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The history of Tourtour
The village is located 25 kilometers north-west of Draguignan and 40 kilometers from the Verdon Grand Canyon and Gorges ; up until the 10th century, the village was called “Valuègne-Saint-Domnin”.
The word "tür" means a summit, TOURTOUR boasts two high points : the Saint-Denis Church to the east and the old medieval castle to the west, which produced Tör Tör and later on TOURTOUR.
The village was built along the passage of spring water ; the main spring is called : the Saint-Rosaire. The power of this spring was used for the mills.
The village coat of arms with its 2 towers was established under the reign of Louis XIV. At this time, the de La Tour Family owned the medieval castle and the Grimaud tower which explains the 2 towers.
The historical places of the village
The present village was built in the 11th century ; in this first ramparts you will discover the old medieval castle.
The second ramparts (14th century / 15th century) was developed up to the present square. Flocks of sheeps used to be counted using the narrow "countadou" lane.
In the third ramparts dated 17th century, you will discover the Raphélis castle (Town Hall) and the Sainte-Trinité Chapelle.
The Saint-Denis Church (11th century), Roman architecture, overlooks the village.
You will discover a Panoramic view table next to the Church..
Tourtour today
Tourtour is a lively village which strives to protect the balance between the traditional country way of life and an open-minded hospitality to tourists and newcomers.
There are frequent events : concerts, exhibitions, authentic traditional fetes, all are organised throughout the year.
There is no lack of good accommodation and restaurants : 4 hotels, 13 restaurants, and many bed and breakfast and holiday rentals will all welcome you in Tourtour.
The country side offers surprising walks : the Florielle road with its spectacular Romanesque bridge, the Grimaud tower…, Exceptional varieties of visits in the area : in the north, the Sainte-Croix lake and the Verdon Grand Canyon, in the south, the Saint-Tropez Golfe and the Mediterranean sea.
Tourtour’s springs supply the eight fountains of the village as well as the old water-powered mill still in use today. Next to the oil mill is an exceptional fossil Museum.
The climate is very nice and healthy thanks to its purifying air..
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