Often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbours on the French Riviera, Toulon is one of southern France’s most rewarding cities to explore. As the country’s principal Mediterranean naval base, it combines centuries of maritime history with lively markets, elegant squares, sandy beaches and spectacular mountain scenery. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours before boarding a ferry, arriving on a cruise, or spending several days exploring the Var region, you’ll find plenty to fill your itinerary.

Unlike destinations that feel designed purely for tourists, Toulon remains an authentic French city. Wander through narrow streets lined with cafés, browse bustling produce markets, admire impressive naval vessels in the harbour and finish your day watching the sun set over the Mediterranean. Many attractions are within walking distance of one another, making it easy to explore without constantly relying on public transport.

This guide highlights the very best things to do in Toulon, including the city’s leading attractions, scenic viewpoints, museums and relaxing waterfront walks, alongside experiences that can be booked in advance to make planning your visit even easier.

Attraction	Time Needed	Admission	Best For
Vieille Ville (Old Town)	1-2 hours	Free to wander	Squares, cafés, architecture
Téléphérique du Mont Faron	Half a day, with museum & trails	Cable car ticket required	Panoramic views, walking trails
National Maritime Museum	1-2 hours	Museum ticket required	Naval & maritime history
Cours Lafayette Market	About 1 hour, best in the morning	Free to browse	Local produce, souvenirs, atmosphere
Little Tourist Train	45 minutes	Ticketed (book ahead in summer)	Families, cruise passengers, first-time visitors
Mourillon Beaches	Half a day	Free, public beaches	Swimming, families, sunset walks
Fort Saint-Louis	30-45 minutes (viewpoint)	Free to view from outside	History, photography, coastal views
Royal Tower (Tour Royale)	About 1 hour	Ticketed	Views, military history

Wander Through Toulon’s Historic Old Town

The Vieille Ville, or Old Town, is the beating heart of Toulon and one of the city’s most enjoyable places to explore on foot. Behind the busy waterfront lies a maze of colourful streets, hidden squares, historic fountains and traditional Provençal buildings, many dating back hundreds of years.

Rather than following a fixed route, allow yourself time to simply wander. Every few minutes you’ll come across another attractive square where locals gather for coffee beneath the shade of plane trees, or discover independent shops selling everything from handmade soaps and local wines to artisan chocolates and regional delicacies.

One of the highlights is Place Puget, centred around its beautiful seventeenth-century fountain and surrounded by cafés whose terraces spill into the square. Nearby, Place Victor Hugo and Place Camille Ledeau provide equally pleasant places to stop and watch daily life unfold.

As you explore, you’ll notice elegant Baroque architecture, colourful shutters and ornate churches sitting alongside lively restaurants and wine bars. The Old Town feels particularly atmospheric during the morning, when local bakeries fill the streets with the smell of fresh bread and pastries, while the evening brings a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere as diners fill outdoor terraces.

Although much of Toulon suffered bombing during the Second World War, significant parts of the historic centre survived or have been carefully restored, allowing visitors to experience one of the most characterful old quarters on the southern French coast.

Ride the Téléphérique to Mont Faron

If there’s one attraction that almost every visitor should experience, it’s the spectacular Téléphérique du Mont Faron. The cable car climbs steeply above the city, carrying passengers from the outskirts of Toulon to the summit of Mont Faron, which rises almost 600 metres above sea level.

The journey itself lasts only a few minutes, but the views begin almost immediately. As the cabins climb the mountainside, you’ll enjoy increasingly impressive panoramas across Toulon Harbour, the surrounding mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean stretching towards the horizon.

At the summit you’ll find numerous walking trails, scenic viewpoints and picnic areas, making it easy to spend several hours exploring. Information boards explain the geography of the surrounding coastline, while viewing platforms offer some of the finest photography opportunities anywhere in Provence.

The mountain is also home to the Memorial Museum of the Allied Landings in Provence, which tells the story of Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of southern France during the Second World War. History enthusiasts often combine the museum with a leisurely walk around the summit before descending back into the city.

On clear days you can see for many kilometres along the coast, making Mont Faron one of the most memorable viewpoints in southern France. Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon usually provides the clearest light and shorter queues for the cable car.

