Holidays in Tourrette-Levens
Tourettes-Levance is a delightful town tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes, not far from Nice and Cannes. Unlike these "pearls of the Côte d'Azur," Tourettes-Levance could be called a "diamond in the rough." Everything here exudes the antiquity and traditions of the French province. The first settlement dates back to the 12th century. Back then, the inhabitants of the village of Tourettes were engaged in agriculture, cultivating vineyards and harvesting olive oil. For several centuries, the fortified settlement, whose name derives from the Latin "turris," meaning "fortress," stood on the so-called "Salt Road," on the route to Nice and Turin. Roman legionaries and soldiers passed through here. Over time, the ancient village transformed into a cozy town, whose brightly tiled roofs peek through the foliage here and there.
Tours of Tourettes-Levance currently have a population of approximately 4,000. The townspeople still practice agriculture and traditional crafts, the secrets of which have been passed down to them from their ancestors. The "Old Village," as the residents of Tourette-Levance call it, was abandoned in 1887. An earthquake destroyed many houses and claimed dozens of lives. Today, this well-preserved medieval village, with its narrow cobbled streets and churches, is a major tourist destination. The center of this picturesque complex is an ancient 12th-century castle, home to a unique butterfly museum. The panoramic view from the observation deck is breathtaking.
The townspeople are especially proud of the ancient church of Sainte-Rosalie, the patron saint of Tourette-Levance. According to legend, the saint's relics, brought from Nice, protected the village from the plague of 1631. Among other ancient monuments, the 13th-century Church of the Savior, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and the Church of the Holy Great Martyrs are of particular interest. The Circus Museum and the Museum of Crafts are also worth a visit.
The residents of Tourette-Levance are hospitable and welcoming. Open-air festivals and celebrations are often held here. One such performance is dedicated to... the olive branch. Tourette-Levance has always had a cult of worship around this plant. The olive tree was considered sacred, as its oil was used in church services, and trade in this valuable commodity brought in considerable income for the townspeople.