I am only truly happy when I paint.
Bernard Buffet
Welcome to Tourtour, the village in the sky!
If you dream of large open spaces to admire and an artist’s life in a peaceful setting reviving your inspiration every morning… Tourtour is the place for you - in the heart of Provence, perched at an altitude of 637 metres on its hilltop « the beautiful Sun ».it is rich in the marvels of the natural, cultural and historic heritage of the Var. This little village rightly boasts being awarded with « The Most Beautiful Villages in France » certification but also a star from the « Michelin Green Guide » and the « Towns and Villages in Bloom » certification…as you can see, Tourtour provides a privileged location and quality of life!
Live in one of the most beautiful villages in France!
Tourtour, a medieval Provençal village with an abundance of character
Tourtour welcomes you in its medieval streets originating back to the 12th century. You will be able to discover its historical monuments, evidence of the history of the village throughout the centuries: three outer fortification walls, two castles, at least eight chapels and as many fountains, the Florièyes abbey, the former wash house and the traditional oil mill still in use…
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Mairie de Tourtour
Château Raphélis
04 98 10 25 25
Of course, the Tourtour locals relish their cultural Provençal heritage as well: olive and vine cultivation, but also local specialities like goat’s cheese or truffles. Several restaurants promote this gastronomical wealth, including the superb Bastide de Tourtour.
The Provençal Market
It’s an institution in Tourtour, every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Buying fresh, healthy local food in season is a priority!
A village of artists
Many have found inspiration in Tourtour! The most famous amongst them is the great expressionist painter Bernard Buffet, who lived out his final years at the Domaine de la Baume. He sculpted the 2 bronze insects on display in front of the town council building.
A fulfilling local life in Tourtour
Life in this little Provençal village is surprisingly lively, particularly thanks to the many clubs. Hiking, equestrian centre, regular pétanque [French bowling] competitions, reading groups, theatre…there’s something for everyone!
Children can complete their primary school education in the village, and then go to middle school and high school in Lorgues, accessible by bus, or Draguignan, around twenty kilometres away. In the village, they can enjoy the children’s activity centre Les Diablotins for afterschool activities but also on Wednesdays and during the holidays.
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Association les diablotins
Chemin de Beauveset
04 94 76 73 50
Tourtour, in the heart of the wonders of the Var
Tourtour is part of the Haut-Var communauté de communes [federation of municipalities] « Lakes and Gorges of the upper Verdon». There’s nothing like enjoying the vast panoramic view from the Tour Grimaud to fully appreciate its exceptional location. On the horizon, the Mediterranean coast but also the entire central Var as far as the Sainte-Victoire Mountain and the Sainte-Baume Mountain range, as well as the gorges, lakes and mountains of the Verdon, all within barely an hour’s drive.
Living in Tourtour is to experience life in a magnificent environment that you will not tire of exploring, and in a much milder climate than the national average.