Is Toulon Worth Visiting?
The city of Toulon is situated in southern France. Even though it lacks the glam of Paris, the charm of Bordeaux, and the allure of Lyon, it makes for all these in its phenomenal character. Toulon is not regarded as a tourist’s favorite destination in France; however, it is worth visiting when you are in the south of France.
With little boats and wonderful yachts, Toulon is regarded as one of the nation’s prettiest harbors. Given its location, the city has been the main naval base of the country’s Mediterranean coast. The city has many activities and places to select. Because it has been a naval base for centuries, be prepared to see lots of nautical and marine-themed spots.
The city might not be a commercial hub and a bubbling tourist location like some French cities, its unique attractions are just as phenomenal to impress you.Â
Here Is Why Toulon Is Worth Visiting:
Musée de la Marine
Toulon has some museums for lovers of art to appreciate and adore brilliant art pieces. One of them is the Museum of the French Navy. Founded in 1814 in the reign of Napoleon, it is located close to the tower. The tower stands today, having survived the hostilities of the Second World War. In exhibitions, the museum showcases the city’s history, especially it’s part at the port.
Visitors will be impressed to see different models of aircraft carriers like Charles de Gaulle and a 1700s ship that educated on seamanship. The museum is the ideal place to learn history when you are traveling with loved ones. It is located at Place Monsenergue- Quai de Norfolk, 83000 Toulon.
Hotel des Arts (Mediterranean Center of Art)
This museum deserves to be visited on multiple occasions. It is where popular modern artists display their exhibits. Every year, the museum holds about 4 to 5 exhibits that feature various sculptures, paintings, video art, installations, and photography. The purpose of the setup is to let people know of various artworks. Another reason to visit Toulon is that admission is free here. Hôtel des Arts are located at 236 Boulevard Général Leclerc, 83000 Toulon.
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Mont Faron
To see the city uniquely, reach the summit of the Mont Faron from either of its two options. You can reach the top either from a cable car or from a steep and straight road. Many travelers say that the road to Mont Faron is one of the most difficult stages in the annual Paris-Nice and Tour Mediterranean bicycle competition.
It is a brilliant idea to get a map and the area hiking routes from the Tourist Office. Get to the summit through a car if you can brave the encounter: the Route du Faron and the Chemin du Fort Rouge is a single lane asphalt road that is not too great to ply. The road has slopes making it fun for cycling enthusiasts as it is regarded as one of the excellent competitive biking climbs in the continent.
Le Mourillon
An interesting thing to do in Toulon is to swim at Le Mourillon. It is where many of the city’s well-known beaches are located. They are incredible for families, lovers, friends, and even solo visitors. Some facilities cater to different people, including differently-abled people. Main summer activities and events are hosted here because of its favorable location. If you have children with you, they will enjoy water sports while they enjoy themselves in the sun.
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Toulon Cathedral
For some tourists, a trip to a new city is never complete without stepping into its cathedral or chapel. The Toulon Cathedral is free, and when you visit, you can have a deserved recess from the hustle and bustle of city life. The cathedral is also called Sainte-Marie-Majeure. It is a national monument and a Roman Catholic cathedral that began in the 1000s. This is another historical spot to visit and is located at 55 Place de la Cathédrale, 83000.
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Vauban’s FortificationsÂ
There is the Porte d’Italie to visit in Toulon. It is among the city’s old gates, and a collection of a dozen shielded buildings and lands on France’s borderline. They demonstrate the best works of the iconic personality, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban in the 1600s. Vauban’s fortifications have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Sites since 2008. In 1796, General Napoleon is also said to have left from this gate on his victorious Italian conquest.
The Old Town
Toulon’s Old Town is not like some of the old towns in other cities. This is a historic city center where visitors can discover many fountains to stay. Fountaine des Trois Dauphins, Fontaine du Dauphin, Fountaine-Lavoir de Saint-Vincent, and Fontaine de l’Intendance. The city cathedral is situated here as well. Apart from this, visitors can check out items in the local markets as well. Every morning, the markets are opened on the traffic lane.
The Opera House
Visitors might not immediately link the city with opera. But, Le Grand Théâtre de Toulon is where Opéra de Toulon is based, and it has about 100 fewer seats than the Parisian Palais Garnier. Made in a neo-classical style by Léon Feuchères, the place on Boulevard de Strasbourg was commissioned in 1862. With its grey-pink columns and stately arches, the opera house in the city, since 1988, has been registered as a historical monument.
Rugby Toulonnais
Founded in 1908, the Rugby Club Toulounnais (RCT), the club relocated to its new home, Stade Mayol, in 1920. Visit the RCT Café for some scrumptious food circled by team jerseys and different sporting paraphernalia. There is just a way to visit the inside of the stadium, and that is to purchase tickets when there is a match.
Visitors can look at the pathway of plaques, which is similar to the Hollywood walk of the stars that are outside of the structure. It commemorates the team’s stars. Visitors can also search for Felix Mayol’s bust, who is the sports ground’s original patron and sponsor.
Le Cours Lafayette
This is a massive boulevard that has been standing since 1830. It is a result of a project that was discontinued before its medieval construction. The area is where the city’s daily food market is located. The markets are closed on Mondays. The Cours Lafayette also houses the popular cannonball fixed to a wall.
A Ride On The Petit Train
A part of the city pass and available at the tourist office, a ride on the petit train is one of the most exciting things to do in Toulon. It is a great way to discover the hidden gems in the city, similar to Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. There is also a historical commentary on the ride that explains in simple terms all there is to know about the city.
Is Toulon Worth It? – Summary
Toulon is widely regarded as a culturally rich city because of its museums and pretty attractions that amplifies its history. With its stunning and enchanting spots, visitors are bound to enjoy their stay. Most of the attractions in Toulon are laid back and not too demanding. That is what makes the city special, and you should visit when next you are in France.
