This city, founded by the Phoenicians in the 5th century, has now become a large-scale French naval base. It harmoniously combines the relaxed atmosphere of a Mediterranean resort and the hectic rhythm of a large port. This is Toulon, France.
Main information about the city
Toulon is located on the Mediterranean coast, in the Provence region, between Marseille and Nice.
In terms of population, Toulon ranks 15th among French cities: 180,000 people live on an area of 42.84 km2. Almost 80% of the city’s residents are French. The rest of the population is quite heterogeneous in terms of ethnic composition: there are Moroccans, Algerians, citizens of Great Britain and EU countries.
The majority of the working-age population is employed in the tourism sector. Despite the fact that Toulon is the largest naval base in the Mediterranean, it is tourism that is considered its main source of income.
The development of the tourist business in Toulon is greatly facilitated by the climatic conditions. Like the whole of Southern France, this city is part of the zone where the warm Mediterranean climate prevails. Summers there are hot, the air temperature often exceeds 30°C. Autumn is characterized by rain and storms. In winter, the temperature does not fall below 0°C, but from time to time strong winds blow, creating a feeling of incredible cold. Toulon is protected from the strong wind that appears in the rest of Southern France by Mount Faron, at the foot of which it is located.
Important information! The tourist office in Toulon is located at Plase Raimu. Office website: www.toulontourisme.com.
Beaches of Toulon
Toulon has some pretty beaches. The coastline there is friendly and comfortable, and there are fewer people than in other popular resorts in France.
Beach du Murillon
Near the Murillon quarter, just 2 kilometers from the city center, is the oldest “official” beach in Toulon. In fact, Murillon is a combination of 4 neighboring beaches, the total area of which is 25 hectares. Each of them is a separate bay, shielded by a long breakwater. Thanks to these breakwaters, the sea near the shore is shallow and calm, with clear water.
Murillon is quite crowded, but you can always find a free place. The infrastructure there is at a good level. There are showers, changing rooms, toilets, cafes, water entertainment stations and a skate park, a large free car Park.
Du Murillon is awarded the Blue Flag for its cleanliness and comfort.
De L Beach’Anse de Mago
Relative privacy, even in the peak season, is quite possible on the beach of Anse Mago. A small area with a sandy surface is bounded by rocks. The bottom near the shore is also sandy, but at a distance of 30 meters there are rocky areas that can tempt freedivers. There is also a place where you can jump from the rocks into the water.
To get to the beach, you need to go down the path from a rather steep hill. Accordingly, it is then necessary to climb it.
The surroundings on Anse Mago are still natural, with pine trees growing all around. From the infrastructure there is a shower, toilet, a small car Park.
De la Mitre Beach
This beach is located in a small picturesque bay in the northern part of Toulon. A stone staircase is provided for descending to the coastal area.
The beach has preserved its natural charm, and at the same time has everything necessary for a civilized holiday: there are changing rooms, a toilet, a small parking lot.
The surface is sandy with small pebbles interspersed, there are tiny stony islands. The approach to the sea is gentle. The water is crystal clear, very beautiful color.
De la Mitre is ideal for families with children, swimming and snorkeling.
Toulon tourist attractions
Toulon is known not only for beach holidays, but also as if it was created specifically for sightseeing tourism. This city can be considered an ideal place to explore provincial France.
This is interesting! The cultural life of Toulon is full of various events throughout the year. Fans of high art will enjoy frequent performances at the Opera House. Connoisseurs of fine music come to the Toulon Jazz Festival, which takes place annually in mid-July. At the same time, citizens celebrate Bastille Day on a special scale, and the celebration of Christmas and New Year turns into a large-scale event.
What are the sights of the city of Toulon in France that can not be ignored?
Old Town
The greatest interest in the Old Town (Vieille Ville) is caused by buildings from the time of the Sun King Louis XIV. Narrow old streets alternate with pretty squares decorated with original fountains. The main attractions of the Old Town can be considered the Place Puget and the fountain of the XVIII century standing on it, as well as the main Lafayette Street.
Freedom Square
Place de la Liberté is not just a tourist attraction, it is the main square of the city.
