Toulon
Passionate about the navy? Toulon is the perfect destination for you! With its military/naval history and maritime heritage, you will love your stay in Toulon.
3rd largest city in France, Toulon is a hidden gem with one of the prettiest natural harbours and is located between Marseille and Saint-Tropez.
It combines a resort ambience with the feel of a real working town, as it is France’s main naval base and fishing centre among other industries.
Happily, wander the narrow car-free alleys of the old town while passing through shady little squares with charming cafés and fountains everywhere. Open wide your eyes and discover passageways and shortcuts between streets where you will find some enticing street arts on pastel-coloured walls.
Then, visit the “Opéra de Toulon », the 2nd largest opera house in France after the famous Palais Garnier in Paris. Note that you can enter it if you watch a performance.
Take things higher by reaching the impressive and most dominating landmark of the city - the Mont Faron. Once you have reached its 548-metre-high-summit, you will be amazed by the breath-taking views overlooking the five Mounts of Toulon, the sea as well as the coastline.
Envy to take a sunbath? Direction to the beach where you can enjoy a leisurely seaside strolls and spend time basking on its stunning beaches with warm sand and blue sea waters.
Navy lovers will walk along the natural harbour formed by the Giens peninsula where a massive naval base can be found among a busy commercial port with huge ferries, tour boats, yachts, fishing boats, etc. It is even possible to approach this naval base thanks to a boat tour.
If the harbour is not enough, visit the Maritime Museum. Its gateway is one of the few buildings that did not get destroyed during WWII, becoming a historic monument in its own right.
In the end, if you are searching for a rich Provencal heritage, maritime heritage and traditional markets, Toulon is the right place to be!