Toulon is a city where stunning Mediterranean shores meet rich maritime history and arts. This underrated French Riviera spot packs tons to offer travelers seeking culture and natural beauty alike. So join us as we bring you the best of Toulon, along with how to plan the ideal ferry visit.
Where is Touloun?
Beyond its flashy neighbors, Toulon wows visitors with maritime charm and culture galore. France’s number two naval hub wraps around a rade, which is a bay featuring quays. Gaze down at the scenic city sights from wooded Mont Faron, reachable via a cable car ride up the hill. Toulon’s blend of naval might and Mediterranean vibes makes for a magical, more affordable French Riviera escape.
How can I get to Toulon by ferry?
Since Toulon is a bustling port, using Ferryscanner to book your tickets and hop on a ferry is no problem at all. Corsica Ferries is the primary operator with its popular Toulon-Ajaccio express doing 10 weekly sailings in just six-and-a-half hours. Bastia and Alcudia routes also impress but stretch the sea journey to a lengthy 13 hours. If you fancy island hopping, trips linking Porto Vecchio, Porto Torres and more to Toulon depart on a regular basis and give holidaymakers plenty of choice.
How long do ferries take to get to Toulon?
Taking a ferry to Toulon? Prepare for a journey drenched in scenic splendor and sea charm. Set sail from Corsica and you’re looking at six to 11 hours of pure Mediterranean magic. Heading from the Balearic Islands? That’s 10 to 12 hours of blissful anticipation for Toulon’s wonders. Each route’s time frame serves as your personal overture to Toulon’s captivating beauty and allure.
Things to do in Toulon
1) Visit Mont Faron
Rising to a height of 584 meters, Mont Faron towers over the city of Toulon, offering an unparalleled vantage point. A favorite among Toulon’s attractions is the cable car ride to its peak. Atop Mont Faron, visitors are welcomed with breathtaking views of the city and the sea. The summit is perfect for a scenic stroll, or to explore the Musée du Débarquement, which chronicles important historical events, such as the Allied landings in Provence during World War II.
2) Lake of Sainte-Croix
Tucked within Provence’s majestic Verdon Gorge and scenic Valensole plateau lies the charming Lac de Sainte-Croix. This beloved lake delights summer travelers with sandy beaches, pleasantly warm waters, and a relaxed vibe exceeding the French Riviera’s buzz. Free from crowds yet close to natural wonders, Sainte-Croix Lake makes for a rejuvenating seasonal escape.
3) Toulon Marina
For a scenic city sanctuary, make your way to Toulon’s splendid marina. This active hub displays France’s naval legacy through modern vessel sightings and insights into maritime history. Beyond heritage, the marina also provides the perfect leisurely escape via an array of boat cruises. Glide along the French Riviera for up-close coastal views or sail out further to admire Toulon from the sea. Either way, the marina’s blend of culture and calm promises an enriching yet easy going experience just steps from the city center commotion.
4) Cours Lafayette Market
Toulon’s Cours Lafayette Market is one of the most expansive around. Spanning a broad street lined with an array of shops, it’s an ideal spot for everyday grocery needs. The market offers an abundance of fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. Just remember to carry cash and a basket for convenience, although many vendors provide small plastic bags for your purchases, making it easy to take your finds home.
5) Explore the Old Town
Get lost amid the charming, winding streets of Toulon’s old town. Wandering this historic quarter unveils captivating glimpses into days past through its collection of medieval buildings and facades. Along the way, pop into small boutiques showcasing local wares before stopping at a quaint cafe to refuel over a café au lait and buttery croissant. With so many treasures around every corner, Toulon’s atmospheric old town promises a transporting adventure where the present fades away.
6) RC Toulon
In Toulon, rugby reigns supreme thanks to powerhouse club RC Toulon, aka Les Rouge et Noir. Over recent seasons, the team has cemented elite status in global rugby through achievements like a three-year Heineken Cup reign from 2013-2015. Their strong contention in France’s prestigious Top 14 league further showcases Toulon’s athletic excellence. By recruiting and rewarding top talent, RC Toulon guarantees thrilling matches at the well-located Stade Mayol stadium. Catching a home game promises fans an authentic display of world-class rugby along with immersive local spirit.
