This port city is located in the southern most part of France. With small boats and beautiful yachts, this city is tagged as one of the prettiest natural harbors in France. Due to its location, this place has been the major naval center of France’s Mediterranean coast but little do we know, this place has a lot of places and activities to choose from. Being that it has been a naval center for more than 500 years, expect that most of the things you will see in this place are marine and nautical themed. But that’s not a problem, right?
Toulon may not be a major tourist destination like other cities in France, but what sets it apart is that it has unique attractions that will make you feel lucky to experience them. To help you with that, we have listed some of the many things you can do in this naval city of Toulon, France. Let’s check it out!
1. Visit the National Museum of the Marine, Toulon
This city has a number of museums. One of these is this national museum, which is also known as The Museum of the French Navy. This museum was founded in 1814 during the ruling of Emperor Napoleon. The building’s location is conveniently next to the clock tower, which survived Allied bombardments during World War II. The museum exhibits the history of Toulon, specifically its role as the port of the French Navy.
Be amazed as you see models of aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle and an 18th-century ship that teaches seamanship. This place is best when you are traveling with the family, because all of the members will get to enjoy what this museum offers. What a learning way to start your vacation, right?
National Museum of the Marine, Toulon
Address: Place Monsenergue - Quai de Norfolk, 83000 Toulon, France
Website: National Museum of the Marine
2. Visit Hôtel des Arts
This museum is where well-known contemporary artists showcase their exhibits. Annually, Hôtel des Arts houses four to five exhibits which feature different paintings, sculptures, photography, video art and installations. This place’s agenda is to raise awareness of different works of arts to the public viewers. The best part? Entrance is free! Time to release your artistic side!
Hôtel des Arts
Address: 236 Boulevard Général Leclerc, 83000 Toulon, France
Website: Hôtel des Arts (in French)
3. See the Museum of Art (Musée d'art)
This is where you can see paintings from the 17th-century to the beginning of the 20th-century. It shows both contemporary as well as modern styles of art. With a wide variety of different works of art, your eyes will surely be fascinated and satisfied.
Museum of Art
Address: 113 Boulevard Général Leclerc, 83000 Toulon, France
Website: Museum of Art
4. Reach the top of Mont Faron
Want to see the beauty of the whole city? This mountain can be reached with two options. The first is by a cable car and second is through a steep and narrow road. It is said that the road to this mountain is one of the most challenging stages in the yearly Paris-Nice and Tour Mediterranean bicycles race. Feel like an athlete while ascending from the west side and while descending on the east side. Now, which could be more exciting?
Mont Faron
Address: Mont Faron, 83200 Toulon, France
Website: Mont Faron Cable Car
5. Visit Toulon Cathedral
In every country you visit, it is best not to forget to drop by their famous cathedral or even a chapel to give thanks. Besides, it’s free and you get to have a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The cathedral in Toulon, also known as Sainte-Marie-Majeure, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and a national monument that begun in the 11th-century, which makes it a very historic place too. Definitely a must-visit!
Toulon Cathedral
Address: 55 Place de la Cathédrale, 83000 Toulon, France
Facebook: Toulon Cathedral
6. Swim at Le Mourillon
This is where the most popular beaches in Toulon are located. These beaches are perfect if you are traveling with the whole family due to its extensive family and disabled facilities. Major summer events and activities are held on the beach due to its convenient location. Your kids will also enjoy water sports while having fun in the sun! Time to treat them, hey?
Le Mourillon
Address: Plage du Mourillon, 83000 Toulon, France
Website: Le Mourillon
7. Shop at the Old Town
The historic centre of Toulon is where a lot of fountains reside, such as Fontaine du Dauphin, Fontaine des Trois Dauphins, Fontaine de l'Intendance, and the Fontaine-Lavoir de Saint-Vincent. The Toulon Cathedral is also located here. Aside from that, you can also score local products in their market, which happens every morning on the Cours Lafayette (a traffic lane).
Old Town of Toulon
Website: Old Town of Toulon
8. Visit Vauban's fortifications
Last but definitely not the least, here you can visit Porte d'Italie, one of the old city gates. It is a group of 12 fortified buildings and sites on the borderline of France, representing the finest works of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban during the 17th-century. This was also featured on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008. Napoleon Bonaparte himself departed from this gate in 1796 on his triumphant Italian campaign which makes it more historical. A good place to visit if you are a history buff!
Porte d'Italie
Website: Porte d'Italie
Be fascinated by the city
This city is known for a lot of museums and attractions that play a big role in the history. With its beautiful sites, you will surely enjoy your visit to this place where all you would do is explore and discover. What a great feeling to have been able to travel and still learn a lot of things on the history, not only of Toulon but the whole of France. Most importantly, attractions in the city are relaxed and not too exhausting. It’s the best place to go to if you want to skip the hustle and bustle of the other cities. Enjoy visiting the fascinating city of Toulon, France!
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