Before I start luring you into the charms of Toulon. Let me admit I was never a fan of Toulon. It sounded like a worthwhile place to visit when Johnny Wilkinson was a rugby player at the Stade Mayol. Knowing that Toulon was the cradle of the French Navy Arsenal. Toulon didn't sound attractive enough.
Living in the South of France changed all that. Visiting Toulon by train from Marseille was the perfect excuse to change my mind about the town.
To be honest, I had no clue where to start. When I came out of the station and headed to the old town. It felt like walking in the old town of Nice. The wall's colours were like those in a town on the French Riviera.
I found myself walking and stopping at every corner to take a photo. I had moments where I ducked into shops selling one-of-a-kind stuff. The atmosphere was enchanting; it was still early in the morning with not too many people on the street. It was easy to set up my many cameras for a special point of view. I even had a conversation with a local. When he saw my cameras hanging from my shoulder, he very kindly came up to me to recommend some streets to photograph. He even showed me a photography gallery that had some photos of Toulon on the wall. They were a bit too sharpened for me but gave me some ideas of where to go next.
One of the highlights of the old town was the morning market. Who can resists a french market? The colourful display of fresh fruits and vegetables makes it an attractive viewpoint for anyone documenting their trip. The old town is not very big but well worth wandering its streets.
A bit of history about Toulon
Toulon began to grow in importance as a naval base. The construction of the Royal Tower (Tour Royale) in the early 16th century marked the beginning of its role as a fortified port. The town played a significant role during the French Revolution.
Did you know that Toulon was occupied by British and Royalist forces in 1793? It seems that Toulon attracted more than English Rugby players and had strong ties with England? Napoleon couldn't accept to lose Toulon to the English. And retook the city with the revolutionaries. It became a major naval base for Napoleon's fleet. The city's shipyards were expanded, and it played a crucial role in France's maritime strategy. In the 19th century it continued to grow as a naval and industrial centre. The construction of the Toulon Arsenal, a major shipyard, further solidified its importance.
During World War II, Toulon was a key naval base for the French fleet. In 1942, following the German occupation of Vichy France, the French scuttled the fleet in Toulon to prevent it from falling into Nazi hands.
The Old Town
Make the old town you first port of call when you visit from the train station. It’s very close and easily walkable
Cours Lafayette:
- This street is the main street through the Old Town and is famous for its daily market.
- Place Puget: One of the oldest squares in Toulon, Place Puget is surrounded by cafés and restaurants. It features a beautiful fountain with a statue of Jean-Baptiste Puget, a local sculptor.
Rue d’Alger:
This pedestrian street is the heart of the Old Town, lined with shops, boutiques, and historic buildings. It’s a great place to explore on foot and get a feel for the local vibe
.Toulon Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds):
- Built between the 11th and 18th centuries, this Roman and Baroque-style cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in Toulon.
- Mont Faron:
- Nearby Mont Faron provides a stunning backdrop and offers panoramic views of Toulon and its harbour. You can reach it by cable car or hiking trails.
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Place de la Liberté: Located at the edge of the Old Town, this grand square is a hub of activity. It features a large fountain and is surrounded by elegant 19th-century buildings, including the Toulon Opera House.
Street Art and Murals:
- In recent years, the Old Town has embraced street art, with colourful murals adorning many buildings. These artworks add a modern touch to the historic streets.
The rest of the town in itself doesn't hold the value of the old town. Due to its strategic position during World War II. A large part of the town was destroyed. You will notice the lacklustre buildings (rebuilt in a haste after the war) along the port and in the main part of town.
Keep walking to reach the Mourillon beaches and the seaside. Why not have lunch at one of the restaurants while overlooking the Rade des Vignettes. From there you can take a walk to the seaside towards Plage de la Mitre.
There is a sentier du Littoral that you can follow to walk along plages de la Vigie, plage Belle-Rive and Plage de la Mitre. I wanted to continue to plage de Pipady from there but didn't push through as I had to walk on rocks across the sea. It was too much of a risk to end up in water all clothed-up and with all my gear.
I walked back all the way and found another long way via chemin de la Pinède. When I arrived allong the Park de la Tour Royale I saw the departure of one of the Corsica ferries starting their crosssing towards Corsica. It was the perfect vision to end my visit in Toulon.
A visit to the Stade Mayol in Toulon is a must for rugby fans and anyone interested in experiencing the passionate sports culture of the city.
Here are my recommendations for places to stay and eat, categorised by budget level:
Budget-Friendly Options
Stay: Hôtel Bonaparte
- Location: Near the Old Town and the harbour.
- Why Stay Here: This affordable hotel and a central location, making it perfect for exploring Toulon on a budget.
- Price Range: €50–€80 per night.
Eat: Le Rock
They serves a variety of dishes, including pizzas, burgers, and salads.
Mid-Range Options
Stay: Hôtel La Corniche (Best Western)
- Location: Overlooking the Mediterranean, just a short walk from the city center.
- Why Stay Here: This stylish hotel offers modern rooms with sea views, a rooftop terrace, and easy access to both the Old Town and the beaches.
- Price Range: €100–€150 per night.
Eat: Les Tables de la Fontaine
They serve traditional French meat and seafood dishes.
Luxury Options
Stay: Hôtel & Spa Tour Blanche
- Location: On the slopes of Mont Faron, offering stunning views of Toulon and the harbor.
- Why Stay Here: This luxurious hotel features spacious rooms, a spa, and an infinity pool. It’s a peaceful retreat with easy access to the city center.
- Price Range: €200–€300 per night.
Restaurants Next to the beach
Try the M5, Milayd Mourillon, le Lido de Toulon
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking to splurge, Toulon has something to offer. Enjoy your stay and the delicious Provençal cuisine!
Drop a comment below and tell me: What’s your favourite thing about Toulon, or what are you most excited to explore?
Here are my recommendations for places to stay and eat, categorised by budget level:
Budget-Friendly Options
Stay: Hôtel Bonaparte
- Location: Near the Old Town and the harbour.
- Why Stay Here: This affordable hotel and a central location, making it perfect for exploring Toulon on a budget.
- Price Range: €50–€80 per night.
Eat: Le Rock
They serves a variety of dishes, including pizzas, burgers, and salads.
Mid-Range Options
Stay: Hôtel La Corniche (Best Western)
- Location: Overlooking the Mediterranean, just a short walk from the city center.
- Why Stay Here: This stylish hotel offers modern rooms with sea views, a rooftop terrace, and easy access to both the Old Town and the beaches.
- Price Range: €100–€150 per night.
-
Eat: Les Tables de la Fontaine
They serve traditional French meat and seafood dishes.
Luxury Options
Stay: Hôtel & Spa Tour Blanche
- Location: On the slopes of Mont Faron, offering stunning views of Toulon and the harbor.
- Why Stay Here: This luxurious hotel features spacious rooms, a spa, and an infinity pool. It’s a peaceful retreat with easy access to the city center.
- Price Range: €200–€300 per night.
Restaurants Next to the beach
Try the M5, Milayd Mourillon, le Lido de Toulon
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking to splurge, Toulon has something to offer. Enjoy your stay and the delicious Provençal cuisine!
Drop a comment below and tell me: What’s your favourite thing about Toulon, or what are you most excited to explore?