The fact that the village is doubly labeled, "Most Beautiful Village of France" and "Cities and villages in bloom," suggests that Tourtour is a village that is worth seeing. And indeed, this medieval village which has retained its environment and architecture intact is a place offering an exceptional living environment.

Tourtour village is built on a hill located on the foothills of the pre-Alps. This allows it to enjoy a beautiful view over the plain of the Var way up the Montagne Sainte-Victoire.

Its welcoming main square, the eight fountains, its fresh streets, and its water wheel which still works give a special charm to this beautiful village.

HISTORY

The first traces of life in Tourtour are very old and date back to the Neolithic period. Later, it was the Romans who settled in the territory of Saint Pierre, the Evoue, the Treilles, and the Colombier.

In the twelfth century, Cistercian monks from Mazan settled in the district of Florielle at the request of Raymond de Saint Gilles, Count of Toulouse and marquis of Provence. They established a monastery whose ruins are found at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Florielle.

Between the thirteenth and seventeenth century, the village changed hands several times. In 1638, Anne of Austria went on a pilgrimage through Tourtour. Two elms were planted to mark the event.

In December 1851, the repression that followed the coup of Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was very violent in Tourtour. It was intended to punish the insurgency of the Var.

Since then, life in Tourtour has been very peaceful.

Many artists have settled there over the years, as the painter Bernard Buffet.

TOURISM

Away from traffic and large cities, Tourtour with its well-preserved medieval architecture, is a village that will charm you with its authenticity.

The Saint-Denis-de-Tourtour church overlooks the village. We do not know the date of its construction but it was built on the site of an ancient church dating from the Middle Ages. Inside, there is a painting of the Holy Father Isarn intervening against the Lord of Tourtour in 1058.

You can also visit the castle of Raphélis which was restored in the sixteenth century and the ruins of the Cistercian abbey near the Notre-Dame-de-Florielle chapel, the Fossil Museum, and oil mill which dates from the seventeenth century.

Many activities are offered in Tourtour. You can enjoy many hiking trails, fishing or simply walk through the village and its surroundings.

ACCESS

Tourtour is located 8km from Salernes and 14 km from Draguignan.

To reach the village, take the D557 to the east after leaving Draguignan.