Touet-sur-Var
A wonderful labyrinth of hidden treasures
Amongst the hundreds of medieval villages that scatter the French countryside, Touët-sur-Var stands out for its unique character and quirky architectural features.
As soon as you alight from the train, you feel like you stepped out of real life and into a Joanne Harris novel; fat black grapes, deep purple flowers and lush green leaves drip from stone walls and cling to faded wooden shutters. Climb up to the old town and you'll find yourself in a maze of ancient interlaced streets and vaulted passages, most no bigger than narrow alleyways. Inquisitive cats peer out from every nook and cranny and are so used to being photographed that they all know which side is their best.
The tightly-packed houses are often described as looking rather Tibetan! Crammed in on the side of a steep mountain, they are unusually tall and narrow with open roofs that would once have been used for drying figs in the sun.
Touët-sur-Var has a real artisan feel to it; everywhere you look you'll see painted doors, mini-murals, personalised letterboxes and so on – if you're lucky enough to get a peek behind some of the heavy wooden doors you'll find a hidden world of workshops and ateliers crammed full of curiosities. The affinity with Tibet can also been seen in artwork that has Buddhist vibes, prayer flags strung from the occasional balcony and the odd “Free Tibet” slogan painted on a wall or door.
Despite it being a popular destination, Touët-sur-Var doesn't feel at all “touristy” and you'll see more locals going about their daily routine than you will camera-wielding holidaymakers. There isn't a huge number of bars and restaurants, but the ones that exist all look like they have a regular clientèle and don't just cater to the seasonal trade. You won't find anywhere in the old town to eat, but there are a few relaxed looking places on the main road and the train station has a small restaurant with a terrace that oozes shabby Provençal charm. If you want to feel like a local, then this is the place to do it.
The village is separated into three sections: a quiet residential area on one side of the train station, a main road with shops, bars and restaurants on the other, and the old medieval village perched high up on the mountain side. It only takes half an hour or so to reach the top of the old town, but it's a steep climb up uneven staircases and through crooked passageways; above the houses is a lookout point with superb views of the Var valley stretching out for miles, the mountains on the opposite side and the red tiled roofs of the village below.
History & Culture in [locality]
Sights & Attractions in [locality]
If the weather is not on your side you can visit the 12th century Romanesque church, find out how oil was produced at the old mill, or say hello to the presidents of the French Republic in the portrait gallery at the town hall. The older parts of the village are well protected from the elements and the narrow higgledy-piggledy streets are well worth a wander round, whatever the weather.
Sights in Provence
See all Sights & Sites-
Ambrussum archaeological site, near Nimes
This large Roman site lies on the outskirts of Nimes on the way to Montpellier. It's an extensive site that requires a fair bit of exploring, although there is a small museum on site which explains the chronology of Ambrussum in a bit more detail.
-
Site Memorial des Milles
Located in Aix-en-Provence
At the beginning of World War II, France interned all Austrian and German nationals who were living in France at the time, and Les Milles was the prison for the south eastern region.
-
Musee des Alpilles, Saint Remy de Provence
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Created in 1919, this museum is located inside a former townhouse, the Hôtel Mistral de Montdragon, which dates from the Renaissance period and is classified as an historical landmark.
-
Mines de Bruoux, Apt
This area is well known for it's ochre pigment found in the soil, and a tour of the Mines de Bruoux show you the underground caverns that were created.
-
Les Grottes de Thouzon, Isle sur la Sorgue
You will be able to walk along the fossil bed of an ancient underground river, and discover the richness and diversity of this cave and eco-museum.
-
Les Arenes, Nimes
The Nimes Roman Arena is an amphitheatre that dates back to the end of the first century AD. It is an impressive sight, with two levels of 60 superposed arches.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Provence
See all Restaurants-
La Vache a Carreaux Restaurant
Located in Avignon
This small restaurant is on the Rue Peyrollerie, a winding alley just off the Place St Pierre. It is a great option for vegetarians, offering a wide variety of cheese dishes and salads but there are also fish dishes available.
-
La Chassagnette Restaurant
This organic Michelin starred restaurant is situated just 12km outside Arles on the road to Sambuc and is run by the chef Armand Arnal.
-
L'Autruche Restaurant
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
-
Mickael Feval Restaurant
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
-
Le Temp de Vivre Restaurant, Uchaux
Le Temps de Vivre is situated in the little hamlet of Les Farjons just down the road from Uchaux.
-
L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
Things to do in [locality]
There are plenty of beautiful hiking trails from Touët-sur-Var to other villages along the Chemins de Fer de Provence train line, taking you into the rugged beauty of the Gorges du Cian and along parts of the GR510.