Explore the National Maritime Museum

Given Toulon’s importance as the home of the French Mediterranean Fleet, it’s no surprise that one of its finest attractions is the National Maritime Museum. Located close to the harbour, the museum offers an excellent introduction to the city’s long relationship with the sea and the French Navy.

Inside, you’ll discover beautifully crafted historic ship models, navigational instruments, paintings, maps, naval uniforms and fascinating artefacts that chart centuries of French maritime history. Many of the exhibits explain how Toulon developed into one of Europe’s most important naval bases and the strategic role it continues to play today.

The museum successfully balances military history with stories of exploration, shipbuilding and daily life aboard naval vessels. Interactive displays and detailed models help bring complex subjects to life, making the museum engaging even for visitors with little previous knowledge of maritime history.

Allow one to two hours for your visit if you’d like to explore the galleries properly. Afterwards, step outside and stroll along the nearby waterfront where modern naval ships can often be seen in the harbour, providing a fascinating contrast between the historic collections inside the museum and the working naval base beyond.

Browse the Colourful Cours Lafayette Market

No visit to Toulon is complete without spending time at the famous Cours Lafayette Market, one of the largest and liveliest open-air markets in Provence. Running through the heart of the city, this bustling market has been part of daily life for generations and offers visitors an authentic taste of southern France.

From early morning, colourful stalls fill the avenue with displays of fresh fruit, seasonal vegetables, local cheeses, olives, charcuterie, freshly baked bread, fragrant herbs and flowers. Regional specialities such as tapenade, lavender products, Provençal soaps and locally produced honey make excellent souvenirs to take home.

The market isn’t just about shopping. It’s also one of the best places to experience the atmosphere of Toulon as locals browse for ingredients, chat with stallholders and stop for coffee at one of the many cafés lining the avenue. The sounds, colours and aromas create an experience that’s every bit as memorable as the products themselves.

Arriving early in the morning gives you the widest choice of produce and the chance to explore before the busiest crowds arrive. Whether you’re buying supplies for a picnic or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, Cours Lafayette is one of Toulon’s true highlights.

Discover the City on the Little Tourist Train

If you’re short on time or simply want an excellent introduction to Toulon, the Little Tourist Train is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore the city. This 45-minute guided tour takes visitors through many of Toulon’s best-known districts without the need for extensive walking, making it especially popular with families, cruise passengers and first-time visitors.

Departing close to the waterfront, the train travels past the bustling Old Port, through the historic centre and alongside parts of the impressive French naval base before continuing towards the attractive Mourillon district. Along the route you’ll enjoy constantly changing views of historic buildings, palm-lined promenades and the sparkling Mediterranean.

The tour includes multilingual audio commentary, with English among the available languages, explaining the city’s naval heritage, architecture and major landmarks as you travel. It’s an excellent way to understand Toulon’s history while also helping you decide which attractions you’d like to return to later on foot.

Because the route combines history, harbour views, beaches and city landmarks, it’s particularly useful at the beginning of your visit. Tickets are reasonably priced, and during the summer months it’s advisable to book in advance, as departures often fill quickly.

For anyone looking for a relaxed sightseeing experience with plenty of photo opportunities, the Little Tourist Train offers excellent value and is one of the city’s most enjoyable activities.

Relax on the Beautiful Mourillon Beaches

Many first-time visitors are surprised to discover that Toulon has some of the best urban beaches in southern France. Just east of the city centre, the Mourillon Beaches consist of several sheltered sandy bays connected by an attractive seafront promenade that’s popular with both locals and visitors throughout the year.

The beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing and family days out, with calm, shallow water making them particularly suitable for children. During the summer months lifeguards supervise many sections of the beach, while nearby cafés, restaurants and ice cream kiosks make it easy to spend an entire afternoon by the sea.

Behind the beaches, landscaped gardens, playgrounds and wide walking paths provide plenty of space for those who simply want to enjoy the Mediterranean scenery without heading into the water. The promenade is especially popular during the evening, when locals gather to walk, cycle or watch the sunset over the bay.

