Things to do in Toulon

Things to do in  Toulon

Diamond in the rough

Halfway between Marseille and St. Tropez, the commercial port and naval base of Toulon isn't the obvious choice for a Mediterranean vacation. However, scratch the surface and there are lots of things to do in Toulon, a gritty maritime hub with plenty to offer travelers willing to venture beyond the French Riviera resorts. Take your pick of four sandy beaches, zip up to the summit of Mont Faron for a view along the Med, then soak up the nightlife along the harborside. Rugby fans should also take note—the sport is akin to religion in Toulon.

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Top 4 attractions in Toulon

#1

Lake of Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte-Croix)

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Set between the dramatic landscapes of the Verdon Gorge and the Valensole plateau, the man-madeLake of Sainte-Croix (Lac de Sainte-Croix) is among Provence’s most popular vacation spots. With sandy lakeside beaches, water temperatures rivaling those of the Mediterranean Sea, and fewer crowds than the French Riviera, it’s the ideal summer destination.More
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#2

Chateau Font du Broc

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Right in the heart of Provence, the Château Font du Broc is both an award-winning winery and a villa whose scenery typifies the region’s splendor. With a focus on classic varietals like syrah, grenache, mourvèdre, and cabernet sauvignon (as well as rolle, or vermentino), it produces a range of red, white, and rosé wines.More
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#3

Pampelonne Beach (Plage de Pampelonne)

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Even if you’re not familiar with Pampelonne Beach, you may well know the names of the upmarket beach clubs that line the shore: Club 55, Nikki Beach, La Voile Rouge—ring any bells? Here, rich and famous don their finery (or take it off—topless sunbathing “originated” here) and enjoy languid days in the Tropezienne sun.More
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#4

Cap Taillat

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One of the Saint-Tropez region’s most tucked-away corners, Cap Taillat is a sandy promontory that extends into the Mediterranean, a short trip south of the town center. Boasting unspoiled beaches and scenic hiking trails, it’s a protected wildlife area that’s reachable by foot or by boat, but is largely inaccessible to vehicles.More
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Top activities in Toulon

Aix en Provence, Marseille & Cassis Private Tour in Minivan

Aix en Provence, Marseille & Cassis Private Tour in Minivan

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43
From
$548.43
Full-Day 3 Village Tour of Provence: Splendid & Secret

Full-Day 3 Village Tour of Provence: Splendid & Secret

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12
From
$470.56
per group
Shore Excursion Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence from Toulon

Shore Excursion Private Full Day Wine Tour in Provence from Toulon

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1
From
$411.32
Arles, Les Baux de Provence & Saint Rémy de Provence Tour

Arles, Les Baux de Provence & Saint Rémy de Provence Tour

From
$916.44
5-HOURS PRIVATE Sightseeing Tour of the Provence from La seyne, Toulon cruisesl

5-HOURS PRIVATE Sightseeing Tour of the Provence from La seyne, Toulon cruisesl

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9
From
$756.84
per group
Guided Tour in Toulon: Port & Old City

Guided Tour in Toulon: Port & Old City

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21
From
$54.84
Full-Day Private Toulon Shore Excursion: Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Calanques

Full-Day Private Toulon Shore Excursion: Aix-en-Provence, Cassis, Calanques

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3
From
$1,261.40
per group
Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French)

Cellar Visit & Bandol Wine Tasting (in French)

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54
From
$13.16
Tasting Bandol Wines & Visit of Cellar (in English)

Tasting Bandol Wines & Visit of Cellar (in English)

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13
From
$13.16
Highlights of Provence : food, wine and seaside in Cassis and Aix

Highlights of Provence : food, wine and seaside in Cassis and Aix

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9
From
$877.49
per group
Aix en Provence, Marseille and Cassis Tour

Aix en Provence, Marseille and Cassis Tour

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6
From
$1,206.55
per group
Roséwinetasting Parties or Workshops with a WineEducator at your place

