Villa Soleil, Tourrettes-sur-loup
Your luxury retreat on the Cote d'Azur
Perched on a rocky spur gazing out towards the Mediterranean Sea, the mountain village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup dates from the 11th century. It is ideally situated between the sea and the mountains, just 25 km (30 minute drive) from Nice and 35 km (40 minutes) from the bright lights of Cannes.
Fortified around its fifteenth century château, the medieval town boasts an original wealth of architecture constructed in a semi circle around its Grand Rue. A secret village, it only reveals its secrets after you pass the fortified doors located on each side of the square. Rumour has it that no two windows in Tourrettes-sur-Loup are exactly the same!
In the 1950s, Tourrettes-sur-Loup was a magnet for musicians, painters, writers and poets who all gathered here. Today, there are over 30 artist studios and galleries in the village, making it a key centre for arts and crafts on the Côte d'Azur.
Violets have been grown in the area for centuries and this has been the village's main agricultural activity since the 1800s. The delicate flowers are used in the perfume factories of Grasse (the perfume capital of the world - well worth a visit) and also in the local specialities - violet ice cream and violet biscuits (available at the boulangerie in the main square). The annual Fête des Violettes (usually held in March) rounds off the end of the violet season and celebrates spring with music, dancing, a floral procession and even a floral battle. Visit the village website (www.tourrettessurloup.com) for more information on the history of the village and local events.
Shops and services are all available in the village which is either a 15 minute walk or a 2 minute drive down from Villa Soleil. Tourrettes-sur-Loup is very well serviced with two bakeries, two greengrocers, a supermarket, a pharmacy, two butchers, a newsagent and restaurants which are open every day. We now also have our first Michelin-starred restaurant – Clovis (www.clovisgourmand.fr) – which we highly recommend! There is an open air market in the main square every Wednesday.