Circuit de Pie Martin
A hike through the purple terraces of Tourrettes-Sur-Loup
In the winter months the terraces surrounding the village of Tourrettes-Sur-Soup are coloured purple, while the delicately scented air flatters the nostrils. Roughly 40 families still carry on the tradition that celebrates the 'Festival of Purple' (1st sunday in March) where the town is filled with Violet Victoria and Parma Violet.
What to bring
IGN map 3643ET is recommended for this walk.
What to see
Sights in Nice
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Chateau de Villeneuve, Vence
The château (more like a townhouse, so don't go looking for turrets) was originally built in the 17th century and was gifted to the town of Vence by Emile Hugues who had been the mayor.
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Rosaire Chapel, Vence
Matisse's Final Masterpiece, this chapel, was built in 1949 and designed in its entirety by Henri Matisse.
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Maeght Fondation Museum, St-Paul de Vence
Just outside Saint-Paul de Vence lies one of France's most famous modern and contemporary art museums. Surrounded by pleasant gardens, this is a nice place to spend your afternoon.
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Gorges du Loup, Cannes Region
The narrow and beautiful Gorges du Loup cuts north-south through the hills at the foot of Gourdon, 12 km from Grasse.
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Collegiate Church (Eglise Collegiale), St-Paul de Vence
This simple church was first built in the 14th century, and finished in the 18th century. It showcases a combination of structures and styles.
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White Penitents Chapel (The Folon Chapel), St-Paul de Vence
This chapel's oldest parts date from the 17th century, namely its three-sided tower. It now contains contemporary artwork made in 2005 by Jean-Michel Folon.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Vence
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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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La Colombe d'Or Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Enjoy refined regional cuisine in an iconic setting featuring original works by Picasso, Matisse, Miró and more.
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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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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
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Auberge des Seigneurs Restaurant, Vence
This is the oldest hotel and restaurant in Vence and has been a family business since 1916.
What to do
Things To Do in Vence
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Azur Wine Tours, Vence
Learn about the specific terroirs of the Cote de Provence region and be guided through the different grape varieties and wines that they produce.
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Paintball 06, Tourrettes sur Loup
This paintball site is spread over 3 hectares of woodland with a lot of natural obstacles to dive behind, jump over and fire from.
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Terrain des Boules, St-Paul de Vence
One of the most famous pétanque playing grounds is in the Place Général de Gaulle in Saint-Paul where expert locals take on celebrities at this quintessentially French pastime.
Directions
From the central town square take the small road in the residential area of St Martin, Route de Saint-Jean, that is opposite the parking. Follow it for over 2km north west then continue along the forest trail that winds its way through the oaks and pines, and the fire damaged landscape. At the junction take a right then another right immediately, taking the direction of Courmettes. A wide shaded path heads north east along the mountain, stay right at the fork then continue towards Le Villars. Taking the first right, heading south. The path then heads down hill towards a series of tight bends, Just before the first bend, turn off this path right in the direction of Saint Martin and then rejoin the road that was taken on the approach. Head back to the car park at Tourrettes-Sur-Loup.