Unlike some of the exclusive beach clubs found elsewhere on the French Riviera, the Mourillon Beaches remain welcoming, relaxed and largely free to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to cool off after sightseeing or simply unwind beside the Mediterranean, they’re one of Toulon’s greatest assets.

Visit the Historic Fort Saint-Louis

Standing proudly at the western end of the Mourillon seafront, Fort Saint-Louis has guarded the entrance to Toulon’s harbour since the late seventeenth century. Constructed during the reign of Louis XIV, the fortress formed part of a wider network of coastal defences designed to protect one of France’s most strategically important naval ports.

Although the fort isn’t always open to the public, it’s still well worth visiting for its impressive architecture and beautiful setting overlooking the Mediterranean. The surrounding promenade provides excellent views of the fort’s stone walls, defensive towers and the entrance to the harbour, while information panels explain its fascinating history.

The area around Fort Saint-Louis is also one of the most scenic parts of Toulon. Palm trees line the waterfront, sailing boats drift across the bay and the beaches of Mourillon stretch away towards the east. It’s a wonderful place to pause for photographs or simply enjoy the sea breeze after exploring the city centre.

Combining a visit to Fort Saint-Louis with the Mourillon Beaches and a stroll along the seafront creates one of the most enjoyable walks in Toulon, offering a perfect blend of history, coastal scenery and Mediterranean atmosphere.

Walk Around Toulon’s Marina and Harbour

One of the best ways to experience Toulon is by taking a leisurely walk around its lively marina and harbour. As one of the largest natural harbours in Europe, this waterfront has shaped the city’s identity for centuries and continues to play a vital role as both a working naval base and a popular destination for leisure boating.

The marina is filled with luxury yachts, traditional sailing boats and fishing vessels, while beyond them you’ll often catch sight of impressive French Navy ships entering and leaving the military harbour. It’s a fascinating contrast that makes Toulon’s waterfront unlike almost anywhere else on the French Mediterranean coast.

Wide promenades make the harbour easy to explore on foot, with numerous cafés and restaurants offering outdoor terraces overlooking the water. It’s the perfect place to stop for a coffee, enjoy an ice cream or simply sit and watch the constant movement of boats against the backdrop of Mont Faron.

The harbour is particularly beautiful in the evening, when the setting sun casts a golden glow across the water and the lights from the marina begin reflecting across the bay. Whether you’re interested in photography, maritime history or simply soaking up the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere, a walk around the harbour is one of the highlights of any visit to Toulon.

Step Inside the Royal Tower

Standing proudly at the entrance to the harbour, the impressive Royal Tower (Tour Royale) is one of Toulon’s oldest and most recognisable landmarks. Built during the early sixteenth century on the orders of King Louis XII, the fortress was designed to defend the harbour against naval attacks and has watched over the city for more than 500 years.

Today visitors can explore the impressive stone fortifications, walk around the ramparts and enjoy spectacular views across Toulon Harbour, the Mediterranean and the surrounding coastline. The elevated position makes it one of the city’s finest viewpoints and a favourite location for photographers.

Inside the fortress you’ll discover exhibitions explaining the tower’s military history, while the thick defensive walls and impressive cannon positions provide a fascinating insight into how coastal fortifications once protected one of France’s most important naval ports.

Surrounded by attractive parkland and overlooking the sea, the Royal Tower is also a peaceful place to escape the bustle of the city centre. Combining history, architecture and panoramic scenery, it’s one of Toulon’s most rewarding attractions.

Visit Toulon Cathedral

Located in the heart of the Old Town, Toulon Cathedral, officially known as the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds, has stood at the centre of religious life in the city for centuries. Construction began during the eleventh century, although the building was expanded and altered over several hundred years, resulting in a fascinating blend of architectural styles.

The cathedral’s rather plain exterior gives little indication of the treasures inside. Step through the doors and you’ll discover elegant stone columns, beautiful chapels, religious artwork, impressive stained-glass windows and an atmosphere of calm that’s a welcome contrast to the busy streets outside.

The cathedral has witnessed many of Toulon’s defining moments, surviving wars, political upheaval and centuries of change while continuing to serve the local community. Information panels help visitors understand the building’s long history and the role it has played in the development of the city.

Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious buildings, the cathedral is worth visiting for its architecture, history and peaceful atmosphere. It’s also conveniently located within easy walking distance of Cours Lafayette, the Old Town and the harbour, making it simple to include in any sightseeing itinerary.

Explore the Musée d’Art de Toulon

Art lovers shouldn’t miss the excellent Musée d’Art de Toulon, one of the city’s cultural highlights. Housed in an elegant nineteenth-century building, the museum showcases an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and contemporary works spanning several centuries.

The galleries feature pieces by well-known French artists alongside works from regional painters inspired by the light, landscapes and coastline of Provence. Exhibitions regularly change throughout the year, ensuring there’s often something new to discover even for returning visitors.

One of the museum’s strengths is its manageable size. Unlike some of France’s larger galleries, it’s easy to explore the collection in one to two hours, making it an ideal stop between exploring the Old Town and relaxing on the waterfront.

The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, cultural events and educational programmes, helping it remain an important part of Toulon’s artistic life. For visitors wanting to balance history, maritime heritage and fine art, the Musée d’Art de Toulon provides an enjoyable and enriching addition to any itinerary.

Enjoy Toulon’s Waterfront Restaurants and Cafés

One of the simplest pleasures in Toulon is sitting beside the harbour and enjoying the city’s excellent food scene. Thanks to its location on the Mediterranean, local restaurants specialise in fresh seafood, while the surrounding Provence region supplies outstanding vegetables, herbs, olive oil and wines that appear on menus throughout the city.

Around the marina you’ll find everything from relaxed cafés serving coffee and pastries to elegant restaurants overlooking the yachts. Freshly caught sea bass, red mullet, mussels, oysters, octopus and prawns are regular menu favourites, while regional classics such as bouillabaisse, ratatouille, pissaladière and tapenade offer an authentic taste of southern France.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, head into the Old Town, where narrow streets hide charming bistros beneath historic buildings. Many family-run restaurants specialise in traditional Provençal recipes and offer excellent value away from the busiest waterfront terraces.

The harbour becomes particularly atmospheric in the evening. As the sun sets behind the surrounding hills and the marina lights begin reflecting across the water, the waterfront transforms into one of the most enjoyable places in the city to relax over dinner. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely lunch, seafood overlooking the Mediterranean or simply a glass of local rosé, dining by the harbour is an experience not to miss.

Watch the French Navy in Action

As the home of the French Mediterranean Fleet, Toulon offers something few other cities in Europe can match. Throughout the day it’s common to see French Navy frigates, amphibious assault ships, submarines and support vessels entering or leaving the harbour, making the waterfront a fascinating place for anyone interested in ships or military history.

Although the naval base itself is a secure military installation and cannot be entered without permission, many areas of the harbour provide excellent views of the vessels. Watching these impressive ships manoeuvre through one of Europe’s largest natural harbours offers a unique glimpse into the daily operation of one of France’s most important naval facilities.

Keep an eye out for helicopters operating above the harbour and naval escort vessels accompanying larger warships. Depending on operational requirements, you may even see aircraft carriers or visiting naval vessels from allied nations alongside the quays.

Several information panels around the waterfront explain the importance of Toulon’s naval history, while the nearby National Maritime Museum provides valuable background before returning outside to see the modern fleet for yourself.

For anyone with an interest in maritime history, photography or simply seeing something a little different from the usual tourist attractions, watching the French Navy at work is a memorable part of any visit to Toulon.

Shop Along Rue d’Alger and the City Centre

If you enjoy shopping, make time to explore Rue d’Alger and the surrounding pedestrian streets in the centre of Toulon. This lively district combines well-known French retailers with independent boutiques, bakeries, delicatessens and specialist shops, creating one of the city’s busiest commercial areas.

Fashion stores sit alongside artisan chocolatiers, perfumeries, bookshops and gift shops, while numerous cafés provide ideal places to pause between browsing. It’s also an excellent area to pick up Provençal souvenirs, including lavender products, olive oil, handmade soaps and locally produced wines.

