Tourtour is a member of ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’ and lives up to its name, perched 2,966ft above sea level in the remote hills beyond Draguignan in the Var region. It’s called ‘the Village in the Sky’ and it’s impressive Romanesque church of St Denis boasts a vast green vista spread like an ocean at its feet. The wind gusts around the hilltop as I make my way down the path to the village square, with assorted cafes and restaurants spread around the central fountain. The side streets are a kaleidoscope of narrow alleyways and crumbling stone steps, and small fountains at every turn, with worn wooden shutters and tiny windows eager to catch the sun’s rays. Purple Plumbago & lavender burst out of pots and planters and tiny birds gather in the tree canopy as midday bells toll the lunch-hour! A delightful, peaceful visit as the season draws to a close and the very buildings seem to breath a sigh of relief!
