Visit Toulon
the Historic Naval City
-
Tour
-
4,6 km
-
1h50
-
19 audios
19 places of interest to discover while visiting Toulon in one day
Text version
Charming and welcoming, Toulon is a city in Provence nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Faron. It’s perfect for anyone who dreams of a swim in the sea and a hike in the hills all in one day. Located in the southeast of France, Toulon is famous for its stunning harbour. With one of the country’s largest naval ports, sun-drenched narrow streets, and a relaxed, friendly vibe, Toulon often takes visitors by surprise. It’s the kind of place where you stroll through the old town without a plan, stop at a café terrace, and end up spending hours soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere. If you’re into sports, especially rugby, this is home turf for the legendary Toulon team. Their stadium, Mayol, is a local landmark. Over the years, the team has become one of the top names in French rugby, with some of the most devoted fans in the world. Toulon is a port city full of character, where the sea, history, and southern way of life come together.
-
-
2. Place de la Liberté
Place de la Liberté is the beating heart of Toulon. Designed in 1852 by two brothers, André-Joseph and Gaudensi Allar, this central square quickly became a favourite spot among locals. Read more
-
3. Place Puget
Lined with cafés and restaurant terraces, it’s the perfect spot to sit back, relax, and take in the lively southern atmosphere. At one end of the square, you’ll find the Fontaine des Trois Dauphins, the Fountain of the Three Dolphins. Read more
-
4. Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds Cathedral
Welcome to the Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds Cathedral, the oldest building in the city. The first church on this site was built in the 5th century, but the version you see today dates back to the 11th century, with renovations made over the years to accommodate a growing number of worshippers. Read more
-
5. Cours Lafayette
On both sides of the street, you’ll find shops of all kinds, including market stalls overflowing with the best Provençal flavours. This market even inspired a famous song by French singer, Gilbert Bécaud, called Les marchés de Provence. Read more
-
6. The Cannonball
On your left is 89 Cours Lafayette. Take a moment to look up at the second floor of the building… and you’ll spot one of Toulon’s quirkiest curiosities: a cannonball stuck in the wall! Read more
-
7. Porte d’Italie
Built in the 18th century from plans by the famous French military engineer Vauban, this gate is one of the last surviving parts of the old fortifications that surrounded Toulon. Read more
-
8. Mayol Stadium
Calling all rugby fans! You’re now standing in front of the legendary Stade Mayol, a true symbol of Toulon. Built in 1919, Félix Mayol, a local singer and devoted rugby fan, donated the land to the Toulon Rugby Club. Read more
-
9. Saint-François-de-Paule Church
This beautiful church on Place Saint-Louis was built in the 18th century, replacing a chapel that stood here for over a hundred years. Its style is baroque, inspired by Roman and Piedmontese architecture, with a distinctive curved porch that makes it truly stand out. Read more
-
10. Toulon Harbour
Before you set off to explore, you should know that Toulon’s harbour offers more than its beauty. It’s France’s largest naval port and a key military base, home to most of the French navy’s fleet. Read more
-
11. Spirit of Navigation
This statue is one of Toulon’s most iconic landmarks, the Génie de la Navigation, or “Spirit of Navigation.” Facing the harbour with one finger pointing out to sea, it captures the daring spirit of explorers braving the oceans. Read more
-
12. The Card Game
This charming life-sized statue, known as La Partie de Cartes, or the Card Game, features two beloved characters: César and Panisse, part of Marcel Pagnol’s famous Marseilles Trilogy Read more
-
13. Street of Arts
This street is a little slice of paradise for art lovers! With its galleries, studios, and creative boutiques, it’s become the hub of artistic expression in Toulon. Read more
-
14. Saint-Louis Church
With its neoclassical architecture inspired by Greco-Roman design, Saint-Louis Church hasn’t always been a place of worship. Read more
-
15. Ship Sculpture
You’re now standing on Place Vatel. While the palm trees give this square in the historic centre plenty of charm, it’s the large ship sculpture on the wall that really grabs your attention. Read more
-
16. Hôtel des Arts
It’s hard not to be struck by this building’s vibrant colours! Located on Boulevard Général Leclerc, this multicoloured structure is the Hôtel des Arts. Read more
-
17. Art Museum
This impressive U-shaped building is Toulon’s Museum of Art, a true haven for the city’s artistic heritage. Built in 1888, it houses over 3,000 works, from regional archaeological finds to contemporary art, including paintings spanning the 15th to the 20th century and a remarkable photography collection. Read more
-
18. Alexandre I Garden
Once known as the “Jardin du Roy,” this small one-hectare park has long been a favourite spot for Toulon locals looking to relax. Read more
-
19. Place de l’Équerre
Place de l’Équerre is a fine example of the beautiful architecture that gives southern French cities their charm. Located in the heart of Toulon’s shopping district, this square is lined with cafés and restaurants sure to please any foodie. Read more
-
20. Conseils
Vous avez encore un peu de temps à Toulon ? Découvrez tous nos conseils pour compléter votre visite. Read more

