The Forts of Toulon

Between sea and mountains, the port of Toulon, strongly marked by its maritime vocation and the presence of the French navy, thrives in the heart of a superb harbor. Both dynamic and nonchalant, the city where the famous actor Raimu was born also boasts a wealth of entertainment venues, including the Opéra, Château Vallon and the Zenith.

The city loses its urban character as it stretches along the coast. Cap Brun, Mourillon, Saint-Mandrier and La Seyne are just some of the pleasant sites to discover in the heart of Toulon’s harbor.

What to see

The port: the Quai Cronstadt, bordering the Darse Vieille and separated from the old town by the Avenue de la République, offers sunny terraces for strollers. On the cane of the port, the Mairie d’Honneur (Honorary Town Hall) boasts a beautiful facade decorated with atlantes sculpted by Pierre Puget and the statue of “Cuverville”.

The Cours Lafayette market: not to be missed! A permanent spectacle, the Toulon market has become a veritable institution. The best of Provencal cuisine come together here. Colors, flavours and smells mingle with the sounds and rumours in unison. Fruit and vegetable stalls, local produce and flowers punctuate this special moment.

La Vieille-Ville: Once known as the city of fountains, Toulon has preserved an ancient heart that comes alive all year round around its squares and alleyways. There are a number of circuits to help you discover the treasures of this deeply Provencal city. The Cathedral: the origins of this religious edifice go back to the 5th century, when a church was erected on its site. It became a Romanesque cathedral in the 11th century and was enlarged and remodeled in the 17th century, the result of an astonishing blend of styles. Its three naves are adorned with paintings, sculptures and bas-reliefs by artists such as Puget and Mignard.

Mont-Faron: A favorite mountain of Toulon’s inhabitants, the immense limestone massif of Mont-Faron dominates the city at 584 m altitude. It remains one of the most beautiful excursions in Toulon’s immediate vicinity. Its cable car ascent, unique on the Mediterranean coast, offers a series of sublime panoramas. Its forests of Aleppo pines and oaks and its well-maintained footpaths make it a pleasant place to stroll. Mourillon and Cap Brun: Lined with cafés, restaurants, playgrounds, water sports centers and gardens, the beaches of Mourillon offer every holiday pleasure. The “sentier des douaniers” (customs path) runs along the coast from the Mourillon beaches to Anse Magaud via Cap Brun, revealing a treasure trove of beauty.

Félix Mayol

The father of countless cheerful refrains, including the famous “Viens poupoule”, this sympathetic melodist bequeathed one of the temples of rugby to the city of Toulon in 1920: the Stade Mayol.

Toulon’s forts

Described today as an impregnable city, Toulon’s harbor has been surrounded since the 16th century by a defense system designed to protect its maritime and then land accesses.

A total of 24 forts, towers and batteries were built in three zones: the harbor, the “petite ceinture” and the “grande ceinture”. An integral part of Toulon’s heritage, these defensive works are great places to discover the city and its harbor. Offering unobstructed views of the sea, they have sometimes been transformed into museums or, accessed by hiking trails, into walking sites.

D-Day Memorial

Mont Faron dominates Toulon, and it was in a 19th-century musketry fort, the Tour Beaumont, that General De Gaulle inaugurated the first memorial in 1964. Work has been underway since 2014, and the new memorial will open in early 2017, giving greater prominence to those involved in the landings, their personal itineraries, the battles of the Liberation of Provence and the history of the site.

Places to visit

The Tour Royale, Fort Saint-Louis, Tour Beaumont, Fort Balaguier at La Seyne-sur-Mer and many other places to discover.

Find out more on the Toulon Tourist Office website: www.toulontourisme.com