Top 10 things to do on a visit in Toulon
- Jade Body
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
Whether you're stopping by for a daytrip or staying a few days, here are 10 great activities to help you enjoy the city.
WINTER EDITION
The Naval Museum
In this Naval Museum, you’ll discover fascinating exhibitions on French naval history, from the 17th century to the present day.
The museum features an impressive collection of ship models, carved figureheads, maritime paintings, and old maps that illustrate the evolution of the navy and Toulon’s key role throughout the centuries.
Gorgeous Panorama on Top of Mount Faron
Start your day with a scenic cable car ride to the top of Mount Faron. Take in stunning views of Toulon and the sea. While you're there, you can: enjoy the restaurant, the panoramic view, visit the Memorial Museum of the Landing in Provence or explore the small zoo.
It’s also a great spot for hiking. You can hike up and take the cable car back down, or do it the other way around.
The Colorful Market
In the center, you’ll find the Provençal market awaiting with its colorful stalls and livelyness (open until 1pm, Tuesday to Sunday). Grab some local treats like olives, cheese, or a slice of cade, the local chickpea delicacy, to go.
Or wander a bit further to the Covered Market (les Halles) where you’ll find a vibrant food court that’s perfect for lunch !
A chill walk by the sea
Toulon is a city built between the mountains and the sea. It offers many beautiful hiking trails close to the city center, such as the Sentier du Littoral, the Coastal Trail. Follow this scenic coastal path to discover several charming little beaches protected from the wind, where you can take a relaxing break on a sunny day (even in winter times !).
Local Foods to Try
Toulon is full of local specialties waiting to be discovered. One must-try is La Cade, a famous street food of Italian origin - essentially a soft flatbread made from chickpea flour, olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and baked in the oven. You can also enjoy treats made with ingredients from the Toulon region, such as biscuits filled with chestnut cream or figs. In addition, there’s a wide variety of traditional Provençal cookies and, of course, plenty of savory local specialties to try.
And to taste the cake you truly won’t find anywhere else, look for Chanteclair in local pastry shops !
Discover the history and food specialties of Toulon with me :
Hiking between Forest, Sea, and Cliffs
Truly my favorite place around Toulon. I don’t have enough words to express how much I love going to Cap Sicié. It’s a little slice of nature close to the city, where you can enjoy a beautiful forest hike before reaching the top of the hill. From there, you get a stunning view over the entire Toulon Bay, stretching all the way to the islands of Marseille. It’s also right by the sea, so you can take in the coastal views as well.
Oh, and of course, it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset around Toulon. But honestly, the city is surrounded by hills, so you’ll have plenty of great spots to choose from !
Wander in the City Center
Toulon is lucky to be a very walkable city, and the entire city center is actually pedestrian-only. It’s a great place to stroll, explore the downtown area and its monuments, and wander through colorful streets, charming galleries, and small squares.
A Boat Ride on the Bay
You have two great ways to discover Toulon from the sea. You can take a guided tour with Les Bâteliers de la Rade, which lasts about an hour and provides fascinating information about the naval base and important historical facts around Toulon Bay. It’s a wonderful way to see the city from a different perspective.
Alternatively, you can take the shuttle boat from Toulon to La Seyne-sur-Mer. It costs the same as a regular bus ticket and lets you enjoy a scenic ride across the bay.
History buff ? Enjoy the Museums !
Toulon has plenty of museums to visit, catering to all interests. You’ll find the Museum of the Provence Landing at the top of Mont Faron, the Naval Museum, and several art museums, including the MAT, which also has a beautiful library. There’s also a tiny photography museum right in the heart of Toulon, on one of its small squares, Place du Globe.
For a unique visit, the Balaguier Museum has a small exhibition room, and stands out for its location in an old fort, offering beautiful views over the bay and a charming little garden featuring artistic creations.
And if you want to learn more about the city’s history, the Toulon History Museum, located right in the center, invites you to explore the city’s past through recovered artifacts. You’ll also find a large model of Toulon as it was in the 20th century. This museum is run by passionate locals who will love to share anecdotes and facts about the history of Toulon !
Food scene
We never talk enough about food ! (It's one of my passions) and Toulon is also meant to be explored through its many excellent restaurants. Whether you’re looking for local specialties, a quick snack at the market, a fancy restaurant, a rooftop, or a cozy neighborhood spot on a charming little square, you’re sure to find something to delight your taste buds.
Enjoy your visit !
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