Discover Toulon with app
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
19 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Top Things to Do
Dive into the heart of Bandol’s vineyards and savor the authentic character of its renowned wines
Good to know!
Recommended Starting point
Recommended Parking
Visit info
Got Some Extra Time in Toulon?
The Mourillon District
To keep exploring what’s often called the “Old Military City,” head to the Mourillon district—a little Provençal village tucked right into Toulon. Here, you’ll find Fort Saint-Louis, a 17th-century tower built from plans by Vauban to keep watch over the sea, and the Tour Royale, dating back to the 16th century and surrounded by landscaped gardens with beautiful views of the old town and Mount Faron.
Mount Faron
A must-see while in Toulon, Mount Faron rises to 584 metres and offers scenic walks with sweeping views over the city and the sea. It’s easy to get to by car, public transport, or the cable car, which takes you to the top in just a few minutes.
The Beaches
After the mountains, it’s time to hit the beach! Toulon has plenty to choose from. The closest are Pipady, La Mitre, and Le Mourillon. A bit further out, you’ll find
The Surrounding Villages
If you have a little more time, explore the charming towns near Toulon. La Seyne-sur-Mer is a lovely seaside resort with one of the region’s best beaches, Les Sablettes. In Six-Fours-les-Plages, the chapel of Notre-Dame du Mai offers breathtaking views, and Ollioules is full of Provençal character and history. A little farther, Sanary-sur-Mer is well worth a visit, with its local markets, dolphin-spotting boat trips, and rich heritage.
Île du Gaou
In Six-Fours-les-Plages, don’t miss the Gaou Islands—true hidden gems accessible by footbridges at the end of Busc harbour. These wild, unspoiled islands offer coves, pine forests, and long sandy beaches. From there, you can catch a boat to Île des Embiez, only reachable by sea.
Hyères-les-Palmiers
Just 20 km from Toulon, Hyères-les-Palmiers combines a historic old town with one of France’s most popular seaside resorts. It’s the gateway to the Giens Peninsula and the Golden Islands—Port-Cros, Porquerolles, and Le Levant—all breathtaking jewels of the Mediterranean. While you’re there, don’t miss the Villa Noailles, a landmark of contemporary art and design.
Bormes-les-Mimosas
Past Hyères lies the hilltop village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, perched at 154 metres and famous for its medieval alleyways bursting with flowers. With its ochre façades, art galleries, and lively squares, it’s one of the most picturesque destinations in the Var—and just 45 minutes from Toulon.
The Calanques of Cassis
Head west along the coast and you’ll reach the Calanques National Park, one of southern France’s most breathtaking natural sites. From the seaside town of Cassis, dramatic limestone inlets open up one after another, offering postcard-perfect views and wild nature. Take time to explore the town itself and its charming harbour.
Marseille
Less than an hour from Toulon, Marseille is a vibrant port city filled with history and energy. Wander the Old Port, visit the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, explore the Panier district and the iconic Canebière. And for the full experience, check out our Navaway walking tour of Marseille!
Hilltop Villages
If you’re in the mood for inland adventure, the Var region is home to some stunning hilltop villages. Discover the charm of Le Castellet, Forcalqueiret and its medieval castle, Collobrières, La Cadière-d’Azur, Évenos, and Le Revest-les-Eaux. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of rural Provence.
Popular activities to discover
Discover Toulon from every angle – culture, cuisine, and immersive adventure
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
DownloadTop 5 things to do in Toulon
Le Mont Faron
Our rating
Budget

