Discover Toulon differently

Published on July 30, 2024 at 4:00 pm

Toulon is not always on the itinerary of holidaymakers in the Var department.

Don't make this mistake!

The prefecture of the Var, wonderfully set at the end of its splendid harbour, hides a large number of interesting sites.

What's more, the town is now a cultural hotspot, and a breath of fresh air is making the third-largest city in the Provence Alpes Côte-d'Azur region even more attractive...

You'll see that Toulon has much more to offer than its image as a military port.

Port of Toulon from Mount Faron

Summary

Toulon, an exceptional natural setting!
Toulon, a city centre to discover
Where to stay close to Toulon city centre?

Toulon, an exceptional natural setting!

⛰️ Toulon lies at the foot of Mont Faron (584 metres above sea level), at the far end of its formidable harbour. The harbour is admirably protected by the Saint-Mandrier peninsula.

To enjoy the splendid view from this mythical mountain, take the famous cable car.

🌊 This will take you to the D-Day Landings Memorial (altitude 509 metres), where the Mediterranean Sea sparkles before your astonished eyes!

If you've got a hankering for the seaside, look no further than the Mourillon district!

🏖️ Here, beaches, bars and seaside restaurants follow one another.

💃 Evening entertainment is in full swing in this pleasant district, in the shade of the palm trees...

View of the port of Toulon from Mount Faron

Toulon, a city centre to discover

In addition to its status as a military port (visit the Musée National de La Marine, dedicated to the city's eventful history), Toulon is now putting the spotlight on its historic centre.

The town has undertaken to renovate the streets, squares and buildings in its old centre.

With this in mind, plan to explore the streets of old Toulon at a leisurely pace. Nowadays, shops, restaurants and hotels are springing up in the area.

For an aperitif at the end of the day, head for the Place de l'Équerre, a new meeting point for local young people**.

Finally, don't miss Toulon's famous colourful market. It takes place every morning on the famous Cours Lafayette.

A rendezvous for lovers of fresh regional produce, the market is open Tuesday to Sunday from 7.30am to 12.30pm.

Also in the city centre, the recently opened Halles Biltoki offers a range of food stalls. Climb up onto the rooftop for a pleasant break with a view!

Toulon Opera House in the city center

Where to stay close to Toulon city centre?

⭐ In the renovated Old Toulon district, the 4* Eautel Toulon Centre Port will surprise you!

🛌 Indeed, this 62-room hotel is admirably integrated near the Rue des Arts.

Note that all rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom, some also offer a terrace.

The largest room can accommodate up to 6 people.

🥐 In addition, every morning you can enjoy a continental breakfast. Room service on request.

🍴 In addition, you will find a restaurant where you can indulge for lunch or dinner.

🏊 To relax, take advantage of the small heated outdoor swimming pool!

🚗 Finally, you will benefit from private parking.

L'Eautel Toulon Centre Port

Located in Toulon, 1.9 km from Mitre Beach, L'Eautel Toulon Centre Port offers a restaurant, private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a bar.

From

£109

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Practical information

⏰ When should you visit Toulon and its famous harbour?

Toulon can be explored all year round.

Visitor numbers peak in summer, from late June to early September. At this time of year, the seawater temperature is optimal.

To combine good weather with a calmer atmosphere, opt for the months of May and September.

Otherwise, winter has its charms, so it's nice to enjoy the sunny days on the Côte d'Azur.

🚌 How do I get to Toulon?

🚘 Toulon is more than 840 kilometres from Paris. To reach Toulon from Marseille, allow 65 kilometres or around 1 hour's drive (without traffic jams) ...

The main access routes are the A57 and À 50 motorways.

🚈 If you choose to travel by train, the SNCF runs several services from Paris to Toulon station. There are several TGV trains from Paris Gare de Lyon station.

✈️ The largest town in the Var is also linked to the capital by air, thanks to Toulon Hyères airport.

🚐 To get around town, you can use the Mistral bus network.

Beach in the Mourillon district of Toulon

🚗 Where can you park to enjoy the riches of the Var prefecture, Toulon?

There are a number of pay-and-display underground car parks in Toulon city centre. And don't forget to pay your parking meter if you park in an above-ground space.

Parking in the Mourillon district is subject to a charge in summer.

The area is very busy in fine weather, so come early if you want to enjoy the beach at Mourillon.

by Faustine PEREZ

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