10 Best Things to Do in Toulon

Plages du Mourillon is a paradise of soft, golden sands, stretching over 7 hectares. Mourillon consists of several coves and beaches, all equally stunning, with fantastic views over the clear, turquoise water. Head to Les Pins if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere and family fun. There’s a large basketball court, skatepark and fantastic mini golf too.

For quieter moments relaxing under the palm trees, try the Mistral cove. It’s a popular spot with locals who come here to watch the yachts whilst soaking up the sun. There are around a dozen bars and restaurants lining the promenade, as well as over 1,000 free parking places, so you can easily spend a day here.

Mont Faron Cable Car will take you almost 600 metres high and you’ll marvel at the amazing views over Toulon and the sea. There are great hiking trails at the top and you can even take your mountain bike in the cable car to enjoy one of the circuits. You’ll see both locals and tourists on climbing expeditions too.

If you’d like to dine on the mountain, there are lovely restaurants which give spectacular views over the city and bay. Or why not take a picnic? The cable car can get incredibly busy during the summer months so be sure to check out the website before visiting. The traffic light system is used to show peak times.

Cours Lafayette Market is held in a pedestrian zone in Toulon’s historic district, just a couple of blocks from the port. It’s a large and lively market where vendors chat animatedly with their customers, and shoppers take their time to browse the colourful stalls. The morning market centres around local food, including fresh fish and seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as exquisite flowers.

Foodies will love the choice of regional produce on offer, including melons, tomatoes, olives and tapenade. And you won’t be able to resist the aroma of a freshly baked Provençal fougasse – a delicious, soft bread with olive oil, onions, black olives and anchovies. It’s a tasty treat whilst strolling through the market.

The Musée National de la Marine showcases the maritime history of Toulon. During Louis XIV’s reign, it became the biggest war port in the Mediterranean and you’ll learn fascinating facts about the city’s naval capacity. You’ll be awestruck at the detail on the models of the boats, nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers, as well as the huge paintings and the magnificent statue of Neptune.

Admission is free for under 18s, so this museum is a fantastic choice for a family day out in Toulon. There are regular workshops for budding sailors and naval enthusiasts, and you can learn how to make different sailing knots or even dress up as a pirate whilst you learn about the rogues of the sea.

The Port de Toulon is a huge, naval base so if you like aircraft carriers and navy ships, this is a great place to visit. The port is always busy with commercial traffic too and it’s an important stop for both cruise ships and ferries. Relax in one of the marina’s brasseries and take in spectacular views over the harbour, whilst enjoying delicious French cuisine.

The little, white train departs from the port and it’s hugely popular with kids. You’ll see the magnificent Le Génie de la Navigation (The Genius of Navigation) sculpture which stands over 5 metres high and points out to sea. After that, you’ll ride around the Old Town and go past the stunning beaches and forts.

Toulon boat tours give a fascinating insight into the history of the port and how it’s used today, as well as some spectacular views over the city and the dazzling sea. You can choose from several guided tours with commentaries in various languages. You’ll see impressive warships as well as a maritime cemetery and the Bay of Lazaret mussel farms.

Discover too how the topography of the coastline played an important role in World War II. Many of the fortifications were ravaged during the war, but you’ll see La Tour Royale, a majestic fort dating to the early 16th century and the first line of protection for an attack by sea. Don’t forget your camera for some amazing photos.

The Jardin Alexandre 1er is a haven of tranquillity in the centre of Toulon. Known by locals as the City Garden, this free park stretches over 2 hectares and it’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. You’ll see couples strolling hand in hand and students sunbathing next to the large fishpond, as well as families enjoying the dog park and the children’s play area.

It’s full of different species of plants, flowers and trees, with several water features, so it’s a relaxing park and a great spot to indulge in a picnic. Scan the QR codes on the posts as you stroll through the gardens, and you’ll get interesting information on the park and its rare plants.

The Musée d’Art de Toulon, known locally as MAT, is a magnificent, U-shaped building, right next to the Jardin Alexandre 1er. Originally constructed in the late 19th century as 3 separate buildings (an art museum, a natural history museum and a library), it’s now 1 large museum housing a mix of old and contemporary art, as well as archaeological finds.

Discover works of art by some of the finest 19th-century painters from the Marseille/Toulon region, including Guigou, Courdouan and Loubon. There are some exquisite marine paintings, as well as over 1,000 pieces of modern art. Admission is free, so combine this with a visit to the adjacent park for a fantastic and free day out.

Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Cathedral lies in central Toulon, just 4 blocks from the port. Also known as Toulon Cathedral, this historic building was constructed over hundreds of years, starting in the 11th century. It’s famous for its magnificent architecture, especially the marble altarpiece. You’ll be awestruck at the imposing clock tower too. It stands 36 metres high and measures approximately 3 metres thick at the base.

Music lovers will enjoy the beautiful services and concerts held in this Catholic church, and art lovers will enjoy the regular exhibitions. You’ll see 2 of Pierre Puget’s paintings on display permanently in the cathedral. It’s open year-round, but guided tours are only available during summer months, on Thursday afternoons.

Rue des Arts is a bonanza of colourful art and original boutiques. Head to Rue Pierre Semard and you’ll see this creative and cultural district, known for its amazing photography exhibitions on the walls of the narrow streets. You’ll find around 25 unique shops where you can buy artisanal jewellery and home decor and discover amazing art and calligraphy studios.

Locals come here for the great food, and the brunch aromas from the bistros and restaurants will tempt you inside, where you’ll soak up the friendly atmosphere of this neighbourhood. Place d’Armes is the nearest public car park and if you visit on a weekend, you’ll get 2 hours of free parking on Saturday and the whole day free on Sunday.