Toulon
On the coast between Marseille (70 km by the A50 and Saint-Tropez (65 km). Toulon - Hyeres international Airport.
Discover Toulon, the lively capital of the Var
Nestled against Mont Faron (542 m) and opening onto a magnificent natural harbor, Toulon is definitely worth a visit. This city in the Var surprises visitors with its authentic Mediterranean charm.
Between the military port and the beaches of Mourillon, Toulon offers a different side to the French Riviera. There's no glitz or glamour here. Instead, you'll find Provençal markets filled with the scent of olives and basil, a magnificent harbor where the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle floats, and a historic center that is slowly coming to life.
Mont Faron watches over you from its heights. A cable car takes you there in a few minutes to discover an exceptional panorama.
Down below, Cours Lafayette comes alive every morning with its colorful stalls. The people of Toulon buy their seafood directly from the fishermen here.
We will help you organize your stay from A to Z. You will know when to come depending on the weather, how to get around, and which neighborhoods to visit first. We will also tell you about unique activities that you won't find anywhere else in Provence. Ready to visit an authentic Mediterranean city?
Visit the city of Toulon
Here's everything you need to see in Toulon:
The center and old town of Toulon
The picturesque old town with its ancient fountains hosts a colorful and noisy market every day with typical Provençal scents and accents. It's a pleasure to stroll around and soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere of the city.
The port of Toulon
Its vast military port (it is France's naval port on the Mediterranean Sea) is also a marina and embarkation point for Corsica, Sardinia, and North Africa. Many tourists therefore stop off in Toulon before boarding a ferry.
The Mourillon district and its beaches
The Mourillon district, just a few minutes from the city center, offers 20 hectares of beaches equipped for all kinds of water sports.
What activities are there in Toulon?
There is no shortage of activities in this Mediterranean city. You can choose between the sea, the mountains, and culture, depending on your preferences.
A cruise on the harbor is an absolute must. Les Bateliers will take you to see the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and military ships for an hour. For swimming, head to the Mourillon beaches with their four sandy beaches just ten minutes from the center.
Walks will take you to Mont Faron by cable car or along the customs officers' path between Cap Brun and the Tour Royale. Sport plays an important role with the RCT at the Mayol stadium and the nautical clubs offering sailing, kayaking, and diving.
On the cultural side, the international festival “Son by Toulon” livens up summer evenings with free concerts. The Opera and the Escales Toulonnaises complete the cultural program. Tourism also includes the Provençal markets on Cours Lafayette, open from Tuesday to Sunday morning.
What events are there in Toulon?
The cultural program livens up the city all year round. The Toulon Opera offers operas, ballets, and concerts from September to June. The Zénith Oméga hosts major national tours.
Sports are a passion with the RCT playing at the Mayol stadium. Every Rugby Club Toulonnais match brings together thousands of fans. In December, the lights and Christmas market transform the city center with parades and shows.
Festivals punctuate the summer in Toulon. “Son by Toulon” attracts international headliners, while Couleurs Urbaines celebrates urban cultures in early June. FORTissimo brings classical music to historic forts.
Which museums to visit in Toulon?
The National Maritime Museum dominates Toulon's cultural offering. Located on Place Monsenergue since 1981, it traces 400 years of maritime history through impressive models, paintings by Joseph Vernet, and figureheads. The collection presents the evolution of ships from galleys to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. The monumental entrance, dating from 1738, sets the tone as soon as you arrive.
The Musée du Vieux Toulon occupies the former bishops' palace on Cours Lafayette. Free of charge, it brings together documents and objects relating to local history since Gallo-Roman times. Models of the old town, terracotta works by Pierre Puget, and a library containing thousands of references contribute to the richness of the museum. It is only open from June to September.
The Museum of Art (MAT) completes this cultural offering on Boulevard du Maréchal Leclerc. Renovated in 2021, it exhibits 19th-century Provençal painters and contemporary artworks by Yves Klein and Daniel Buren. Admission is free every day except Monday.
Our map of the Toulon metropolitan area
To find your way around Toulon, you can use our interactive map of the city, which you will find on this page. We have marked our recommended accommodations on the map so that you can locate them before booking your weekend or stay in Toulon.
What to see
Cathedral Ste. Marie de la Seds.
The doors of the Naval Museum.
The St. Francois de Paul Church.
Fortress ruins.
The 18 fountains of the city...
Things to do
Cable car to the Mont Faron (panoramic views) and its zoo.
Boat trips.
Walks.
Flea markets. Antiques.
Cinemas. Theaters.
Numerous restaurants.
Beaches at Le Mourillon.
Night clubs.
Hotels
Perfectly situated in the center of Toulon, 2 steps from the harbor, facing the Mayol stadium and convention center. Design hotel with restaurant, bar and secure parking. AC rooms, quality bedding, wifi
A few steps aways from a beautiful beach, all rooms with air conditioning, thermal and soundproof double glazing
Accommodation
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Spa hotels near Toulon
Campsites (neighboring villages).
Your questions about Toulon
You have sent us many questions about Toulon. Here are our answers to the most frequently asked questions to inform all our readers.
How to get to Toulon?
What is the weather like in Toulon?
What is the history of Toulon?
Where is Toulon located?
Who is the mayor of Toulon?
Is Toulon a beautiful city?
Which cities to visit around Toulon?
Nearby towns and villages
Sanary sur Mer (5 km), La Valette du Var (5 km) and Le Pradet (8 km).