So, if you’re wondering what to do in Toulon and its surroundings, it’s here, that you are reading the right article about things to do in Toulon France. Located in the south of France, halfway between Marseille and Saint Tropez, Toulon is a pleasant city of more than 170,000 inhabitants, bordering the beautiful Mediterranean. Sit down on the terraces in one of the shady squares, stroll through the shops along the typical Provençal streets, and let yourself be charmed by this pleasant town.
To visit Toulon is to take advantage of its omnipresent sun, its beaches, and hidden coves, its fishing port, its funicular, and even its smiling inhabitants. All this makes it an ideal vacation spot for this summer. It has a university, a large theater, and an opera which is among the most famous in France, after the Opéra Garnier and the Opéra Bastille. The highlights of the old town are Saint Louis Church, Sainte Marie de la Seds Cathedral, the local market, and typical Provençal street markets such as Cours Lafayette. In these streets, you will find squares and corners with a lot of charm such as Place Puget with a beautiful fountain, the Trois Dauphins covered with vegetation, and typical buildings of Provence with a certain Italian air. There are so many beautiful places to see and many tourist points of view to enjoy during your visit to Toulon France. This artistic, cultural, and lively city is full of activities at its heart, and its surroundings are just as remarkable. Let’s discover together about the best things to do in Toulon France:
10 Things to Do in Toulon France
- The harbor of Toulon
- Mount Faron
- A boat trip
- The National Maritime Museum
- Mayol Stadium
- The beaches of Toulon
- Place Puget
- The Cathedral of Sainte Marie de la Seds
- The Opera
- St. Louis Church
The harbor of Toulon
If you are going to visit Toulon, it is essential to take a boat trip with commentary on the Rade, where the whole maritime history of Toulon will be told to you! For nearly an hour, the Bateliers de la Rade will introduce you to a whole heritage that, beyond its history, promises panoramas worthy of postcards.
Mount Faron Toulon
If you are going to visit Toulon, it is THE mountain of the Toulonnais. Mont Faron is a must if you are looking for what to do in Toulon. If you like nature and want to disconnect a bit from the city, take one of the marked trails that revolve around this white limestone mountain, 584 m high. You will enjoy a breath of fresh air, with a view of the Mediterranean. You can also choose to take the cable car up to the top to admire the city from above. Once at the top, visit the favorite, a breeding center for wild animals that ensures the survival of endangered species. A unique activity!
Toulon Boat Rides & Cruises
Visiting Toulon also means enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat, such as visiting the harbor of Toulon or visiting the island of Porquerolles. It would therefore be a shame not to rent a boat in Toulon, and thus miss the Mediterranean setting to get there. This is one of the most beautiful things to do in Toulon France.
The National Maritime Museum
Toulon has the largest military port in France, which is also the first naval base in Europe. Its fabulous Maritime Museum will delight both enthusiasts and the curious, thanks to an incredible collection of models, paintings, and maps, tracing the entire maritime history of the city.
Mayol Stadium (RC Toulon)
What to do in Toulon? Visit one of the emblems of the city! This is where the Rugby Club Toulonnais takes the stage. Located in the heart of the city, the stadium is a mythical symbol of the city, which also saw Johnny Hallyday play, and one of Bob Marley’s last concerts, in 1980.
The beaches of Toulon
Still, wondering what to do in Toulon? Who says vacation says beach of course? And that’s not what Toulon is missing! Between the beach of Mourillon and its nautical base, the wilder beaches of Miter, the charm of the Méjean or Magaud coves, the beach of Pipady, or the hidden coves that run along the coast of Cap Brun, you will be spoiled for choice.
Place Puget
Formerly the city’s main square, Place Puget is one of the most pleasant places to spend time on the terrace. It is also in its center that the superb fountain of the Three Dauphins, covered with lush vegetation, sits enthroned. All in all, Place Puget is a place full of charm, typical of Provence.
The Cathedral of Sainte Marie de la Seds
If you walk through the heart of the medieval town, be sure to admire and even visit the cathedral. Built-in the 5th century and seat of the diocese of Toulon, this listed historic monument will amaze you with its mix of styles. This is one of our recommendations for things to do in Toulon France.
The Opera of Toulon
Listed as a historical monument, the city’s Opera, located in Place Victor Hugo, is a magnificent building in the old center of which the inhabitants are proud. With more than 150 years of existence, the Opera is famous for its acoustics and its reception capacity which can receive up to 1100 people. You will be seduced by the architecture of this listed historic monument which, beyond its walls, displays a cultural program as rich as it is varied each year.
St. Louis Church
Admire this neoclassical church, listed as a historical monument, whose construction was completed just before the Revolution. Its superb dome located just above the hotel in turn embellishes the walls of this heritage symbol.