Our community draws its  patrimony from the depths of history. In fact , we can still see the remains of  fortified  castles and, if you look carefully, you can find vestiges  of Roman occupation here and there.
 The castle in Tourrette-Levens, the true identity of our village,was built in the 12th century. Situated on a rocky spur, it dominated a former Roman road of which certain parts are still visible today. Unfortunately, only the dungeon, 2 watchtowers and the surrounding wall remain of the original castle which had 6 towers. However these old stones bring to life the past and are the witnesses of our history and that of the former county of Nice, of which Tourrette-Levens is one of  the last representatives.
   I did not hesitate , seconded by my borough council, to acquire the castle when the opportunity presented itself in 1992. However in 1993, in order to give it new life, we created, with the help of the Maritime Alps  general council, a municipal museum of entomology unique to this region
Within a few years we have succeeded in  creating a referenced  collection, obtained many private and public donations, put together and completed regularly by purchases made by the parish. Our goal concerning this project is to display and make known the diversity of the insect world for the  appreciation of our school children and the public at large.
  This exhibition has increasing success, thanks to its beauty and exactitude which has resulted in further donations. Between 1995 and 1997, the museum has been enriched with a zoological collection consisting of more than 300 stuffed animals and an exhibition of  regional geology was added to it in 2002.Today our natural history museum at the castle enjoys over 15000 annual visitors and constitutes a real centre of attraction for tourists in the Maritime Alps. The musical evenings in summer ensure a real cultural dynamism for the village and the region. From the 12th to the 17th century Tourrette-Levens has been dominated by the castle of the  Chabauds, Lords of Tourrette. Forgotten and neglected with time its past grandeur has now been revived, thanks to the action of the parish, which has transformed  it into the "butterfly castle"
   I wish to express our sincere gratitude to our talented curator Lionel Carlès,for his work and especially for his help with the children who, through his knowledge, are discovering  the art of entomology, without forgetting Gilbert Carlès for his tireless work.
                                                                                  

Doctor Alain Frère
Mayor of Tourrette-Levens
Vice-President of the Greater Nice
Community, Vice President
Of the general Council in charge of
Culture and International relations.