Toulon, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Nestled by the beautiful Mediterranean sea, Toulon is a city known for its maritime history and stunning nature. It also thrives in the world of rugby. But why is Toulon so special in the French Riviera? Let's explore the unique places and activities that any traveler to Toulon must experience.

Top on the list is Mont Faron with its incredible views. Then, there's the naval harbor with its mighty warships. Toulon mixes its maritime past with outdoor fun and deep culture. It's perfect for those who love history or want to dive into the rugby scene. This town by the Mediterranean has something for everyone.

So, why is Toulon a highlight of the French Riviera? Its maritime charm unravels secrets and unveils the best experiences. These experiences will surely make your trip memorable.

Key Takeaways

• Toulon is a vibrant port city on the French Mediterranean coast, known for its rich maritime history, rugged natural landscapes, and passionate rugby culture.
• The city's natural harbor, protected by the colossal Mont Faron, has made it an important naval base for over 500 years, dating back to the Ancient Greeks.
• Toulon's activities and attractions often have a maritime theme, from seeing the aircraft carrier and warships in the port to exploring the military history at the naval museum.
• The city offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, and opportunities to experience the vibrant Provençal lifestyle.
• Visitors can explore the historic naval harbor, take in panoramic views from the top of Mont Faron, and delve into the city's maritime heritage at the Musée de la Marine.

Embark on a Cable Car Adventure

Experience amazing views from a cable car ride in Toulon. The Téléphérique du Faron takes you up 584 meters on Mont Faron. At the top, you'll see the port and beautiful scenery across Toulon. It runs every 10 minutes, with free rides for kids under four. The price for adults starts at €5.50, making it a budget-friendly adventure.

Panoramic Views from Mont Faron

Mont Faron stands tall at 584 meters and is key to Toulon's past. It was a great place to watch for ships, with old forts still there. These remind us of its key role in history.

Hiking Trails on Mont Faron

Aside from the cable car, you can hike around Mont Faron. There are trails on its summit where you can see wild cats. You can choose an easy walk or a more challenging hike. But all offer amazing views of Toulon and the Meditterenean.

Explore the Historic Naval Harbor

Toulon's military harbor, known as the Rade de Toulon, has served the French navy since the 15th century. It's one of France's two key naval bases, along with Brest. You can tour this historic site by sea, viewing the Baie du Lazare piers and a naval cemetery.

The harbor features fortifications built by Vauban, a military expert, in the 17th century. These defenses are still part of the French military's strategy today.

Rade de Toulon

Since the 15th century, Toulon's Rade de Toulon has been essential for the French navy. It is one of two primary bases. You can explore it by joining a port ferry or charter. This tour includes views of Baie du Lazare's piers and a naval cemetery.

Guided Tours of the Military Harbor

If you're eager to learn about Toulon's harbor, guided tours are available. They provide deep insights into the harbor's history and how it operates. These tours focus on the piers, ships, and fortifications of Rade de Toulon.

Vauban's Fortifications

At the Rade de Toulon, you'll find fortifications designed by Vauban in the 17th century. These structures continue to defend Toulon's naval harbor today. Vauban's work stands as a key part of the French military's ongoing strategy.

Discover Maritime History

The Musée de la Marine in Toulon is a stunning museum full of the city's maritime story. It dives into naval history across the years. Inside, you'll find amazing model ships, ancient maps, and art of the historic harbor. You can also see figureheads from famous ships and even cannons from the 1600s. Don't miss the section on the Gymnote submarine, a key part of Toulon's maritime past, built in the 1880s.

Musée de la Marine

The museum showcases an outstanding array of model ships, old paintings, and more. These items shed light on Toulon's deep connection to the sea. Visitors can get close to the models and imagine the past where ships sailed from Toulon to the Mediterranean.

Historic Model Ships and Artifacts

One special part of the Musée de la Marine is a gallery about the Gymnote submarine. It was a huge leap in naval technology when it was created in the 1880s. This innovation plays a big part in Toulon's maritime heritage.

The Pioneering Gymnote Submarine

The Musée de la Marine has a whole area dedicated to the Gymnote submarine. In the 1880s, this submarine was a big deal in naval tech and a highlight of Toulon's maritime story.

