Some of the best things to do in Toulon

Toulon is situated on the south coast of France and kisses the Mediterranean Sea. The French seaside city has a little over 170,000 citizens. Toulon is considered a part of the French Riviera although it may not have the appeal of other locations on the coast such as Monaco or Nice.

Located just one hour from Marseille, Toulon welcomes fewer than 200,000 tourists annually. Anyone who wants to get away from other travelers and enjoy a French city like a local should choose Toulon as it offers magnificent beaches and sublime views that rival what you'll experience in Nice and Cannes but with the benefit of fewer crowds.

Toulon may not be the first city one thinks of when traveling to France, but it has a reasonable amount of tourist attractions to ensure an enjoyable Mediterranean vacation. Here are some of the best things to do in Toulon:

Some of the best things to do in Toulon

Mont Faron

Mont Faron is the most famous landmark in Toulon. Standing 1,916 feet tall, Mont Faron provides a beautiful backdrop to the city. The best way to reach the top of Mont Faron is by the Téléphérique du Faron cable car. Of course, travelers can walk up the mountain, but the cable car provides exceptional views of the Bay of Toulon and the surrounding area.

Mémorial du Débarquement

Mémorial du Débarquement is a World War II military museum/memorial at the top of Mont Faron. Opened in 1964, the Musée Mémorial du Débarquement has artifacts and exhibits from the events during the 1944 allied landing between Toulon and Cannes. In addition to reflecting on the D-Day landings the memorial commemorates, the location's elevation offers breathtaking views of Toulon, the cities around it, the Var coast, and the Mediterranean Sea. It is the perfect destination for anyone curious to learn more about D-Day or people with a family member who fought in World War II.

Circuit Paul Ricard

Circuit Paul Ricard was built in 1969 by eccentric businessman Paul Ricard. Famous for its iconic blue run-off areas known as the Blue Zone, the circuit, which is in Le Castellet, a 30-minute drive away from Toulon, hosted numerous Formula One pre-season tests and races in the 1980s. Local F1 hero Alain Prost won multiple French Grand Prix races here during that period. The Grand Prix moved to Magny-Cours during the 1990 season and didn't return until 2018. However, the French Grand Prix is no longer on the Formula 1 calendar.

Other events hosted here include motorcycle, GT, and endurance car races. Time your visit right, and you’ll be able to take advantage of driving experiences offered by different providers at the circuit. True enthusiasts also have the option to rent the track for an exhilarating track day.

AGS Formule 1

AGS (Automobiles Gonfaronnaises Sportives) Formule 1 ran a Formula 1 team from 1986 to 1991. Now, the company offers driving courses available to racing fans. Car and racing enthusiasts can participate in several driving courses and feel the power of real Formula One cars. AGS offers half-day and full-day driving courses, allowing attendees to select their preferred open-wheel racecar. The driving courses take place at either the Circuit Paul Ricard or the Circuit du Luc-en-Provence. Each location offers attendees an exciting driving course with one of the most in-depth driving experiences in the south of France.

Plages du Mourillon (Beaches of Mourillon)

Toulon’s Mediterranean Sea location makes it ideal for anyone who wants to get some sun and swim in the coastal waters. The Mourillon beaches are European Blue Flag beaches. The award is only given to the best beaches on the continent and is a sign of high quality. There are other beaches located down the shoreline that offer solitude for visitors. The little coves are surrounded by pine trees and give a quiet, isolated feeling to visitors.

Toulon Old Town

Toulon’s Old Town is awash with beautiful southern France architecture and charm. Visitors will find narrow cobblestone streets and tiny alleyways in the Old Town. They are fantastic to explore, and visitors will find a wealth of cafes, restaurants, and shops to stop off. The city’s tiny artisan shops can be found in the Old Town and tourists can buy French-made products to take back home.

Toulon Port

Travelers can see million-dollar yachts cruise in and out of Toulon Port each day. The busy port has a promenade with shops and restaurants lining it. Toulon is famous for being one of the two main French naval ports. The Porte de l’Arsenal is a historic military location. It is home to workshops and military ships. Tourists can embark on ferry tours from Toulon Port and visit some of France’s most beautiful Mediterranean islands.

Sentier des Douaniers

Explore the stunning views of the Mediterranean coastline on this coastal trail. Also known as the Customs Officers' Path, the 11 km trail runs through several picturesque locations as it hugs France's southern coast. Stop by the beaches and hidden coves along the route and take some time to appreciate the stunning scenery surrounding you.

Cours Lafayette Market

Enjoy the hallmarks of French cuisine in a vibrant open-air market in Toulon. Whether you are interested in purchasing fresh produce to create iconic French recipes yourself or fancy sampling pre-prepared meals, this market has you covered. Indulge in delicious local food and wine, and maybe even purchase souvenirs for your friends.

Place De La Liberte

Enjoy a quieter place in the heart of Toulouse by spending time in the Place de la Liberte Square, with its surrounding historic buildings to explore and a beautifully sculpted fountain at its heart. They say the best things in life are free, and it's hard to disagree when sitting on one of the benches dotted around the square while you take in the unique charm of Toulon.

Toulon is an idyllic southern France holiday spot. The city is full of great history and unique tourist attractions. It is also home to the French Grand Prix and offers car enthusiasts plenty of excitement.

Weather

Cuisine

Local Favorite: Tapenade

Tapenade was invented by Chef Meynier in 1880 at the La Maison Doree Restaurant in southern France. Since its invention, tapenade has become synonymous with the southern region of the country. Traditional tapenade is made by crushing capers and black olives. The crushed mixture is combined with anchovies and tuna before spices, pepper, and olive oil are added. Tapenade can be spread onto bread and enjoyed with a glass of wine, or as a side to a meal. It is also consumed by dipping vegetables or bread into it. Tapenade's ingredients are considered incredibly healthy resulting in the spread being labeled a so-called "superfood".