On its northern side is a neoclassical building built in 1870-originally a Grand Hotel, which soon turned into a residential building.
Another luxury building that adorns the central square of the city is Aux Dames de France. This was the name of the store opened in 1904, where they sold goods for the most demanding fashionistas. Now the residence of the French Employers ‘ Union is located in this building.
But the most impressive attraction of Freedom Square is the famous Federation Fountain. This marble structure was erected in 1889, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.
The first floors of almost all buildings around the perimeter of the square are occupied by fashion boutiques, as well as restaurants and cafes with cozy summer playgrounds.
The Freedom Square is crossed by the Strasbourg Boulevard, which is also rich in unique sights – many buildings of the Baron Haussmann era have been preserved there.
This is interesting! In 1852, Toulon decided to expand and carried out a grand redevelopment, after which a spacious square appeared. Initially, it was called Weapons Square, and only in 1889 it was renamed Freedom Square.
Toulon Harbour and Promenade
Against the backdrop of Mount Faron visible on the horizon, the harbor is located-not just a tourist attraction, but the most lively, colorful and even exotic place in Toulon. In the harbor (Rade de Toulon) are moored warships, rich yachts and colorful fishing boats.
Nearby is the Porte de l’Arsenal, which has existed since 1738.
Along the harbor stretches the embankment with many cozy cafes and restaurants, attractive shops. There are also attractions on the embankment:
- The clock tower, whose chime many years ago served as a signal of the beginning and end of the working day in the port.
- A huge marble statue of the God of Navigation, erected in 1847. The God of navigation is depicted as a man with one hand pointing to the sea.
This is interesting! Among the population of Toulon, the statue of the God of Navigation is known under the very indelicate name “priest to the city”.
National Naval Museum of France
The Museum of the Navy was opened under Napoleon Bonaparte, in 1814. It is located next to the Clock Tower, in the building of the former city arsenal. This building itself can already be considered an interesting attraction, because its central facade is decorated with sculptures by Pierre Puget, a famous master of the XVII century.
The Maritime Museum contains a wide variety of exhibits. There you can see historical documents that relate to Toulon and its port, as well as ancient cannons and a variety of ship’s equipment. The museum has a large collection of models of ships for various purposes, including models of ancient galleys and modern aircraft carriers. Also presented are various household items that sailors used on ships, and the uniforms of sailors. Connoisseurs of artistic works can admire the paintings of marine masters.
- The Musée National de la Marine is located at Placblockquoteonsenergue, QuaideNorfolk, 83000 Toulon, France.
- Official website: http://www.musee-marine.fr/toulon
- The museum’s opening hours vary from season to season. From September to June, it is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10: 00 to 18: 00. In July and August, it is open seven days a week, from 10: 00 to 18: 00. The museum is closed on December 25, January 1 to 31, and May 1.
- The ticket price is 6.5 € and includes an audio guide. Free admission is provided for persons under the age of 18, unemployed and disabled, while an additional 2 €is required for an audio guide.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Another well-known attraction is located near the quai, in the historic part of Toulon. This is the Cathedral of Our Lady (Cathédrale Ste-Marie-Majeure, Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède).
This Romanesque church, which has a mostly Gothic interior, was built in the XXI century. In the 17th century, the religious building was significantly expanded and received a neoclassical facade with Baroque details.
The most famous landmark of the cathedral is the Baroque wooden showcase in the chapel, created by Pierre Puget.
Since 1806, 4 large bells have been working in the bell tower of the cathedral. They served as a replacement for the original bells of 1524, which were melted down for weapons during the French Revolution.
Since 1997, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame has received the status of a historical monument.
- The attraction is located at 55 Place de la Cathedrale, Toulon, France.
- The cathedral is open every day from 8: 30 to 19: 30.
Interesting fact! Toulon Cathedral is associated with the rarest event in the history of France: in 1543 it was transformed into a Muslim mosque, and in 1954 it was returned to the Catholic Church.
The Royal Tower
At the beginning of the XVI century, a powerful fortification structure, called the Royal Tour or Big Tower, was erected on Maneg – the eastern cape of Toulon. It was necessary to effectively protect the harbor from invasion from the sea. Later, the Royal Tower was equipped with a prison, and now the National Museum is located in this building.
