Nestling in one of Europe's most beautiful harbours, Toulon shows the influence of both its medieval past and its maritime history. Let's start our tour with the extremely picturesque old town, which boasts a rich architectural heritage. The typical narrow streets will lead you to the 18th-century Church of St. Louis, with a Neo-Classical façade and a superb cupola with lanterns. Then you will come to the charming Place Puget where the astonishing Three Dolphins fountain stands, covered with lush greenery. A few streets from there, Toulon Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds) is an 11th-century building that was later extended in the 17th century. Its beautiful Classical façade is decorated with Baroque motifs and gives way to an interior that is both Romanesque and Gothic. At a height of 36 metres, its bell tower is crowned by a wrought iron campanile dating from 1740. Continue discovering the city by experiencing all the scents and flavours at the daily market on Cours Lafayette, a must if you really want to immerse yourself in Toulon's Provençal atmosphere. The beautiful opera house overlooking Place Victor Hugo should also be included in your tour itinerary.
Cronstadt quay, running along the harbour and dotted with shops, restaurants and cafés, is a very pleasant place for a stroll. Here you can see the Darse Vieille, the old inner harbour created during the reign of Henry IV, and the new one, the Darse Neuve, built by Vauban at the end of the 17th century. There is also the Royal Tower, a listed Historic Monument that tells a chapter of the city's maritime history. Initially a defensive structure, it later became a prison, then an annex of the National Naval Museum, before it was bought by the city of Toulon in 2006. A landscaped park has been created by the sea to offer a pleasant place to stroll, with a stunning view of Toulon's harbour! Next, why not opt for a guided boat tour of the harbour? On this pleasant boat ride you can learn more about the military port and its impressive ships.
Towering over the city, Mount Faron is a must-see Toulon landmark. This limestone massif culminates at 584 metres above sea level and offers a magnificent view over the rooftops of the maritime city, the immense harbour and the Saint-Mandrier peninsula! To reach the top, climb aboard the cable car and once you get there, follow one of the maintained trails to enjoy the various viewpoints.
Toulon also has several interesting museums such as the National Naval Museum (Musée National de la Marine), entirely devoted to the history of the French Navy and offering a large collection of models and paintings. Entry is via the old Porte de l'Arsenal gate. The Toulon and Region History Museum will take you on a journey through the city's past with its paintings, etchings and old documents. On Mount Faron, the Memorial to the Landings in Provence, inaugurated by General de Gaulle in 1964, tells the story of the Allies' liberation of South-East France in August 1944.
After all those discoveries, take a well-earned rest on one of the city's beaches, such as Plage du Mourillon. Enjoy a spot of shopping on Rue des Arts, with its cluster of art galleries, artists' studios and creators' shops. Finally, don't forget to stop for lunch and sample some bourride, a soup made from aïoli and white fish.
