Built on a steep slope with an average altitude of 400 m, half way between the mountains and the sea, Tourrettes has a great location. A gentle brook, the Chautard, flows at its feet.

A viewing table will help you admire the view, as well as the Puy castle (replica of the Cadets School in St. Petersburg).

The fact that this area has been populated for a very long time is demonstrated by the dolmen of the “Old Glassworks”, unusual for having two rooms separated by a slab.
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From Roman times, Tourrettes has preserved a villa on the Grande Bastide road, which branches from the Via Aurélia.
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In 1348, Bertrand de Villeneuve, who married Sancie de Signe in 1331, settled in Tourrettes, after building a castle on the town’s highest point, of which only the Clock Tower remains today.
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At the same time, the Cavaroux chapel was built in the Chautard glen. It was later renamed Pénitents chapel.
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During the French Revolution, in 1790, Tourrettes was integrated into the Canton de Fayence, which includes the towns of Seillans and Mons. In 1830, Alexandre Fabre began construction on a unique castle.
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The Puy castle, built in 1830 and which he intended to be a perfect replica of the St. Petersburg Cadet School, would be his home, a museum for his collections, and later, his tomb.

In 1866, all 742 inhabitants of Tourrettes essentially live off the land. Learn more

The reputation of Tourrettes is now secured thanks to the Fayence-Tourrettes International Centre for Gliding, where, 365 days year, you can fly in one of the world's best gliding regions, aerologically speaking, and enjoy the stunning Côte d’Azur at the same time.

The Terre Blanche Estate boasts two of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, designed by one of the best architects in the world. Perfectly maintained, the two courses on this estate will meet your expectations all year round, with 300 days of sun per year. The David Leadbetter Academy, undoubtedly the most famous in the world, is here, waiting to show you the very latest in Biomecaswing technologies.

The wooded countryside, where the oaks and pines are accented with mimosas and the flowers of rock-roses and briars, is excellent for walks and hikes:

The Camiole: this route runs along the remnants of Velnasque de Tourrettes, once a fortress that protected the neighbouring village of Callian, and offers sweeping views of the Estérel Massif.

More than 425 km of hiking trails are also available in the Saint-Raphaël / Pays de Fayence region, ranging from easy family walks to challenging hikes. So go out and discover our region's heritage on your own terms...More info...

See the topographical guide “Saint-Raphaël et le Pays de Fayence… à pied” (“Saint-Raphaël and the Pays de Fayence – On Foot”) and hiking trail maps on sale in the area’s tourist offices.