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
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Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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ABCD Taxi, Apt
All taxi services 24/7 within a 60 mile radius.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
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Villa for Sale
Stunning property ideally set in a private domain with views over the sea and the vineyards.
Price: €23,000,000
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Villa for Sale
Ideally nestled in the sought-after town of Cavalaire, just a few steps from the Mediterranean and the village, this villa enjoys a truly exceptional location.
Price: €1,490,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €8,395,000
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Hotel for Sale
Located just 100 meters from the sea, this unique property, currently operated as a charming 4-star hotel, enjoys a spectacular view of the sea and Saint-Tropez.
Price: €6,383,000
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Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Rarely available Savoyard chalet in an elevated position with far reaching viewings over Val d'Isère
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Villa for Sale
Boasting an exceptional and private waterfront location, within walking distance from the town, this unique propertyis sure to delight you over with its breathtaking panoramic views and its direct proximity to the sea - an extremely rare privilege in Saint-Tropez.
Price: €23,000,000