Number nine, and the last one on our ‘themed’ tour.

Have you worked it out?

These nine villages are referred to as Les Villages Perchés du Pays De Fayence – perched hilltop villages of Fayence country.

Tourettes is only 200m from Fayence but considered a separate village with 2500 inhabitants.

The main point of difference for Tourrettes is the open air art gallery it boasts with more than 80 pieces of original artworks adorning the streetscape.

Once we climbed the stairs from the car park we found the Place de la Mairie, beautifully shaded with a great view across the valley below.

When we’re driving on the main road below Tourrettes we’ve noticed a very impressive castle. It’s called Le Château du Puy.

We got a good look at it from behind at one of the viewing areas in Tourrettes today.

It was built in 1830 by a former general of Napoleon after he returned from 20 years service in Russia where he oversaw the construction of bridges and roads. Major General Fabre, originally from Tourrettes, retired on a princely pension and had this built – supposedly a replica of a Cadet school in St Petersburg. It is now used for private residences.

One more cute home with original artwork we passed on the way back to our car.

We’ve decided we will make a return visit to Fayence, when there are no markets on, to get a better look at it. Because after today’s finds, we are sure we missed many of Fayence’s key treasures hidden by umbrellas and store holders.

But, not tomorrow.

Instead we’re heading to yet another supposedly cute village about 40 minutes drive away. It has fewer than 200 inhabitants, and although it’s not considered a hilltop village, it is built on a hill. It does however have a 🌹 flower rating, considered one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France – the most beautiful villages in France.