Unlike the luxury shopping streets found in Cannes or Saint-Tropez, Toulon’s shopping district has a far more local feel, making it enjoyable even if you’re simply window shopping. The surrounding pedestrian streets are attractive, easy to navigate and full of everyday life, giving visitors another perspective on the city beyond its famous harbour.

The shopping area is conveniently located between the Old Town, Cours Lafayette Market and the waterfront, making it easy to include while exploring the city on foot.

Experience the Best of Toulon

What makes Toulon such a rewarding destination is the sheer variety of experiences packed into a relatively compact city. Within a single day you can ride a cable car to panoramic mountain viewpoints, wander through centuries-old streets, browse one of Provence’s best markets, relax on sandy beaches, admire modern warships and enjoy excellent Mediterranean cuisine beside the harbour.

Unlike some destinations along the French Riviera, Toulon has never lost its authenticity. It’s a city where tourists and locals naturally mix, where bustling markets continue to serve residents every morning, and where the working harbour remains just as important as the historic attractions.

Whether you’re stopping before boarding a ferry, exploring the Var region or simply looking for a less crowded alternative to some of the Riviera’s better-known resorts, Toulon offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, maritime heritage and Mediterranean charm that deserves far more attention than it often receives. It’s a city that rewards visitors who take the time to look beyond first impressions, and one that’s well worth adding to any itinerary through southern France.

Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips

Here’s how to make the most of a visit to Toulon, whether you have a few hours or a few days.

Time the cable car right: Ride the Téléphérique du Mont Faron early in the morning or later in the afternoon for the clearest views and shorter queues.
Shop the market early: Arrive at Cours Lafayette Market first thing to get the best choice of produce before the crowds build up.
Wear comfortable shoes: Most of Toulon’s main sights, from the Old Town to the harbour and Cours Lafayette, are within easy walking distance of one another.
Book the tourist train ahead in summer: The Little Tourist Train is a great low-effort introduction to the city, but seats can sell out on busy days.
Bring beach kit if you’re staying a while: The Mourillon Beaches are free, sandy and family-friendly, so it’s worth packing swimwear even for a short stopover.

Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best thing to do in Toulon?
For many visitors, the highlight is riding the Téléphérique du Mont Faron, which offers spectacular panoramic views across Toulon, the Mediterranean and the surrounding coastline.

Is Toulon worth visiting?
Absolutely. Toulon combines a fascinating naval heritage, an attractive Old Town, lively Provençal markets, beautiful beaches, excellent museums and one of the finest natural harbours in Europe.

How many days do you need in Toulon?
A full day is enough to experience the city’s main attractions, but two or three days allows you to explore at a more relaxed pace, enjoy the beaches and discover more of the surrounding coastline.

Can you walk around Toulon?
Yes. Most of Toulon’s major attractions, including the Old Town, Cours Lafayette Market, harbour, National Maritime Museum and shopping streets are within comfortable walking distance of one another.

What is Toulon famous for?
Toulon is best known as the home of the French Mediterranean Fleet, its impressive natural harbour, the Mont Faron cable car, bustling Provençal markets and its location on the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

Are the Mourillon Beaches free?
Yes. The Mourillon Beaches are public beaches with free access, making them an excellent place to swim, relax or enjoy a walk along the seafront.

Is the Mont Faron cable car worth it?
Definitely. The Téléphérique du Mont Faron is widely regarded as Toulon’s top attraction thanks to its spectacular views, walking trails and the Memorial Museum of the Allied Landings in Provence at the summit.

When is the best time to visit Toulon?
Late spring and early autumn offer warm temperatures, fewer crowds and comfortable sightseeing weather, while summer is ideal for combining the city’s attractions with time on the beaches.

Last Updated

August 2026

We regularly review this guide to ensure opening times, ticket prices, attraction information and travel advice remain accurate and up to date. As museums, cable cars and seasonal attractions can occasionally change their operating hours, we recommend checking the latest information before travelling.

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Tagged:Europe - Western France French Riviera & Provence Toulon

Rupert

Globetrotter (60+ countries) & Bow-Tie enthusiast. Hotel pillow connoisseur, breakfast buffet enthusiast, and firm believer in the window seat. Loves exploring off the beaten track followed by a decent slice of cake.