The Royal Tower is a circular structure with a diameter of 60 m and a height of 7 m.
The tower is surrounded on all sides by water, as if it grew out of the Mediterranean Sea. You can get inside the fortress only thanks to the drawbridge. Climbing to the top of the tower on a steep stone staircase, you can admire the picturesque views, see the ancient cannons and look into the maritime museum.
- The attraction is located at Av. delaTourRoyale, 83000 Toulon, France.
- Opening hours: daily from 9: 00 to 18: 00.
Mount Faron and cable car
There are also natural attractions in Toulon, such as Mont Faron. It is quite high-584 m, and “convenient” for the city because it blocks the Mistral blowing from the northwest.
Pharon was once fortified with 9 towers and served as an ideal observation post. Now on the top of the mountain, or rather, on its plateau, there are only tourist sites. This is a zoo where they keep different animals and breed tigers, lynxes, and panthers. There is also a panoramic restaurant where you can have a delicious meal. The Provence Disembarkation Memorial Museum, dedicated to the 1944 Allied landings, is open from 9: 45 to 16: 30 (entrance fee, €3.8).
There are also viewpoints on Faron that offer stunning views of the city and the bay. Panoramic videos and photos of Toulon in France, taken from these sites, are very picturesque.
Interesting! On the west side of Mount Pharon rises, and on the east side a narrow winding road descends. It is included in the route of the annual cycling race Paris-Nice and Tour Méditerranéen, and is considered one of the most difficult sections of it.
You can climb to the top of Faron by funicular. At intervals of 10 minutes, 2 small trailers move along the cable car. The cable car is 1,437 m long,and this distance is covered in 6 minutes.
- The lower station of the funicular is located in an urban area, next to the La Tour Blanche Hotel. Exact address: Boulevard Amiral Vence, 83200 Toulon, France.
- The cable car is closed from November 5 to February 3. The rest of the time, it is open daily from 9: 30 to 18: 30, there is a break from 11: 45 to 14: 15.
- One ticket that allows the ascent and descent of the mountain costs 7.5 €.
Where to stay for a tourist in Toulon
In the city of Toulon, there are enough options for comfortable accommodation: hostels, guest houses, hotels are waiting for tourists, apartments are also available for rent.
Website booking.com It offers more than 290 options to book your stay in this French city. Using various filters (star rating and location of the hotel, prices, reviews of former guests, etc.), you can choose the most suitable hotel.
Most hotels in Toulon are located in the area between the port and the train station. Basically, all of them are cheap 2* hotels that do not have a high level of service. Accommodation in a double room per night there will cost 35-60 €.
A little further from the slopes and the port, closer to the beach areas, there are more attractive and relatively inexpensive housing. For example, a room for two in a level 3 * hotel costs from 90 € per night, in a level 4* hotel – from 110 €. In good hotels on the beach in high season, a double room can be rented for 150-200 € per day.
Public transport links
Thanks to its status as an important naval base, Toulon is perfectly connected to many cities in France and beyond.
At a distance of 18 km from the city, Toulon-Hyeres Airport is located, which receives mainly domestic flights. A shuttle bus runs from the airport to the city, but the intervals between trips are quite large. You can get to Toulon by taxi for 60-65 €.
Toulon is served by regular trains from Paris, Marseille and Nice. You can take the train from Nice in 1 hour and 48 minutes, paying €21-35. Trains between Toulon and Marseille run at intervals of 1 hour, travel time is 45 minutes, and the fare is 12-20 €. There is a train connection between Toulon and Cannes – the journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes, the ticket costs 18-30 €. From Toulon to Monaco or in the opposite direction, you can drive in 2 hours and 25 minutes and 28-48 €.
Toulon is served by regular buses from Nice and Marseille, as well as from the airports of these cities. From the prestigious Saint-Tropez to Toulon, there are 8 bus services per day, the journey time is 2 hours, the fare costs 4-6 €.
Also in Toulon (France), in its port, ferries regularly come from Rome, Corsica, Sardinia.
Annecy, France: A Guide to Exploring the Most Beautiful Alpine City