Roséwinetasting Parties or Workshops with a WineEducator at your place

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6
From
$67.50
Vineyard visit in Gyropode, visit of Cave & Tasting Wines of Bandol

Vineyard visit in Gyropode, visit of Cave & Tasting Wines of Bandol

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19
From
$37.29
Saint Rémy de Provence & Les Baux de Provence Tour

Saint Rémy de Provence & Les Baux de Provence Tour

From
$916.44
Aix en Provence & Cassis Tour

Aix en Provence & Cassis Tour

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1
From
$916.44
Arles & Saint Rémy de Provence Tour

Arles & Saint Rémy de Provence Tour

From
$916.44
Aix en Provence & Marseille Tour

Aix en Provence & Marseille Tour

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1
From
$916.44
Provence Tour

Provence Tour

From
$916.44
Marseille and Cassis Tour

Marseille and Cassis Tour

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1
From
$916.44
Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels

Private Transfer from Toulon Cruise Port to Marseille city Hotels

From
$117.36
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All about Toulon

When to visit

A major passenger ferry and cruise port, Toulon is busiest in the summer (June to August), with its hottest months (July and August) experiencing average highs of 82°F (28°C). To escape the crowds, consider planning your trip in September, when the weather is pleasantly warm and the water is still favorable for swimming.

Getting around

Many people arrive by sea, and Toulon’s waterfront promenade and Old Town are easily accessible on foot from the port. Less pleasant is traveling by car—a multi-lane departmental road runs right through the center of town, and parking (mostly underground in multi-level parking lots) is expensive. Direct trains linking Toulon with Marseille take under an hour. It’s easy to book day trips to visit Provençal vineyards or the famous Calanques of Cassis from Toulon.

Traveler tips

Toulon may be on the French Riviera, but it’s a port city rather than a beach destination. The city beaches get overcrowded, and passing cruise liners ruin the peace. It’s worth driving the 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) to Anse de Méjean, a rocky, little inlet largely covered in dense foliage. There are a few good seafood restaurants perfect for enjoying a sundowner. Bring snorkel gear: The water is like glass.

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Tours
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Reviews
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People Also Ask

Is Toulon worth visiting?

If your cruise ship is docking at Toulon or La Seyne-sur-Mer, then it’s worth spending a little time in Toulon to admire the variety of vessels at the harbor—warships, yachts, and cruise liners abound—while avoiding the tourist hordes. The beguiling old town lanes are also worth a wander.

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What is Toulon known for?

Toulon is known mostly for its naval military history. Rebuilt after World War II bombings, the port today boasts a huge naval base—the main seat of the French Navy. Military links aside, the town is also known for its rugby; the club RC Toulonnais is a dominating force in matches at home and abroad.

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Can you swim in Toulon?

Yes, you can swim in Toulon. The family-friendly and close-to-town sands of Mourillon are among the most popular beaches, while those looking for fewer crowds can foray further along the coast to Pipady, La Mitre, or the pebbled shores of Anse de Mejean.

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What are some fun facts about Toulon?

Fun fact: Fans of the novel and show Les Misérables might recognize Toulon as the place where protagonist Jean Valjean was imprisoned for stealing bread. While Les Misérables was fiction, the brutal prison (the Bagne of Toulon) was real, hosting many of Toulon’s 18th-century galley slaves who were once chained to the decks.

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What does Toulon mean in English?

It’s fair to say that nobody knows for certain—but the name could well have come from the Latin name Telo Martius. This title was believed to have been given to the harbor that was founded by the Romans where modern-day Toulon is now found.

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What happened at Toulon?

Most people have heard of the Siege of Toulon during the French Revolutionary Wars, where a young Napoleon Bonaparte made his military name. Other significant events include the World War II Allied landings in Toulon. Visitors can learn about them in Toulon’s Mémorial du Débarquement et de la Libération en Provence.

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