“It looks more real than the other.” The Greek Mister said as our visit to Tourrettes-sur-Loup draws to an end. He meant that this village looks more like a normal village compared to the fairy tale-sque St Paul de Vence which we visited prior to here. While I wouldn’t say that one is prettier than the other, Tourrettes-sur-Loup does have its advantage of not being high on the tourist route – it’s not as crowded as the other more famous villages.
It was my second time in Tourrettes-sur-Loup and I feel like a lot has changed in this village from my first visit in 2009. That or I’m getting it confused with a different village. I remember quite well that there’s a square with a fountain in the middle and to get to it you’ll have to pass through an archway but I couldn’t find it anymore when we were there last month. I specifically remember it as it’s where I saw a cute dog and I had my photo taken under the archway.
I couldn’t find that arch and fountain on our recent visit or maybe I just missed it?
Tourrettes-sur-Loup has experienced centuries of horrible history – from the invasions of different Barbarians; the black plague; three different wars and a revolution. Despite the fact that this tiny village has gone through quite a lot, it is still standing oh so prettily on its rocky promontory.
The flower violet is cultivated in the area surrounding Tourrettes-sur-Loup hence it is also called the Village of Violets. The village celebrates the Violet Festival every March which is the violet season and to celebrate spring. The whole village will then be filled by flowers with the violet’s sweet scent adding to the atmosphere. I bet it’s a thrill to witness it, maybe next time for me. 🙂
I also remember eating a violet icecream when I went in June 2009 however during winter and specially when we visited the village around Christmas, most of the establishments were closed for business. I didn’t see any store where I could buy this violet icecream or maybe I missed it as well?
We definitely had a better time walking around the cobblestone streets of Tourrettes-sur-Loup as it wasn’t as busy as the other villages. It’s a detour that you’d like to take though because trust me, you wouldn’t want to miss this.
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so pretty! haven’t visited it yet, been to Eze and St Paul;) love St Paul de Vence:)
Love all the Medieval villages in this region. Wish I live there. :p
Pretty place, if interested in history and building style. They do not move fast in these places unless the existing building is damaged, so I suggest check your co-ordinates.
Been to Nice myself three times and the last ten years after the previous seemed strange as the improvements were huge, mainly around the foreshore Promenade d Ánglais.