Things To Do
in Toulon
Toulon is a working Mediterranean port city on France’s Côte d’Azur with a strong naval presence, lively markets and a compact historic center. It combines sun-drenched beaches and promenades with steep, green hills—most notably Mont Faron—overlooking the harbor. The city has a relaxed Provençal character, excellent seafood, and frequent cultural events, yet remains less glitzy and more affordable than nearby Nice or Cannes.
Toulon is a practical base for exploring the Hyères islands, coastal drives and inland Provençal villages.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café in the heart of Toulon, where you can enjoy fresh croissants and coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the historic center, marveling at the stunning architecture and vibrant market at Cours Lafayette. Don’t forget to stop by the beautiful Place de la Liberté, the perfect spot for people-watching and soaking in the local atmosphere.
In the afternoon, visit the Toulon Cathedral, a majestic structure with a fascinating history and stunning interior. Afterward, explore the Musée des Arts Asiatiques, which houses an impressive collection of Asian art and artifacts. Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to the local artisanal shops, where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront and enjoy a leisurely dinner at a seaside restaurant, sampling fresh seafood dishes that the region is renowned for. After dinner, take a sunset stroll along the harbor, enjoying the beautiful views of the boats and the setting sun. End your evening with a glass of local wine at a cozy wine bar, where you can unwind and reflect on your day.
Begin your day at the stunning Plages du Mourillon, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the soft sands. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the beautiful coastline and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Spend the morning swimming and relaxing on the beach, taking in the vibrant atmosphere around you.
In the afternoon, enjoy a light lunch at one of the beachside cafés offering delicious Mediterranean dishes. Afterward, participate in water sports such as jet skiing or windsurfing, ensuring an adrenaline-packed afternoon on the water. Take some time to relax under the sun, sipping on a refreshing drink while listening to the waves.
As evening approaches, find a spot on the beach to watch the breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean. For dinner, indulge in a beachside barbecue or visit a local restaurant specializing in Provençal cuisine. End your day with a leisurely walk along the promenade, where you can enjoy live music and the vibrant nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Cappuccino / Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $4-6 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $10-20 |
| 🚌Single public transport ticket | $1.50-2.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Provençal city with strong local character and markets
- Close access to beautiful islands (Porquerolles, Port-Cros) and coastal hikes
- Less touristy and generally more affordable than other Côte d’Azur destinations
- Busy summer traffic and limited parking in the old center
- Some neighborhoods near the naval base are industrial and less scenic
- Fewer nightlife and luxury options than larger nearby resort cities
- "Bonjour / Bonsoir" - Hello / Good evening
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Où est ... ?" - Where is ...?
- "L’addition, s'il vous plaît" - The check, please
- "Je suis allergique à ..." - I am allergic to ...
Places to Visit in Toulon
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over Toulon, the harbor and the bay—sunrise and sunset are spectacular; the cable car offers elevated vantage points and photo opportunities along trails.
Picturesque boats, colorful façades, and lively quays—ideal for golden-hour shots and street photography.
Sandy beaches with turquoise water and paths lined with pine trees; great for seaside landscapes and relaxed coastal scenes.
Historic squares and pedestrian streets with classic architecture, cafés and market stalls—good for candid city scenes.
Historic fortifications and naval ships provide dramatic maritime subjects—respect restricted areas and photograph from public viewpoints.
Food in Toulon
Toulon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Provençal fish stew variation available in many harbor restaurants—ask about local fish and the traditional rouille. Best at long-established seafood bistros on the port.
Must-Try!
A regional specialty of stuffed sheep’s tripe and trotters cooked in tomato and white wine—served in traditional restaurants and a good choice to try local culinary traditions.
A Niçoise/Provençal onion tart topped with anchovies and olives; often found at bakeries and markets as a savory snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Toulon’s main outdoor market with stalls selling fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie and ready-to-eat Provençal specialties—great for breakfasts or assembling a picnic.
Smaller market atmosphere with local vendors, flowers and prepared foods—ideal for sampling regional olives, tapenades and pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter—say “Bonjour” on entering shops and “Bonsoir” in the evening. Use a friendly tone and address people as “Monsieur/Madame” when appropriate.
Smart-casual dress is normal for restaurants and cafés; beachwear is for the shore—cover up when visiting churches or municipal buildings.
Attempting a few words of French is appreciated; even simple phrases like “Bonjour” and “Merci” set a positive tone.
Respect queues and personal space; being patient and polite goes a long way in interactions with service staff.
Safety
Tipping in Toulon
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is usually included in restaurant bills (“service compris”), but it’s common to leave small change or round up for good service (5–10%). Tip taxi drivers and porters a few euros for helpful service.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common. Carry some euros in cash for small markets, buses or remote areas; ATMs are plentiful.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, sunny and busy—beaches and ferries to the islands are lively; book accommodation and boat trips in advance. Expect higher prices and traffic, and pack sun protection.
Lovely mild weather and blooming landscapes—ideal for hiking, cycling and visiting markets with fewer crowds than summer.
Warm sea and comfortable days early in the season, with increased rain and storms later; autumn is good for quieter sightseeing and local festivals.
Mild winters compared with northern Europe—cooler evenings and occasional storms; city life continues and off-season rates make it budget-friendly.
Toulon at Night
Hiking in Toulon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Multiple trails ranging from easy walks to steeper hikes with viewpoints over Toulon, memorials and picnic areas; accessible by cable car as an option.
Coastal headland near Six-Fours-les-Plages with cliff-top paths, Mediterranean scrub, sea views and opportunities for birdwatching and photography.
Stretching along the coast near Toulon and the Hyères peninsula, this route offers scenic seaside walking, rocky coves and swimming spots.
A bit farther inland, this range offers forested trails, dramatic ridges and cooler microclimates—good for escaping coastal heat in summer.
Airports
How to reach Toulon by plane.
Closest airport (Hyères) with domestic and seasonal international flights; reachable by bus or 20–30 minute drive from Toulon.
Major international airport about 60–80 km away (roughly 60–90 minutes by car or shuttle); regular trains and buses connect Marseille and Toulon.
Larger international hub about 150–180 km east; accessible by train or car for combined Côte d’Azur itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Toulon hosts France’s major naval base, so a significant portion of the local population is connected to the navy and maritime industries.
The city has universities and technical schools, bringing a youthful student population and related cultural activities.
The mild climate attracts retirees from across France and Europe, contributing to a steady, local community feel.
A modest expat community and many seasonal visitors arrive in summer for beaches and island trips.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby is extremely popular—RC Toulon is a high-profile club with a passionate local following and regular matches at Stade Mayol.
Given the naval and maritime culture, sailing, yachting, kayaking and diving are widely practiced and available to visitors.
This traditional Provençal boules game is commonly played in squares and parks—join a casual game or watch locals play.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toulon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly available—look for mezze-style starters, salads, vegetable gratins and market stalls offering tartes and pissaladière. Many bistros can adapt dishes if asked.
Vegan-specific options are fewer but growing; health-food shops and some modern cafés in the city center offer vegan choices. Carry basic snacks if visiting smaller towns or islands.
Awareness of gluten-free diets is rising; bakeries sometimes offer GF items and many restaurants can adapt dishes—always inform staff with “Je suis intolérant(e) au gluten” or check ingredients at markets.