Attractions and Places To See around Tourtour - Top 20

Tourtour, known as the 'Village in the Sky,' offers several historical landmarks. You can visit the two ancient châteaux, including the 12th-century one housing an art gallery and the 16th-century Château de 'Raphélis' which serves as the town hall. Explore the remains of old ramparts and gates, the 1665 Clock Tower, and the 11th-century Grimaldi Tower. The Romanesque-style Church of Saint-Denis, dating from the 11th century, also provides exceptional views.

Tourtour's elevated position at 635 meters on the Beau Soleil hill provides stunning 360-degree panoramic views. Excellent vantage points include the esplanade near the main square and the gardens surrounding the Church of Saint-Denis. On clear days, you can see the Maures and Esterel mountains, and even glimpses of the distant Mediterranean.

Yes, the area around Tourtour offers several family-friendly options. You can visit Entrecasteaux Castle, a private château with French-style gardens. The nearby village of Aups also has a charming historic center to explore. Additionally, the Jardin des Papillons (Butterfly Garden) provides an interactive and educational experience for nature lovers, and the Caves of Villecroze offer ancient troglodyte houses to discover.

Tourtour is an excellent base for outdoor activities. The village is a starting point for numerous hiking trails of varying difficulties, including those in the Bois de Tourtour. Its proximity to the Verdon Natural Park allows for exploring the breathtaking Verdon Gorge. For specific routes, you can find easy, moderate, and difficult hiking trails in the area, such as the 'Great landscape👍🌞' loops from Tourtour. Discover more hiking options on the Hiking around Tourtour guide.

Tourtour boasts a rich cultural scene. You can visit a traditional 17th-century olive oil mill that still operates seasonally and hosts art exhibitions. The village is home to several art galleries, including one in the oldest castle, and a contemporary art museum dedicated to painter Simon Segal. Don't miss the Victor Zaneboni Fossil Museum, and if you're lucky, you might catch one of the local festivals or admire sculptures by Bernard Buffet.

Tourtour is ideally located for day trips to other 'Most Beautiful Villages of France' such as Aups, Cotignac, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, and Seillans. You can also visit the ruins of the Abbey of Florièyes or the national monument of Thoronet Abbey, approximately 15 km away. For water activities, Lac de Sainte-Croix is within a 40-minute drive, offering leisure facilities and watersports.

Beyond the panoramic views from Tourtour itself, a significant natural attraction nearby is the Waterfall — Cascade de Sillans. This waterfall offers refreshing air and water mist from its viewing platforms, with a well-signposted path leading to a great view of the cascade and turquoise water. Another unique site is the Tombeau de la Lauve, a rare block tomb (tholos) located on the Lauve plateau.

The spring and autumn months are generally ideal for visiting Tourtour. The weather is pleasant for exploring the village's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking. Summer can be warm, but the village's altitude provides some relief, and the traditional olive oil mill hosts art exhibitions from June to September. Various festivals also take place throughout the year, including the Egg Festival in spring and the Saint-Denis festival in October.

Yes, the area around Tourtour is popular for cycling. You can find various routes, including those that pass by attractions like the Waterfall — Cascade de Sillans or the Historic Centre of Aups. Routes range from moderate to difficult, such as the 'Tourtour – Historic Centre of Aups loop from Tourtour' or the 'Waterfall — Cascade de Sillans – Cotignac loop from Villecroze'. Explore more options on the Cycling around Tourtour guide.

The Historic Centre of Aups is a must-see for its beautiful, medieval-looking city center. Visitors can wander through wonderful small streets and admire the Gothic church building, which was constructed between 1489 and 1503. It offers a charming glimpse into the region's history and architecture.

Tourtour is known for its traditional 17th-century olive oil mill, which still operates and produces olive oil. The village also hosts traditional Provençal markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, where you can find local specialties and products, offering a taste of the regional culture.