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.
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 Nice
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Baume Obscure Cave, St Vallier de Thiey
The cave boasts a beautiful landscape and mineral gems that are the result of the slow and steady flow of water and limestone. Sound and lighting have been added to make the forms more spectacular.
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Abbaye de Lerins Monastery (Lerins Abbey), Ile Saint-Honorat
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
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Musee de la Mer, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Situated within the Royal Fort on Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the Bay of Cannes, this museum is a place not only of learning but also of rich history.
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Marc Chagall National Museum
Housing the largest collection of the Russian painter, Marc Chagall, the Chagall museum is one of Nice's top attractions.
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Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology
The area around the Cote d'Azur is rich in prehistoric artefacts, many of which can be found in this fascinating museum.
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Parfumerie Galimard, Eze
Free guided tours of a historic perfume factory in the medieval village of Eze.
Beaches in [locality]
Beaches in Nice
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Plage de Lenval Beach
This public beach sits at the western end of the Promenade des Anglais and is situated near the Lenval hospital.
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Promenade des Anglais Beach
This long stretch of pebble beach in Nice runs along the Baie des Anges and is backed by the Promenade des Anglais.
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Plage du Carras Beach
Plage de Carras is a well-equipped “handiplage”, which has facilities and lifeguards to enable people with disabilities to enter the water safely.
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Plage du Cros de Cagnes Beach, Cagnes sur Mer
Plage du Cros de Cagnes is the main stretch of beach in Cagnes-Sur-Mer, running the length of the lively row of restaurants and bars that line the seafront.
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Plages des Flots Bleus Beach, Saint Laurent du Var
Saint-Laurent-du-Var has one of the best-equipped waterfronts in terms of barely having to leave the beach all day - everything is right here.
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
Dining in [locality]
Restaurants in Nice
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La Chevre d'Or Restaurant, Eze
This gourmet restaurant offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean and gained two Michelin stars in 2011.
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Le Saint-Paul Restaurant, Saint Paul de Vence
Laurent Paccini is the chef at this Relais & Châteaux hotel and brings the food of different cultures to his excellent Mediterranean restaurant in Saint-Paul de Vence.
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Le Saint-Martin Restaurant, Vence
Gourmet restaurant of the Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau hotel to the north of Vence.
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Toile Blanche Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
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Le Cap Restaurant, Saint Jean Cap Ferrat
Michelin-starred chef, Didier Anies, recognised as Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000, has created a gourmet cuisine at this restaurant; one which is unfussy, full of flavour and low key yet elegant.
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La Table de Patrick Raingeard Restaurant, Eze
The Cap Estel gourmet restaurant or "La Table de Patrick Raingeard" as it is known has one Michelin star.
Events in [locality]
Events in Nice
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Villeneuve-Loubet night market
Stalls with souvenirs, handmade objects, beach articles and much more held on the seafront at Villeneuve-Loubet.
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Crossover Festival
A mix of public spaces, moods and musical styles will take over the city of Nice for the Crossover Festival.
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Jazz au Château, Cagnes sur Mer
Gather at Place du Château on a Friday evening to enjoy a wonderful evening of live music in an unforgettable venue.
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Live music at the Opéra de Nice
The wonderful Opéra de Nice venue, on the Promenade des Anglais in the old town of Nice, hosts some of the best classical music concerts in the French Riviera.
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Beaulieu Classic Festival
The Beaulieu Classic Festival showcases both local and international talent set in the most mythical and enchanting surroundings on the French Riviera.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Nice, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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 Nice
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One Week Yacht Charter Itineraries
Experience the French Riviera your way with 212 yachts, using one of their sample itineraries or with a specialised itinerary created just for you, based on what you like and don't like, as well as their own expertise.
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Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
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Luxury Rehab Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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The Alps self-guided motorbike tour
A bike trip for advanced riders, where you can enjoy some of the most scenic roads of the French Alps.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Nice and offers a wide range of road bikes.
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Solar Powered Boat Trip
Enjoy a wonderful, peaceful and fume-free journey along the French Riviera on a solar powered motor boat with a professional skipper.
