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.

The Fontaine de la Fédération stands at its centre, a proud emblem of this sun-soaked southern square. Inaugurated in 1890 by President Carnot, and created by the same architects who designed the square, the fountain is carved from white limestone. Its statues represent France and two of the four cardinal virtues: Strength and Justice.

During World War II, the fountain was badly damaged, along with several buildings nearby. One of them, the Grand Hôtel, was later restored and it’s housed the Liberté Theatre since 2011. If you take a moment to look around, you’ll see an interesting contrast between the buildings facing the square. The one on the left was rebuilt in a modern style after being bombed, while the one on the right stands just as it did in the 18th century.

Despite the scars of the past, Place de la Liberté has kept its charm. It’s still one of the most inviting places to stop and soak up the atmosphere of old Toulon.