They call it the Village in the Sky, and the nickname isn't hyperbole. Tourtour sits at 635 metres, perched on a rocky spur with views that stretch across the Var all the way to the Mediterranean on clear days. Up here, the air is sharper, the light is different, and the rhythm of life feels like it belongs to another century.

Cobbled lanes wind between stone houses with blue-shuttered windows, opening onto squares shaded by ancient elm trees. Art galleries and artisan workshops dot the old streets, and the village fountain splashes quietly in the background as if keeping time.

Where the Sky Meets the Stone

Tourtour's setting is its greatest asset. The panoramic viewpoint at the edge of the village offers a 180-degree sweep across rolling hills, olive groves, and forest — with the sea shimmering on the horizon. It's the kind of view that makes you reach for your phone, then put it away again because no screen can do it justice.

The village itself is beautifully preserved: a Romanesque church, an old oil mill that now serves as a cultural space, and medieval ramparts that frame the whole scene like a stone border.

Olive Oil, Honey & Art

Tourtour produces some of the Var's finest olive oil, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with domaines that welcome visitors. Local honey — dark, floral, and intensely aromatic — is another speciality worth seeking out.

The village has long attracted artists and craftspeople, and their studios and galleries add a creative layer to the medieval setting. Summer brings open-air concerts and evening markets that give Tourtour a gentle buzz without breaking its spell.

Practical Information

Getting there: About 1h30 north of Toulon via the D557 through Draguignan. Parking at the edge of the village.

Best time to visit: Spring for wildflowers and mild temperatures. Summer evenings for markets and concerts.

Don't miss: The panoramic viewpoint, the old oil mill, and a tasting of local olive oil or honey.

Mauricette's Tip

Tourtour is best visited in the golden hour before sunset, when the light turns the stone walls amber and the view softens into something almost painterly. Bring a bottle of rosé and find a bench with a view.

Perched villages, panoramic views, and the scent of olive groves — Villa Mauricette is your gateway to the Var's most spectacular hilltop escapes.