7) Anse Magaud
One of Toulon’s hidden gems, Anse de Magaud, captivates with its stunning, wild beach, primarily visited by locals. This secluded spot is ideal for those seeking an authentic Toulon experience. Besides its serene ambiance, Anse de Magaud is also a fantastic location for snorkeling enthusiasts.
8)Opéra de Toulon
This 19th-century opera gem sparkles in Toulon’s city center, its columned facade and sculpted stairways beckoning you inside the grand performance space. Don’t judge this small-town opera by its size—the Opéra de Toulon has top talent taking the stage for ballet, operas, orchestral performances, and more throughout the season. Catch a show during your visit for a delightful peek into French culture, then wander the historic streets nearby before tucking into a quayside café for moules frites paired with local rosé.
9)Hôtel des Arts
Away from Toulon’s bustling harborfront sits a peaceful oasis for art lovers at the Med Center of Art. What was once the posh 19th century Hôtel des Arts now hosts space after space of ever-changing exhibitions from visionary regional painters and sculptors. You needn’t be a scholar of strokes and schools to appreciate these vivid, textured, and sometimes delightfully quirky works. Wander freely through halls and gardens, chatting with artists-in-residence along the way.
Does Toulon have any beaches?
If you’re heading to Toulon during the summer months, you’ll be pleased to know that it has its fair share of beaches.
Mitre Beach
Most tourists flock to the beaches east of Toulon’s city center, but insiders know the prime spot for sand and surf is Mitre Beach tucked beside the Mont Faron hillside to the west. Its crescent of golden sand catches less crowds than other local beaches, leaving you plenty of space to toss down your towel. Come to swim in the gentle waves, walk the scenic seaside trail in the afternoon light, or watch the crimson sunset over the sea from a terrace café. With a chilled glass of Bandol rosé and views of curved bay, this secret gem feels like your own private Mediterranean escape.
Anse de Méjean
Less than an hour east of Toulon, a secluded swimming cove awaits. Follow the coastal path down to Anse de Méjean to discover this hidden beach beauty, tucked discreetly between textured rock formations. Wade into the crystal clear sea for world-class snorkeling. Adventurous sorts can cliff-jump from ocean-carved platforms. And for the ultimate in relaxation, nestle into a nook along the pebbled shore, picnic spread and paperback in hand, to while away blissful hours in the Mediterranean sunshine. This secret haven feels deliciously far from the bustling beaches of St. Tropez.
Cap Brun
Sun-seekers, toss down your towels on Toulon’s most beloved beach just steps from the city center. Tucked discreetly below the coastal corniche road, this BLUE FLAG awarded stretch of golden sand beckons you to sip local rosé as cerulean waves lap gently ashore. Let the kids loose to dig tunnels and build sandcastles to their heart’s content while you unwind completely, lazing the day away people-watching stylish locals. Cap Brun delivers the quintessential French Riviera experience minus the fancy price tag. Come enjoy dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing – like you’ve found in Provence guide books but rarely discover.
Best restaurants in Toulon
You will find an endless amount of restaurants in Toulon serving up some of the finest food around. This is France, after all. Here’s a selection of the best spots to grab a bite to eat.
Les P’tits Pins
White linens and polished glassware set an upscale yet inviting mood as talented chefs present elegant dishes like just-plucked catch-of-the-day and melt-in-your-mouth angus bavette. Don’t be fooled by modest exteriors at Les P’tits Pins—this savvy local favorite signals an emerging haute cuisine shooting Toulon’s food scene to stardom. Savor the flavors of the city’s culinary transformation on the cusp.
Le Grand Café
Since 1907, locals and visitors alike swing open Brasserie Le Grand Café’s chunky wooden doors, gravitating to the glimmering bar to knock back Belgian brews. Out front, outdoor tables offer prime real estate for scoping sidewalk scenes while tucking into the brasserie’s steadfast standbys: rich duck breast dripping in pan sauce, beefsteaks grilled perfectly à point. Despite Toulon’s fresh upscale additions, this beloved brasserie keeps dishing hearty helpings of old-world fare the old-fashioned way…and loyal regulars can’t get enough.
A ferry to Toulon
Ditch crowded coastlines to embrace Toulon’s small-city charms: dip into lively markets fragrant with Provençal lavender and spices, explore hilltop seaside forts and stealth submarines, wander atmospheric Old Town lanes revealing this port’s storied past. With ferry access from across the Med, Toulon tempts travelers craving blue coastlines minus the glitz.