5 Reasons You Should Visit Toulon, France
My return to Toulon was long overdue, and coffee with Tuula of Belle Provence was a reason to rediscover the city. Locals already know why they love Toulon, but I needed reminding that it is a gem. Many visitors overlook this city unless their ferry from other Mediterranean destinations lands in the Port of Toulon. Here are five (5) reasons you should visit Toulon, France.
Toulon’s Location
As they say in real estate, location is key. Toulon has it all: beaches, history, gastronomy, and access to nature without the crowds of Marseille and Nice. Drive or ride the gondola up Mont Faron for sweeping views of the city and Mediterranean. Enjoy a day at one of the nearby beaches, or explore the culinary delights in this Provencal city.
Maritime History
The shimmering Mediterranean Sea remains central to Toulon’s naval history. In 325 BC, Greek settlers established Olbia on the coast near Toulon and Hyères. In 1494, eight years after Toulon became part of France, it was selected as a Royal Port under King Charles VIII, who aimed to establish the country’s naval power. The city’s strategic position on the Mediterranean coast was evident during the Napoleonic era and World War II, but not in France’s favour (details here). Today, the French Navy (La Royale) base is in Toulon, and the country’s largest aircraft carrier, the Charles-de Gaulle, is stationed here between missions. In addition, the Port of Toulon welcomes pleasure craft, and you can join a marina tour.
To understand Toulon’s role in French maritime history, visit the Musée de la Marine.
Musée de la Marine (website)
Place Monsenergue, Quai de Norfolk,
83000 Toulon
Closed on Tuesdays
The Food and Drink
Old Toulon, with its pedestrian-friendly streets adorned with colourful street art, bustling cafés, and inviting restaurant terraces, is an urban area for exploration. The abundance of retail options adds to the allure of this vibrant district.
The Cours Lafayette food market occurs daily except Mondays in Toulon’s old section. Vendor stalls stretch a kilometre through the streets, selling a wide array of fresh produce, seasonal fruit, seafood, and local culinary delights.
For a truly gastronomic experience, follow the signs or the locals to Les Halles de Toulon. This food hall, housed in a beautifully restored art deco marketplace from 1929, offers a delightful mix of fresh and prepared food and a variety of counter-service and bistro fare choices. It’s a food lover’s paradise, closed only on Mondays.
Not to be outdone by its larger neighbours, Toulon boasts a chickpea flour snack called cade. Like Marseille’s panisse or Nice’s socca, cade has Italian origins and is best eaten hot directly from a vendor at one of the markets.
The annual Nuit des Pêcheurs in early August is worth noting. It is an evening of convivial al fresco dining surrounding fresh seafood. If you are a wine lover, mark your calendar for the popular Bacchus Festival of Wine and Gastronomy at the end of March. It features wines from the Var, regional gourmet treats, and themed menus at local restaurants.
Outdoor Living
Toulon is a destination for those who love the outdoors. If you like to get out on the water, the conditions are often perfect for sailing and windsurfing. Follow the cycling trail, an old railway bed, from Toulon to Lavandou (53 kilometres) that passes through the Var countryside.
The city has lovely urban greenspaces with several parks and public gardens. For those who like more strenuous activity, hike the hills near Toulon or a section of the GR5, a long-distance trail.
Who doesn’t love a day at the beach? The Mourillon beaches area includes seven hectares of sandy shorefront, public gardens, mini-golf and family-friendly games, plenty of parking and food options.
A Little Big City
Toulon is a terrific holiday destination for anyone who wants a mix of urbanism, nature, Provencal culture and regional food. Smaller than Marseille or Nice, Toulon is an easy destination to navigate by car or public transport. Toulon’s haute ville (upper town) dates from Napoleon III with elegant Haussmann-style architecture. Do not miss the beautiful Place de la Liberté with its impressive water feature – la Fontaine de la Fédération (1889) and the Grande Hôtel, with its magnificent façade, which dates from 1869. Today, the previous hotel is a multidisciplinary venue for visual arts, and it is called Liberté Theatre.
Much of the Medieval area, the basse ville (lower town), surrounds the Cathedral of Saint Marie de la Seds, over 900 years old. Like many others in the region, the Cathedral has had additions and restorations over the ages. So, the original Romanesque design has a Gothic interior and a Baroque facade. Other churches in the area include l’Église Saint Louis, a registered historical monument, and l’Église François de Paule in Place Louis Blanc. Enjoy this district by wandering through the mix of pedestrian-friendly areas and small streets and enjoy the dynamic street life.
The Quartier Chalucet bridges the centuries with the contemporary city section and student area. Here you will encounter students from l’École Supérieure d’Art et de Design TPM (ESADTPM) and the KEDGE international business school.
Getting There
Getting to Toulon is a breeze. Toulon Hyères Aéroport offers direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly, providing a convenient alternative to Marseille or Nice airports. If you prefer to travel by train, the TGV will whisk you from Paris to Toulon in just 3.5 hours.
You Should Visit Toulon
Rediscover the charm and vibrant spirit of Toulon, a hidden gem of the French Riviera waiting to captivate your senses. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning coastlines, rich maritime history, delightful Provençal cuisine, or the allure of its bustling markets and serene outdoor spaces, Toulon promises an unforgettable blend of experiences. Don’t just imagine it—experience it.
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