Feeling like a bit of exercise? After all, Toulon is a fantastic place to enjoy walking, cycling, and family-friendly outdoor activities.
Surrounded by nature, you’ll be inspired to make the most of every moment! One of the must-do experiences for visitors is to hike up and explore Mont Faron — a legendary spot that’s home to the Fauverie mentioned earlier. Rising 584 meters above sea level in striking white limestone, it overlooks what’s often called the most beautiful harbor in Europe.
It’s an unmissable destination where you can…
Read more
Le Fort Saint-Louis
Our rating
Budget

See Our Full Review
La Fauverie du Mont Faron
Our rating
Budget

See Our Full Review
Top 5 best hotels in Toulon
L’Eautel Toulon Centre Port
Our rating
Budget




Located in the newly renovated Rue des Arts district, this establishment is a work of art in its own right. It is situated…
Read more
Highlights
Free high-speed internet
Swimming pool
Pets allowed
Breakfast included
Taxi service
Ideally located for exploring the city
Downsides
Non-smoking hotel
Paid parking
Due to its central location, the establishment may experience some noise and activity from the surrounding area
Location: 15 Rue Victor Micholet, 83000, Toulon, France
Grand Hôtel Dauphiné Boutique Hôtel et Suites
Our rating
Budget




See Our Full Review
OKKO Hotels Toulon Centre
Our rating
Budget




See Our Full Review
Frequently asked questions
Where to eat in Toulon?
Some regions of France are well-known by name, yet their cuisine and traditional dishes remain a mystery. That’s a bit the case with Toulon, where Provençal cooking—rich with Mediterranean flavors—graces every plate. To sample some of the city’s signature dishes, head to Square Léon Vérane for a culinary stroll filled with fresh, high-quality ingredients. There, you’ll find plenty of welcoming restaurants where the décor perfectly matches the presentation of the dishes: clean, refined, and crafted with care. For heartier fare—succulent red meats served with a colorful array of finely cut vegetables—make your way to the Frédéric Mistral Le Mourillon seafront. The service is often described as “excellent, with great value for money.”
Where to stay in Toulon?
Finding a place to stay in Toulon is easy. The city is welcoming and offers a wide range of hotels close to landmarks and tourist attractions. To start, Place de Besagne provides a perfect location on the edge of the city center and the port. It’s ideal for beginning your day exploring the heart of Toulon, where charming shops and key sights await, and in the evening, enjoying the fresh early-evening breeze of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur as you stroll along the harbor. You can also head to Rue Peiresc, where upscale hotels are right in the center of Toulon, close to the train station and the beautiful beaches of Le Mourillon. Dreamy, isn’t it? Another option is to stay along the corniche to the east of the city, where seaside hotels line the coast like a sea of wonders.
How to explore Toulon in 3 or 5 days?
When visiting Toulon, plan for at least three days to fully immerse yourself in the city’s history, culture, heritage, and flavors—not to mention its breathtaking scenery. Start with a refreshing stroll through the Provençal market in Old Toulon, a delightful spot where the enticing aromas of fresh produce greet you long before you reach the stalls. Next, enjoy a cultural visit to the National Maritime Museum to catch up on Toulon’s sometimes turbulent maritime history. End the day with a leisurely walk along the port.
Over the following days, be sure to explore Mont Faron or unwind at one of the Mourillon beaches for a well-deserved moment of relaxation. If you love hiking, consider a boat excursion to the Hyères Islands, departing from Toulon’s harbor.
When is the best time to visit Toulon and how to get there?
Toulon is a destination you can visit year-round. However, if your main goal is to dive into its stunning turquoise beaches, the best months are the warmest—from July to September. The peak tourist season runs from April to October, when the weather is pleasant and the city comes alive with numerous festivals and cultural events.
