Toulon Travel Guide

Plan a perfect trip to Toulon, France with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the city's natural attractions, must-visit museums, and other exciting activities.


Introduction to Toulon

Toulon is a charming coastal city located in Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. It is blessed with a picturesque old town, beautiful beaches, and an unspoiled harbor. Toulon is an excellent destination to explore for history aficionados, outdoor adventure enthusiasts, and culture lovers alike. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing family holiday or an adventure-filled vacation, Toulon has something for everyone.

Here is our comprehensive travel guide to Toulon, France, including must-visit attractions, hiking and biking routes, great hotels, delicious food, and local customs and traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Toulon

When it comes to picturesque coastal cities, Toulon stands out as one of the best in France. Here are the top places to explore in Toulon.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Musée National de la Marine

Located in the Old Town of Toulon, this museum is a true gem for history and maritime lovers. The museum features extensive displays on the maritime history of France, and houses a collection of naval art, photographs, and maps.

Musée d’Histoire de Toulon et de la Marine

Visitors can discover the rich history of Toulon and its naval heritage in this museum. The collections explore the city’s history through the ages, including its industrial progress, global warfare, and cultural progress.

Natural Attractions of Toulon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For travelers who love outdoor activities, Toulon is a full of natural wonder. Visitors can choose from sunbathing on beautiful beaches, hiking and biking trails, scuba-diving in the Mediterranean, and sightseeing.

Mont Faron Telepherique

One of the highlights of a trip to Toulon is the scenic cable car ride to Mont Faron, which offers visitors breathtaking views of the city and the harbor.

Plage de Mourillon

One of the best beaches in Toulon is the Plage de Mourillon, with a wide coastline and a lovely promenade that is perfect for walks, jogging, and biking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Toulon

Toulon has a variety of hiking and biking trails, filled with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the surrounding hills. Here are the most popular hiking and biking routes in Toulon.

  • Sentier des Crêtes

This hiking trail winds through the rugged hills of Toulon and offers panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding countryside.

  • Circuit de la Corniche

This biking trail takes visitors along the beautiful Toulon coastline, with stunning views of the area’s rocky cliffs, hidden creeks, and delightful sculpted gardens.

Best Things To Do in Toulon: Activities and Tours

Toulon has an abundance of exciting activities that cater to the needs of all types of travelers. Here are some of the best things to do in Toulon.

  • Visit the weekly market

Toulon is famous for its weekly market, which takes place every Saturday morning. The market offers a vast array of local produce, ranging from fresh fruits and vegetables to meat, cheese, seafood, and other regional specialties.

  • Guided walking tour of the old town

Visitors can discover the rich history of Toulon on a guided walking tour of the city’s old town. The tour takes visitors through the narrow lanes, past colorful buildings, and majestic squares.

Week-Long Itinerary for Toulon

Here’s an itinerary for a perfect week of exploring Toulon and its surroundings.

Day 1: Stroll through the city’s historic district and visit the Musée National de la Marine.

Day 2: Take a cable car ride to Mont Faron for stunning panoramic views of the city.

Day 3: Relax on the famous Mourillon beach and explore the coastline of Cap Brun.

Day 4: Take a boat tour to discover the islands off the Toulon coast, including the archipelago of Les Embiez.

Day 5: Discover the Provençal countryside, and visit the charming town of Aubagne where Marcel Pagnol was born.

Day 6: Take a shore excursion to St.Tropez, and discover the spectacular beaches and glamorous boutiques.

Day 7: Taste the local specialties in Toulon’s weekly market and conclude with a farewell dinner in one of the city’s most prestigious restaurants.

Food and Drink Scene of Toulon

Toulon is a city rich in culinary delights, with mouth-watering seafood, fruity wines, and colorful markets. Here are some of the local specialties not to be missed.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bouillabaisse

This fish soup is a regional specialty that can be found in most of Toulon’s restaurants and cafes. It is made from a mixture of fish like red mullet, monkfish, and bream cooked in a rich broth flavored with saffron, garlic, and herbs.

  • Tarte tropezienne

This dessert is a favorite among locals and visitors alike in Toulon. It is a sweet brioche cake filled with cream.

Local Beverages

  • Côtes de Provence

This wine is one of the most popular regional wines in Toulon, made from a blend of red, white, and rose grapes.

  • Pastis

This anise-flavored spirit is a popular drink in Toulon, especially during hot summer afternoons. It is often served diluted with water or ice cubes.

Where to Stay in Toulon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Toulon has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to high-end hotels. Here are some of our favorites.

  • Hotel Amirauté

This high-end hotel is located along the harbor of Toulon, providing stunning views of the sea and easy access to surrounding attractions.

  • Hotel Belle-Vue

This budget-friendly hotel is located in the heart of the city’s old town, where visitors can explore the main attractions by foot.

What to Buy in Toulon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Toulon has many souvenirs on offer, including several locally produced items that make perfect keepsakes to remember your trip by. Some of the top souvenirs to buy in Toulon are:

  • Wine from the Cote-de-Provence region

  • Local cheeses

  • Olive oil

Local Culture and Customs of Toulon

Toulon culture is deeply influenced by maritime traditions, local festivals, and Provençal customs. Visitors will find that locals are friendly and hospitable people who take pride in their city.

Best Time to Visit Toulon

The best time to visit Toulon is between June and September when the weather is warm and sunny.

Do’s and Don’ts of Toulon

Here are some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind during your trip to Toulon.

Do:

  • Make reservations at restaurants in advance

  • Dress modestly while visiting religious institutions

  • Carry cash as some shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables unattended on the beach or in public places

  • Take unauthorized photos of people

Safety and Health

Toulon is a safe city to visit, but visitors should always take basic precautions such as locking valuables in a safe and keeping personal items close.

Getting to Toulon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Toulon is well-connected through air, road, and rail networks.

Airports Near Toulon

The nearest airport to Toulon is Toulon-Hyères Airport, which serves both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Toulon

Toulon is served by several bus stations, with regular connections to other major cities in the region.

How to Get Around in Toulon

Toulon is a small city that can easily be explored on foot or by renting a bike or a scooter.

Where to Go Next from Toulon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Toulon is an excellent base for exploring the beautiful Provence region. Some of the best day-trip destinations from Toulon include Cassis, Marseille, St.Tropez, and Nice.

Conclusion

Toulon is an ideal destination for travelers to experience the best of culture, history, and natural wonders. With this comprehensive guide, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable trip to Toulon, France.

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