Nightlife in [locality]
Bars & Clubs in Nice
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Le Bar du Negresco
It is this eclectic and cosmopolitan atmosphere which makes it a place very "French Riviera".
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Wayne's Bar
A vibrant pub in the heart of Nice's busy quarter, the Old Town. Popular with locals and tourists alike but especially the International crowd.
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Les Compagnons de la Grappe
The wine cellar specialises in rare wines and old vintages while the restaurant sits 45 people.
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Ma Nolans, Nice Port
Ma Nolan’s, Nice Port is designed to be a warm, welcoming and atmospheric venue, the perfect place to eat, drink and party.
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Shapko Bar
Originally set up by Russian jazz musician Dimitri Shapko, this venue plays host to local and international jazz, soul and R&B.
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Cave Wilson Restaurant, Nice Centre
This is one of the oldest jazz bars on the Mediterranean - been around since 1904. The atmosphere in Cave Wilson is very pleasant, and Antoine, the owner, offers excellent wine with a plate of cheeses, bread and quality music.
Villas in [locality]
Villas in Nice
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0034 Villa, La Gaude
In the heart of the French Riviera, 10 km from the beach and 13 km from the airport, this villa is set in lush greenery and nature.
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Hsud0081 Villa
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
Holidays Rentals in [locality]
Holiday Rentals in Nice
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Hsud0058 Villa, Saint Paul de Vence
In Vence, 5 km from Saint-Paul,, in a residential area, beautiful contemporary villa located on a plot of 1000m2.
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Hsud0083 Villa, Vence
Located in the town of Vence, in a quiet residential area, charming villa set in grounds of 3600 m². Private salt water swimming pool (10m x 5m – Depth 110/170 cm – Alarm), outdoor shower (hot water), pool house (barbecue, oven, gas hob), terrace with garden furniture, deckchairs and dining table. Parking for 4 cars. 2 km shops. Beach 12km.
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Hsud0081 Villa
In Nice, in the residential area of Saint Pancrace, beautiful villa situated on a plot of 1Ha in edge of forest of which 2000m ² done up.
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Hsud0145 Villa
In the commune of Colomars, 10 km from the sea, in a residential area, beautiful villa on a plot of 1500m².
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Roquette Villa, La Roquette-sur-Var
The villa in La Roquette-sur-Var has 4 bedrooms and has capacity for 8 people.
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Aurelia Villa, Vence
Just outside historic Vence and a short distance from magnificent Saint Paul de Vence, this beautiful and contemporary house on a generous private plot is very quietly located for exploring all the delights of this beautiful corner of the French Riviera. The villa is located in a beautiful natural setting with views of the mountains.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Nice
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Suisse Hotel
The Hotel Suisse is ideally situated between right on the beach front and offers fantastic, uninterrupted sea views right in the heart of Nice.
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Saint-Martin Spa & Chateau, Vence
Château Saint-Martin & Spa is a former 12th century Knights Templar Commandery with superb views over the sweep of the Côte d’Azur. A place of consummate natural beauty set in a 32 acre park, a high point on the French Riviera where sea and the mountains unite.
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Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
Situated on its own two-hectare peninsula jutting into the Mediterranean Sea, the hotel has wonderful panoramic views. With only 28 rooms spread over four separate locations, it is a very private and luxurious place to stay.
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Royal Riviera Hotel, Beaulieu sur Mer
This hotel has been entirely renovated, combining the historical ambience of its past, plus the modern conveniences of an international luxury hotel.
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Le Palais de la Mediterranee Hotel
Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this contemporary hotel features a casino, an indoor & outdoor pool and spa facilities.
Price: €5,700
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Jerome Boutique Hostellerie Hotel, La Turbie
Former 13th-century Cistercian monastery tastefully renovated offering 5 beautifully decorated en-suite rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean.
How to get to [locality]
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.
Transfers for Nice
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Private airport transfers
From the airport to the city centre, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Nice
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House for Sale
Set in a private estate with 24-hour security, this seafront townhouse offers a rare and sought-after living environment. The estate offers its residents exclusive features such as a funicular railway with direct access to the sea and perfectly manicured landscaped gardens.
Price: €10,900,000
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