The easiest way to get there is by train. Quick, convenient, and affordable if booked in advance, several rail services connect to Toulon, including OUIGO, TER, and TGV INOUI. For a quick example, a TGV INOUI from Paris to Toulon takes about four hours.
Boat rentals in Toulon: how and where?
In Toulon, there are plenty of activities to explore. However, if you want to leave dry land for a few hours and head to the most scenic hiking trails and swimming spots, renting a boat is the way to go. The most commonly used options are motorboats, sailboats, and catamarans—they’re fast, easy to handle, and offer excellent value for money. The best way to rent one of these beautiful vessels is through a local agency on-site. Alternatively, if you prefer to plan ahead (especially during the high tourist season), you can also book online via the user-friendly “Samboat” website.
How to get around Toulon?
Getting around an unfamiliar city can sometimes be tricky. Luckily, Toulon has made it as easy as possible. In summer, you can always explore on foot or by bike, but otherwise, the Mistral transport network is a convenient option. It offers a variety of bus routes as well as water buses that cover the entire city. Whether you’re heading to the beach or a museum, you’ll find one of the 42 lines to get you smoothly from point A to point B.
For those who enjoy panoramic views, the water bus provides a unique and pleasant way to travel on the water. Additionally, under the law of February 11, 2005, the TPM Metropolis (Toulon Provence Méditerranée) ensures that everyone can move around the area with ease, offering an accessible public transport network for all.
Things to do in Toulon with family or in a group?
If you’re traveling in Toulon with a group, especially with children, you’ll find plenty of activities to enjoy together. One of the most famous is the Mont Faron cable car ride, offering breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding areas—a soaring experience that leaves you feeling light as air once you’re back on the ground.
Speaking of the harbor, a boat tour is another great option, allowing you to explore it up close. You’ll enjoy a unique experience, complete with commentary and insights into the city’s fascinating, eventful history. Finally, why not end on a delicious note by visiting the Cours Lafayette market, where the vibrant colors and Mediterranean aromas fill the air?
Things to do in Toulon as a couple?
If you’re visiting Toulon with your partner, a trip to the beach is a must. The city boasts stunning stretches of water, many tucked away in quiet, romantic coves. The beaches of Mourillon and La Mitre offer sunny moments surrounded by authentic natural beauty.
Where there’s the sea, there’s also boating—and Toulon has plenty to offer! The Hyères Islands and the Golden Isles make for a wonderful romantic getaway, featuring some active trails that lead to breathtaking coves and landscapes.
In the evening, after a delicious dinner for two at one of Toulon’s restaurants, why not end the night at the opera? It may seem like a “classic” couple’s activity, but sometimes clichés are the perfect way to create joyful memories together.
Things to do solo in Toulon?
Traveling solo comes with many perks: you feel like the city is all yours and can explore at your own pace. Step inside Sainte-Marie de la Seds Cathedral and the Toulon and Regional History Museum to immerse yourself in the city’s cultural and historical heritage.
You can also wander down Rue des Arts in the city center, a lively street filled with artist and designer workshops, as well as boutique shops that add a touch of charm to your day. This street exudes a unique lifestyle that captivates visitors. Don’t miss the neoclassical Saint-Louis Church, a classified historic monument. And for rugby fans, head to Stade Mayol, home of the Toulon Rugby Club, for thrilling match-day action!
Comments