Set on the stunning French Riviera, the Mediterranean City of Toulon nestles between mountain and sea in Europe's largest and safest Bay - an exceptional location accounting for the city's rich history. Formerly a Roman town known as "TELO MARTIUS", Toulon became immensely prosperous during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In 1661, the city was chosen by King Louis XIV as the base for his new fleet, and was fortified. At the time of the French Revolution, the city was taken back from the English by Napoleon (1793). During the Second World War, the fleet scuttled its own ships upon arrival of the Germans and the Allied landings took place along the coast in 1944.
Toulon still harbours a major French naval base, and is now an attractive and bustling touristic city.

THE PORT AND OLD TOWN. The old quarter is just 5 minutes' walk from the cruise port via a pedestrian walkway. The long promenade running alongside the main marina features a host of good restaurants and brasseries!
The city's really unique maritime heritage can best be appreciated by a boat tour round the Bay, with its exceptional views over the city's ancient military architecture and modern warships and submarines, coupled with a visit to the National Maritime Museum on the port.
Toulon offers many points of interest, plus great shops and a mall for bounty hunters. Don't miss the inimitable southern hubbub of the vast, sun-dappled Provençal food market on Cours Lafayette (every morning), or the Medieval quarter with its muddle of winding streets, ancient cathedral, shady squares and moss-covered fountains.

THE MOURILLON QUARTER. The chic and buzzing eastern Mourillon quarter - easy to reach on foot, by bus or on the tourist train (30 min. ride) - features delightful little boutiques and shops, many of which open on Sunday mornings, and good eateries. Just a step away, the sandy Mourillon Beaches are lined with pretty cafés and restaurants. Water sports fans can opt for a range of activities. Sun mattresses and parasols are available for hire, and kids will enjoy the large play areas. Adjacent to the beaches, the magnificent coastal footpath - once used by customs officers to prevent smugglers anchoring along the shore - winds along wild, pine-bordered creeks and provides stunning views over the sea.

THE NEW TOWN AND MONT FARON. Toulon's old ramparts were largely demolished in the 19th century under the reign of Napoleon III and the city, no longer confined within its ancient walls, gradually spread northwards. Impressive 4 and 5-storey Haussmannian buildings, including the Opera House, now extend from the "Boulevard de Strasbourg" and "Place de la Liberté" square. Mont Faron mountain, accessible by cable car, features breathtaking panoramic views over the city and bay, plus a World War II museum and zoo.

Gourmets will appreciate Toulon's excellent choice of Provençal and Mediterranean-style cuisine, plus local novelties such as "Cade" (soft chickpea biscuit) and "Chichi-Frégi" (large Italian sugary doughnuts).

Toulon is the ideal starting point for discovering Provence's breathtaking coastal and inland scenery.