Toulon cuisine: local specialties and gourmet treasures to discover

Discover Toulon's specialties: historic street food, local sweets, Provençal biscuits and Mediterranean culinary heritage.

The foundations of Var gastronomy: a history rooted in Antiquity

Wheat, vines, and olive trees, which form the Mediterranean triad, have been the cornerstones of agriculture in the Mediterranean basin for millennia. In the Var region, their presence is attested as early as Antiquity, notably at the archaeological site of Olbia, near Hyères. Even in Roman times, Toulon (then a small port) was already exporting Provençal wine. This agricultural heritage continues to shape the rich, sun-drenched, and deeply distinctive cuisine of the Var today.

From the 17th century onwards, crops diversified around Toulon: in addition to the hills already adorned with olive trees, caper and orange trees were planted. Travelers passing through discovered a dynamic trading city, in addition to its naval port. Oranges, pomegranates, lemons, honey, and cloves were sold there. Toulon was then a flourishing port for trade and fishing, exporting oil, salt, almonds, and other local products.

From the second half of the 19th century, the Lazaret Bay became home to mussel farming operations. In the middle of the bay, one can still see stilt houses and mussel beds today. Alongside the mussel, oyster, and shellfish farmers, new marine farms have sprung up, dedicated to raising sea bream and sea bass.

At the end of the 19th century, with progress in water supply, Provence gradually became the breadbasket of France.

Toulon's local specialties is little known but full of treasures.

Toulon cuisine remains largely unknown today, just like the city's history! Yet, it abounds with deeply rooted traditions, gourmet creations, and local products enhanced by local artisans.

I'll take you to discover these 100% Toulon specialties : timeless Provençal biscuits, sweets invented 100 years ago, contemporary recipes, and even amazing street food that Toulon residents have loved for over a century.

A unique Toulon street food experience in Provence

At the heart of local customs lies a Toulon specialty that is naturally gluten-free , simple, modest and yet emblematic, born in the 19th century.

Integrated into the daily lives of the inhabitants, it has established itself as a culinary symbol of Toulon , passed down from generation to generation.

Toulon sweets: between tradition and creativity

Toulon is also home to a delicacy born in the 1930s , created by a local pastry shop before conquering the entire city. A sweet treat that has become a must-try for anyone wishing to sample Toulon's sweet heritage.

Provençal biscuits: the region's must-try treats

Toulon shares with the rest of Provence a wonderful variety of traditional biscuits . Depending on the recipe, they are flavored with: orange blossom, anise, almond, pine nuts, orange... Truly simple and fragrant specialties, perfect to accompany a walk in the city or a stroll on the port.

A rich and surprising culinary heritage

Toulon's gastronomy holds far more surprises than you might imagine. Between ancient traditions, little-known local specialties, historic street food, and contemporary creations, Toulon offers a unique palette of flavors. To fully discover these gems, join me on a gourmet tour!

Food tour Toulon

From€40.00

2 h 30 min

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