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...
Leisure activities
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
Campings
1 km from the beach, quiet camping in a family atmosphere, shady pitches and rentals of mobile home 2 to 6 people with terrace - Near shops
Pool - Snack - Entertainments - Children's Club - Playground - Wifi
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Accomodations
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
There are plenty of quick ways to reach the city. By car, take the A50 from Marseille or the A57 from Nice. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour. A detailed access map is available on navigation websites.
The train remains the most convenient option, with the SNCF train station right in the center. Toulon-Hyères Airport is 20 kilometers away. Line 102 of the Mistral network connects the airport to the bus station.
Once there, the Mistral network manages all public transportation: buses, water buses, and the Mont Faron cable car. You can purchase your tickets directly using the mobile app.
What is the weather like in Toulon?
The weather in Toulon is mild all year round. The forecast is generally sunny, with over 2,800 hours of sunshine per year. The average temperature is around 10°C in January and 28°C in July. In December, expect temperatures between 7°C and 13°C. However, the mistral wind can blow strongly from the Rhône valley.
What is the history of Toulon?
The history of Toulon is closely linked to its port. Louis XIV and Colbert developed the city in the 17th century to make it a major military port. Vauban fortified the harbor with impressive structures. In the 19th century, the arsenal expanded and welcomed a large number of Italian and Corsican immigrants.
World War II had a profound impact on the city. On November 27, 1942, the French fleet scuttled itself to prevent it from falling into German hands. Bombing raids in 1943 and 1944 destroyed much of the city center. Liberation came in August 1944 after fierce fighting.
Economic development resumed after the war with reconstruction. Old Toulon retains a few reminders of the past, such as Sainte-Marie Cathedral and the old arsenal. The military heritage remains visible everywhere with the forts, the Royal Tower, and the Vauban fortifications. Today, Toulon remains France's leading military port and is home to 60% of the French Navy's tonnage.
Where is Toulon located?
Toulon is located in southeastern France, on the Mediterranean coast. The city occupies a strategic position between Marseille and Nice, 190 kilometers from Italy.
The Toulon metropolitan area comprises 12 municipalities and more than 450,000 inhabitants. It stretches from Ollioules in the west to Hyères in the east. The Toulon Provence Méditerranée metropolitan area covers 200 kilometers of coastline.
Cap Brun marks the eastern end of the city with its wild coves. To the north, Mont Faron rises to 584 meters and dominates the entire harbor. The Mediterranean Sea protects the city to the south with its famous harbor, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. This unique geography makes Toulon the third largest city in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
Who is the mayor of Toulon?
Josée Massi has been in charge of the city since May 3, 2023. This math teacher turned social integration specialist is the first female mayor of Toulon. She succeeded Hubert Falco after he was sentenced to five years of ineligibility for receiving embezzled public funds.
Hubert Falco had left his mark on the city for 22 years, from 2001 to 2023.
Former president of the Var General Council from 1994 to 2002, he also held ministerial positions. His leadership transformed Toulon but ended in legal proceedings that shook local politics.
Is Toulon a beautiful city?
Toulon is a large port city, which means it was heavily bombed during the war. So it's not a “pretty city” in the strict sense of the word. But there are some wonderful neighborhoods and places to discover during your stay in Toulon. We share our favorites with you on this page.
Which cities to visit around Toulon?
To the west of Toulon, we recommend visiting the villages of Bandol (and its famous vineyards) or Six-Fours-les-Plages. To the east, head for Hyères and Le Lavandou. Toulon is ideally located for exploring the beautiful coastal villages of the Var. Marseille, located in the Bouches-du-Rhône, is also only 40 miles away.
NEIGHBOURING TOWNS AND VILLAGES
Sanary sur Mer (5 km), La Valette du Var (5 km) and Le Pradet (8 km).