Tourrettes sur Loup

Last update on May 3, 2026

13km North west of Cagnes sur Mer via Vence.

Discover Tourrettes-sur-Loup, a pretty village near Nice

Tourrettes-sur-Loup is a charming town in the Alpes-Maritimes department, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean, 25 km from Nice and a stone's throw from Vence.

This medieval village has everything you could want when exploring the heart of Provence: unspoiled heritage, authentic crafts, and breathtaking views.

Tourrettes-sur-Loup is also the only place in France where violets are grown as a main crop — a distinctive feature that has earned it the title of “City of Violets” and always surprises visitors.

Between the Gorges du Loup, artisan workshops, the violet festival, and Provençal cuisine, there is plenty to do for a day — or even a whole vacation. The rest of this article gives you all the details you need to plan your visit.

Tourrettes sur Loup is “the city of violets.”

It is called “City of Violets” because this pretty and shy little flower has been grown there for almost a century. It is still one of the village's main activities today. A festival is organized in its honor in March with flower parades and flower battles.

The medieval village

Tourrettes sur Loup is best discovered by strolling slowly and quietly through its pretty little streets, vaulted passageways, tastefully restored old stone facades, and flower-lined stairways.

In the Grand' Rue, in the heart of the old village, nearly 30 workshops, art galleries, and artisan studios have gathered, finding here the serenity and quality of life necessary for creativity. You can admire paintings, sculptures, weavings, jewelry, and pottery in the old village center.

Tourrettes sur Loup dans les Alpes Maritimes.

Finally, don't leave the village without visiting the 15th-century Château des Villeneuve and its beautiful little square. Today, it houses the town hall and hosts numerous exhibitions throughout the year.

The market in Tourrettes-sur-Loup

The pretty market in Tourrettes-sur-Loup takes place every Wednesday morning on the Place de la Libération (see our map). It's a very pleasant market where you can stock up on local produce in the beautiful village of Tourrettes. Don't miss it if you're in the area.

Our map of Tourrettes sur Loup

To find your way around the beautiful village of Tourrettes, you can use our interactive map. We have marked the accommodations we recommend for a wonderful vacation or weekend in Tourrettes.

Our photos of Tourrettes

At the bottom of this page, you will find a slideshow of photos taken by our team in this charming town on the French Riviera. We hope it will inspire you to discover this beautiful village, which is well worth a visit.

What to see

Church Saint Gregoire, XVIth C.
Chateau des Villeneuve with its belfry, XVth and XIth centuries.

Things to do

Tennis. Excursions to the "Gorges du Loup".
Cultural Events, Violet fete, local produce fete.
Craft Exhibitions.
Wednesday morning market.

Bed and breakfast

Maison d'hôtes Bleu Azur

Tourrettes sur Loup (Nice) | St Paul de Vence : 5 km

3 spacious suites of 40m2 with kitchen-dining area, living room with sofa bed, private terrace, independent entrance in ground garden. Sea view, quiet garden, heated pool, petanque. 800m from the village (10mn walk).

248€ - 283€

Visit website

Accommodation

Bed and breakfast.
Holiday rentals.
Hotels.
Campsites.

Your questions about Tourrettes-sur-Loup

You have sent us many questions about the village of Tourrettes. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.

“Tourette sur Loup” or “Tourrettes sur Loup”?

Although many websites and newspapers regularly make this mistake, the correct spelling of this beautiful village on the French Riviera is “Tourrettes-sur-Loup” with two “r”s and an ‘s’ at the end of “Tourrettes.”

Where to eat in Tourrettes-sur-Loup?

You will find many charming restaurants in the center of Tourrettes-sur-Loup. Enjoy Provençal and Mediterranean cuisine on a sunny terrace.

What hikes are there near Tourrettes-sur-Loup?

One lovely hike we recommend is to Le Puy de Naouri via the Combe de la Baisse. The view is phenomenal, and you can admire the Bay of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, the Bay of Antibes, and the Mercantour. More information can be found on our “hiking in the Alpes-Maritimes” pages.

What is there to do in Tourrettes-sur-Loup?

The medieval village can be explored from Place de la Libération, the gateway to Grande Rue. This half-moon shaped street is home to around thirty craft workshops and galleries, where potters, jewelers, ceramists, and weavers display and sell their wares. The 12th-century Saint-Grégoire church, the 15th-century castle, and the Bastide aux Violettes complete the tourist panorama. For those who enjoy excursions, the Gorges du Loup and the hilltop village of Gourdon are accessible for a day trip from Tourrettes.

How to get to Tourrettes-sur-Loup?

By car from Nice, it takes about 31 minutes via exit 48 (Cagnes-sur-Mer), heading towards Vence and then Tourrettes. Parking is available at the entrance to the village. By public transport, the ZOU! 651 Vence-Grasse bus line serves the village, with connections from Nice or Grasse train station. Please note: this bus does not run on Sundays or public holidays.

What are the specialties of Tourrettes-sur-Loup?

Tourrettes-sur-Loup is nicknamed “Cité des Violettes” (City of Violets): it is the only place in France where violets are grown as a main crop. The flower is used in local confectionery and perfumeries in Grasse. The Grande Rue is home to around thirty craft workshops: pottery, jewelry, weaving, painting. Violet-based products—jams, syrups, soaps—are typical souvenirs of the village.

Where to stay in Tourrettes-sur-Loup?

There is a wide range of accommodation on offer: hotels, guesthouses, and campsites. The Auberge de Tourrettes offers a restaurant, swimming pool, and bar in the heart of the village. Guesthouses such as the Maison d'Hôtes Bleu Azur and La Tourrette offer panoramic sea views and a warm welcome. Les Rives du Loup campsite, on the banks of the river, is ideal for families with mobile homes and a swimming pool.

What events are there in Tourrettes-sur-Loup?

The highlight of the calendar is the violet festival, celebrated on the first or second weekend of March since 1952, with a flower parade and entertainment throughout the village. In September, the pottery market on Place de la Libération brings together around twenty artisans from the south of France. In December, Christmas events are organized by local associations and merchants.

What tourist attractions are there to visit?

The 15th-century castle, the 12th-century Saint-Grégoire church, and the Bastide aux Violettes are the village's must-see attractions. The clock tower marks the entrance to the Grande Rue and its artisan workshops. Nearby, the Gorges du Loup offer spectacular views with waterfalls and hiking trails. The medieval village of Gourdon, perched above the gorges, is the perfect way to round off your visit.