Part of the ‘Arrière Pays’, Tourrettes sur Loup offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Mediterranean coast. Located 10 minutes’ drive from its more famous neighbour St Paul de Vence, 20 minutes from the coast and 30 minutes from Nice & Nice airport, Tourrettes has something for everyone, from keen walkers to culture vultures and foodies. The sweeping views over the mountains and down to the sea are intoxicating and seem to go on forever – this is a part of southern France that is for those ‘in the know’ looking for a more relaxed pace of life.

Perched on a rocky outcrop, Tourrettes sur Loup is straight out of a fairy tale: fortified walls, windy cobbled streets, arched medieval passageways, and a little stream that greets you as you stroll in past the old mill. But this tiny Provençal village is far from sleepy, boasting wine bars, excellent restaurants (including one awarded a Michelin star) artisan bakeries, grocery shops, butchers, art galleries & jewellery shops, and a market on Wednesday mornings.

The village has become a centre of art and there are many galleries to linger in and workshops to explore. Also known as the 'Cite des Violettes' due to its historical association with the nearby perfume industry in Grasse, you can still visit violet fields and buy produce in the village made with locally grown flowers.

There is always a good time to visit Tourrettes.

During the peak summer season the weather hots up, but being elevated from the coast means that it’s easier to escape the intensity of summer heat. There is a plethora of events, ranging from world-famous jazz concerts (Juan Les Pins, Nice, Antibes), International firework competitions (Cannes and along the coast), and of course locally the Fete de la Musique (June 21st) when the whole village comes to life with concerts and al fresco dining.

In winter, the weather can still be very mild. The local ski resort of Greôlières is a 45 minute drive and offers family skiing with spectacular views and mountain scenery. For a bigger ski domain, Valberg, Isola 200 and Auron are great for day trips. Other events not to be missed are the world-famous Nice carnival (February), Menton Lemon Festival (February) and Tourrettes’ very own Fete des Violettes (February): a unique event with music, locally decorated floats parading through the village and the infamous ‘bataille des fleurs’.

Spring & Autumn offer temperate, pleasant weather and a welcome escape from the grey skies of Northern Europe and cooler climes. And of course being out of season, there are fewer people and air fares can be cheaper.

The surrounding area offers much to explore. 45 minutes’ drive will take you to Cannes, Antibes, Nice or Juan les Pins. A little further along the coast is Monaco, Monte Carlo and the Italian border or head west and enjoy a day out in St. Tropez. There are five golf courses within a 30 minute drive. Active outdoor pursuits nearby in the Gorge du Loup and surrounding mountains include parasailing, hang gliding, canyoning and horse riding. There are some excellent and varied walks nearby for all levels of walkers or hikers, many in mountainous terrain with breath-taking views.