“Love is a bouquet of violets. Let’s gather these little flowers,” sang Luis Mariano, years ago. Why are we singing this old verse? Because they’re in season, of course! For the last few weeks, the viola odorata has been in bloom, brightening our sad winter gardens until the return of spring. Don’t judge the violet by its delicate appearance, which is often associated with timidity, modesty or prudishness in the language of flowers. In reality, this symbol of secret love has quite a hardy character. Some even say it’s an aphrodisiac. Even if this power over our libidos remains to be

The winter flowering violet has many virtues. It’s medicinal, fragrant and… delicious! These properties make it the delight of the little Côte d’Azur village of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, where several horticultural families are perpetuating the150-year-old tradition of their cultivation.

By Jerôme Dumur - Photos Richard de Romenville - December 24, 2011

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seen, it is, nevertheless, a well-accepted fact that the violet has definite effects on the body. In ancient times, the Greeks were already using it to make creams and infusions. The Romans wove crowns of violets, which were believed to combat migraines caused by drinking excessive amounts of wine. Two thousand years later, the truth is out: this medicine never cured a single hangover! And yet, modern pharmacology hasn’t totally given up on “the herb of the Trinity.” Homeopaths recommend it for calming coughs, eczema or rheumatism. But take care not to play

 

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sorcerer’s apprentice, though, because one of the active ingredients in the plant can have negative health effects in high doses. Beyond its curative virtues, the violet also provides another human essential: pleasure. Dior, Saint-Laurent, Mugler and many others have all slipped it into their perfumes at one time or another. But the irony is that one of the aromatic compositional elements of fresh violets has an anesthetic effect on the olfactory nerves! What’s more, the viola odorata also delights our sense of taste. On its own, this edible flower adds a hint of fantasy to a shoulder of lamb, fish, fruit salad or a pasta dish. It can also be appreciated as a candy after being

crystalized in sugar. Known since the Middle Ages, this process has long been a specialty in Toulouse, the City of Violets. But today, it is the little Azurian town of Tourettes-sur-Loup that is most renowned for this delight. Near Vence, overhanging the Gorges du Loup, this beautiful medieval village has been cultivating the Victoria violet for more than a century. Most of what they produce goes into the Grassois perfume distilleries. But the gourmets can rest assured: part of their harvest is still destined for the confectioners and their clientele.

On February 25th and 26th 2012, Tourrettes-sur-Loup will organize its sixtieth Violet Festival. Folk dances and music, gourmet tastings, processionals of floral floats and, finally, the traditional Battle of the Flowers.

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