Nature break on Mont Faron in Toulon

Are you staying in Toulon? Why not combine a cultural visit with a relaxing getaway in the heart of nature, just a stone’s throw from the city? Overlooking the sea and Toulon, Mont Faron is an ideal spot for hiking among the Aleppo pines. The bonus is a superb view of the sea and one of the most beautiful harbours in Europe! So, are you ready to climb Mont Faron?

What is Mont Faron?

Mont Faron is the mountain that overlooks the town of Toulon in the Var department of France. Reaching an altitude of 584 metres and made up of limestone, it is one of the most famous landforms in the region, and for good reason: it offers beautiful walks accessible to all, just a stone’s throw from Toulon. It was once used to defend the sea and land access to the city’s military port: today you can still see a whole network of fortifications, including 9 forts that are still there. Its name comes from the Provençal Faro, meaning watchtower from which the coast could be watched.

Mont Faron is a listed site and part of a natural area of ecological, faunistic and floristic interest.

What can you do on Mont Faron?

1- An uninterrupted view of Toulon harbour

Mont Faron is the perfect place to go hiking! On foot or by bike, you’ll find dozens of signposted trails to help you discover this famous little mountain, with the added bonus of a magnificent view over the Toulon harbour, considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe.

2- The Provence landing memorial

On Mont Faron you will also find a memorial-museum that pays tribute to the men and women who fought in the Second World War, and more particularly those who took part in the Allied landings in Provence on 15 August 1944, a decisive moment in the Second World War. It is housed in the Beaumont Tower, built in 1845 to defend the harbour.

3- The Mont Faron fish farm

Europe’s leading centre for the reproduction of wild cats, the mont Faron fauverie allows you to see wild species such as hyenas and bears, but above all felines that are in serious danger of extinction, which it makes a point of honour to protect. It’s a great place to see wolves, lynxes, jaguars, pumas and many other exceptional species.

4- A sportsman’s paradise

People come to Mont Faron for its hiking trails, which are accessible to all levels. But it’s also the perfect place to try your hand at mountain biking, with a number of trails dedicated to cyclists. It’s also a real playground for rock-climbers, again for all levels.

The Tour de France passed through Mont Faron once, in 1957, and the Paris-Nice and Tour Méditerranéen have both stopped here several times on certain stages.

Toulon cable car

You can drive up to Mont Faron on the one-way road that takes you there, but if you want to enjoy the panoramic view over Toulon and its harbour, there’s nothing like taking the cable car! You’ll reach the summit in less than 10 minutes in modern cabins equipped with transparent windows in the floor, for a moment out of time before exploring the natural site.

Accessibility

Address: 2 boulevard Amiral Vence, 83200 Toulon

Coming by car? Free parking is available at the foot of the cable car.

Coming by public transport? Bus no. 40 will drop you off at the cable car entrance.

A cabin departs every 10 to 20 minutes.

Please note : the cable car may be closed in windy conditions! Be sure to check the website before you go to make sure it’s working properly.

• The cable car is accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Returnfares

Adults: €8.50

Children (aged 4-10): €6.50

Seniors, military personnel, people with reduced mobility, students, jobseekers: €6.50

Large families: €6.50 per adult, €5 per child

One-way fare

Adult/Child: €6

• There are annual passes, mountain bike passes and passes that include the cable car and the wildlife park or memorial.

Opening times

The cable car is open from February to November from 10am until 5.30pm, 6pm, 6.30pm, 7pm or 7.45pm depending on the season. Be sure to check the timetables on the website before your visit!

Please note: dogs on a lead are allowed on the cable car free of charge.

Where to eat?

Take your picnic with you and make the most of the mountain’s many green spaces for your lunch break! There are some lovely spots with views over the sea and the harbour for a really enjoyable picnic.

There are also two restaurants on Mont Faron for those who want to combine nature and gastronomy during their getaway: the Panoramique, as its name suggests, offers a spectacular view of the town and the sea from its terrace, located just a few steps from the cable car arrival station. Le Drap d’Or is set under the pine trees right next to the fauverie. The perfect place to treat your taste buds wherever you are!

Are you tempted by Mont Faron?