La Seyne sur Mer
7 km west of Toulon via the D559.
7 km west of Toulon via the D559.
Located at the foot of Cap Sicié, La Seyne sur Mer is a town in southern maritime Provence, open to the Toulon harbor and the open sea. Historically, La Seyne has been a mecca for the naval industry, with its forges and shipyards providing the town with a rich history.
Times have changed since then, and the page is now turned, but this great naval tradition shouldn't make us lose sight of the fact that La Seyne has a rich heritage and is also a pleasant seaside town.
One of La Seyne's most beautiful spots is the corniche Tamaris, where you can enjoy superb views and admire beautiful villas that remind you of La Seyne's rich past. This corniche and its mansions were home to many artists at the end of the last century: Renoir, d'Annunzio, Georges Sand, among the most famous.
You'll also find some stunningly beautiful Moorish-style villas with minarets and roof terraces. One of the most beautiful (you can't miss it, it's the whitest) is now home to the University of Lyon's marine biology institute.
The town center is pleasant, and the pedestrian and shopping streets are welcoming and lively, especially in summer of course. As you stroll along, you'll come across many of the frescoes that embellish the town, including Vasarely's at the Hôtel de Ville. You'll also notice the beautiful 19th-century campanile on top of the bell tower of the Notre Dame du Bon Voyage church. The old town has a lot of charm, with its old houses in faded colors, narrow streets and shady courtyards.
City of the sea, city of fishermen, every morning they're on the quayside selling their catch...don't miss them. The sea, the beach, the fine sand ....bronzing, swimming and lounging are all on the agenda at La Seyne sur Mer: the Sablettes beach has been completely redeveloped and now offers a beautiful beach worthy of the finest seaside resorts. If you prefer to walk a little, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll to the little port of Sainte Elme, or take in the old mussel beds.
Built in 1636, Fort Balaguier was once a cannon tower protecting access to the small harbor. A powder magazine was added, then ramparts, then housing, and finally a fort capable of housing a defensive garrison. Now a listed historic monument, the Fort houses a Municipal Naval Museum with rooms devoted to the history of the civil navy in the Mediterranean, as well as the history of the penal colony (there were almost 4,000 convicts in the mid-18th century...including the famous François Vidocq). Its unique view over the Toulon harbor makes it a particularly popular place for a stroll.
Built on the corniche des Tamaris, this superb 3,800 m² building dates from the late 19th century and belonged to Michel Pacha. He was the driving force behind the development of La Seyne as a seaside resort, notably by draining the marshland (where the Tamaris trees grew). The villa bearing his name now houses a Museum of Modern Art, and offers visitors conference and exhibition rooms.
To find your way around La Seyne sur Mer, you can use our interactive city map. It shows all the town's points of interest (town hall, church, corniche de Tamaris...). We also give you our recommendations for accommodation in La Seyne sur Mer.
The old town.
Notre Dame du Bon Voyage Church.
Fort Napoleon.
Naval Museum.
Villa Pacha Tamaris.
Corniche Bonaparte.
Balaguier Fort.
Aiguillette Fort.
Walking: tour of the corniches, waymarked forest footpaths.
Fine sand beaches.
Nautical sports.
Tennis.
Horse riding.
Summer events.
Randonnees cyclo-tourism.
Authentic early 19th century hotel located directly on the beach with stunning sea views. Completely renovated, the spacious rooms and suites of this historic building offer breathtaking views.
Grand Hôtel des Sablettes
1.5-hectare campsite open all year round, 1.5km from the sea and 2km from the center. Campsite pitches and mobile-home rentals for 2 to 6 people. Heated pool, kids' club, entertainment, playground. restaurant.
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Campsites.
After writing this guide to La Seyne-sur-Mer, you sent us several questions about this pretty commune in the Var department.