Things To Do in Provence
See all Activities & Trips-
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
-
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
-
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Provence
See all Bars & Clubs-
La Cave des Pas Sages
Located in Avignon
Small wine bar situated in one of the cobbled streets of Avignon that hosts regular market stalls.
-
Mistral Nighclub
Located in Aix-en-Provence
The Mistral is Aix-en-Provence's answer to those looking for a trendy night out listening to the latest DJ's.
-
21 Chai d'Oeuvre Bar, Saint Remy de Provence
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
This bar is located in the centre of Saint Remy de Provence. It has a good selection of wines by the glass, as well as bottles and champagne. They even serve charcuterie and cheese plates.
-
Le Longchamp Bar & Brasserie, Isle sur la Sorgue
Located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
This place is a bar, restaurant and tabac all rolled into one, on the side of the river in the centre of Isle de la Sorgue.
-
Le Cardeur Bacchus Bar
Located in Aix-en-Provence
This small bar has a nice seating area outside next to one of Aix's many fountains and it catches the sun late into the evening.
-
Le Scat Nightclub
Located in Aix-en-Provence
The Scat Club plays live music every night, and not just jazz the club plays pop, rock, funk and R'n'B.
Chalets in [locality]
Chalets in Provence
See all Chalets-
Les Hautes Prairies Campsite, Lourmarin
Located right in the centre of Provence with the feet of Lubéron. A 9 acre campsite with 165 spacious pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Provence
See all Villas-
La Villa Martine Villa, Saignon
A house for rent in Saignon, in the Vaucluse, with a swimming pool and large garden for the perfect holiday.
-
Keyla Villa, Grimaud
Charming neoprovencal villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people
Price: €8,120
-
Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
-
Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
-
Valderrama Villa, Gassin
Located in the prestigious private Golf & Country Club estate in Gassin, come and discover this beautiful bastide in a privileged location, at the end of a cul-de-sac in a quiet environment without vis-à-vis.
Price: €6,100
-
La Colline Villa, Provenc
Welcome to La Colline, a beautiful villa made of honey-colored local stone, nestled among the Provençal vineyards, with breathtaking views of Mont Ventoux and the small hilltop villages in the distance. You will enjoy a magnificent and peaceful setting, the villa being the ideal place to spend a summer day by the swimming pool*, in absolute silence, except for the gentle song of the cicadas......
Price: €3,115
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Provence
See all Holiday Rentals-
Provence Country Club Studio Apartment, Luberon
Located in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this studio enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
-
Carpe Diem Villa, Verbier
Superb 5-bedroom villa with swimming pool, ideal for 10 people, 5 minutes from the sea
-
Un Été Indien Villa, Apt
The perfect holiday home in the Luberon with a heated swimming pool.
Price: €6,430
-
Provence Country Club - 2 Bed Apartment, Luberon
Located in the Residence Provence Country Club in the heart of the Luberon mountain, this apartment enjoys a serene and tranquil atmosphere with close proximity to all the sites and attractions of this area of the South of France. An ideal location for nature and golf lovers.
-
Maison Saint Amant Villa
Exclusive family property situated at the top of the Dentelles de Montmirail, in an untouched natural environment.
-
La Maison Des Artistes Villa, Menerbes
Holiday house for rent in the Luberon: beautiful authentic farmhouse with heated swimming pool 12x6 in a nice fenced park.
Price: €3,384
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
See all Hotels-
Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
-
La Bastide Saint Antoine Hotel, Grasse
Located in Grasse
La Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse sits within five hectares of lush Mediterranean gardens and olive groves. It overlooks the surrounding plains and the Bay of Cannes, offering stunning views and a feast for the senses.
-
Domaine de Manville, Les Baux
Located in Les Baux-de-Provence
Offering you a taste of the Provencal lifestyle, with linen sheets, sunrise over the drystone architecture, wildflowers overflowing from vases, the fragrance of fresh baked bread, creamy butter and golden honey, the true taste of fresh products raised on the estate.
-
Le Vallon de Valrugues Hotel & Spa, St Remy
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
The Vallon de Valrugues is located in the centre of St Remy, a stylish Provencial town filled with chic boutiques and galleries.
-
Le Chateau des Alpilles Hotel, St Remy
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
This charming chateau provides a wide range of accommodation from rooms and suites to mini apartments. Renowned for its beauty and excellent service, this is a very popular destination in Provence.
-
Auberge St Remy de Provence Hotel
Located in Saint-Remy-de-Provence
Located just within a 5 minute walk from the town's main square, this small and charming hotel offers traditional Provençal decoration and a gourmet restaurant.
Price: €1,988
Directions
As well as the Train des Pignes, you can also reach Touët-sur-Var by bus.
Alternatively, if you wish to drive you’ll find Touët-sur-Var 50km north west of Nice, along the RN 202 to Digne-Les-Bains.