Relax on the Beaches of Mourillon

Situated just east of Toulon's port, Plages du Mourillon include four linked sandy beaches. These beaches all have the prestigious Blue Flag. This means they are very clean and well taken care of environmentally. They are like large, peaceful bays thanks to the long breakwaters.

The calm, shallow waters are great for swimming and relaxing. Over 15 hectares of sand, there are many places to eat and have fun. Visitors can enjoy bars, restaurants, a ball pool, carousel, and mini-golf for kids.

Plages du Mourillon

All the Plages du Mourillon have been recognized with the Blue Flag. This award means they meet strict rules for water purity, safety, and looking after the natural surroundings. So, visitors can have fun and relax on these clean, well-organized beaches.

Blue Flag Beaches

Extra to just sand and sea, you'll find lots to do at Plages du Mourillon. There are many places to eat and drink by the shore. Plus, kids can play at the ball pool, ride the carousel, and try mini-golf. During summer, you can see fireworks and the Patrouille de France air show from the beaches.

Beach Amenities and Activities

The Plages du Mourillon are perfect for a fun day next to the Mediterranean. Whether you want a quiet time or a full day of activities, these beaches have it all. With Blue Flag beaches, plenty of places to eat, and fun games, everyone will have a great time.

Experience Passionate Rugby Culture

Rugby is a big part of life in southern France. RC Toulon is a famous team there. They are called Les Rouge et Noir and are very successful, winning the Heineken Cup three years in a row. If you visit Toulon, don't miss watching a match at Stade Mayol. There you'll see fans cheering with the Pilou-Pilou chant.

Stade Mayol

The Stade Mayol is where RC Toulon plays. It's close to the harbor in Toulon. The stadium hosts thrilling matches. The fans make the games even more exciting with their support.

The Pilou-Pilou Rallying Cry

RC Toulon's supporters shout 'Pilou-Pilou' to cheer for their team. This chant is loud and enthusiastic. It really lights up the atmosphere at the Stade Mayol.

Honor the Allied Invasion of 1944

The Musée Mémorial du Débarquement, on Mont Faron's terrace, remembers the Allied invasion of Provence on August 15, 1944. You can see reenactments of the operations and battlefields with maps, models, and photos. It also has real uniforms, weapons, and current field equipment.

Outside, there are displays of military machines, like an American tank and German guns. These were left after the battles.

The Musée Mémorial du Débarquement deeply covers the Alllies' invasion of Toulon in 1944. It helps visitors understand a key moment in the area's military past with its many exhibits and displays.

Toulon, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Cours Lafayette Market

Toulon's lively and colorful Cours Lafayette Market is the area's biggest outdoor market. It runs from morning until lunch, most days except for Mondays. Here, you can see and buy local seasonal goodies like juicy nectarines in summer to crisp leeks in winter.

Aside from fruit and veggies, the market offers flowers, local products, clothes, and home items. It's a great place to sample the local culture and see Toulon's vibrant life in action.

Take the Coastal Hiking Trail

Sentier des Douaniers

Toulon sits on a web of coastal paths known as the Sentier des Douaniers. Established in the early 19th century, these paths helped customs officers watch for smugglers. This network offers a chance for hikers to see Toulon's beautiful rugged landscape. They'll walk along natural balconies and find picturesque coves with clear waters. There's sunshine for 300 hours annually here, letting many plants bloom all year, making the trail stunning no matter when you visit.

Explore the City Center

In Toulon, don't miss out on the Place de la Liberté. It's the city's heart, where you can walk around or relax with a coffee. The area is always bustling, with cafes and a central location for transportation.

Place de la Liberté

The Grand Hôtel stands tall in this square. It was a key place for the army during World War II. This beautiful, historical building makes the square feel grand, yet it's full of life and things to do.

Génie de la Navigation Statue

Central to Toulon, you'll find the Génie de la Navigation statue. It's a marble piece from 1847 that celebrates the city's strong connection to the sea. Known as "Cul-vers-ville", it's famous for its bottom facing the town hall, offering a fun twist to Toulon's sea traditions.