Discover the wonderful city of Toulon

Whether you are visiting Toulon for a few days or a few months, the city surely has something new to offer. Discover free places to visit in Toulon that you can explore without spending a dime. Handpicked tours, day trips, and excursions in Toulon will ensure an enjoyable stay. You will also find one of the city’s best restaurants: La Galerie, a must-visit destination.

Enjoying fine dining at the Galerie in Toulon

In Provence, simply walking among the hills and fountains gives you a clear idea of what to expect in the restaurants: the scents of thyme, rosemary, and fresh vegetables in olive oil lingering in the air. However, the cuisine consists primarily of simple dishes; a small serving of tapenade (olive spread) on bread, a glass of rosé, and marinated grilled peppers are more than enough to make any visitor feel like they are in paradise. Especially when dining outdoors by a fountain, under the shade of plane trees in the heart of Toulon, visitors will undoubtedly appreciate the city even more. La Galerie is a sumptuous and charming venue located at the Grand Hôtel des Sablettes-Plage in Toulon, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner. La Galerie Restaurant also offers its guests Tea Time accompanied by delicate pastries. The Galerie’s homemade cocktails are also sure to tempt you. The menu is both bountiful and healthy, featuring Provençal cuisine rooted in the bounty of both land and sea. The most signature ingredients include garlic and olive oil, with fish, tomatoes, and fresh country herbs bringing the local flavors to life. Bouillabaisse, a saffron and herb-infused fish stew, is the hallmark of Provençal recipes. The most traditional Bouillabaisse is served with seafood in a separate dish. Hearty eggplant and summer squash from local farms are tossed with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil to create the classic Ratatouille vegetable medley. Provençal wines are certainly underrated and less widely known than their Burgundian counterparts. The reds and rosés from the Bandol region and the whites from Cassis are particularly highly regarded. Freshly tasting rosés from across the entire region are the most popular. For more information, visit the website of the group.

Exploring Toulon by Cable Car

Mount Faron is another limestone mountain that is excellent for climbers. It stands at 580 meters above sea level. The city’s cable car will take you to the summit, where you can spend several hours rock climbing, mountain biking, jogging, or hiking and picnicking. At the heart of the mountain, you can explore the Musée de la Tour de Beaumont, military forts, a chapel, and a scenic lookout. The Faron Zoo, located a 20-minute walk from the cable car station, is also a must-see, housing approximately 30 species of large cats.

Visiting the major museums of Toulon

As France’s second-largest port city, Toulon is situated on the Mediterranean coast, nestled between Marseille to the west and Saint-Tropez to the east. While its dazzling neighbors often draw the crowds, if you linger long enough, the city’s maritime history and authentic charm will win you over. The Mémorial du Débarquement Museum is a true highlight of any visit to Toulon. This World War II memorial is a fortress perched above Toulon on Mount Faron, commemorating the Allied landings of August 1944 and paying tribute to the liberation of Provence. Inside, you will find an extensive collection of period artifacts, while the grounds feature replicas of an anti-tank gun, an anti-aircraft gun, and a Sherman tank. Furthermore, the views from this vantage point are fantastic. The Maison de la Photographie is a vast photographic exhibition space and gallery hosting both permanent and temporary exhibitions, as well as contemporary artistic productions. Serving as an extension of the Toulon Museum of Fine Arts’ photographic collection, the space currently features over 400 works to explore. Ideally located in the heart of the old town, admission is free. There is no excuse not to stop by and escape the Mediterranean sun for a few hours. The Musée National de la Marine is both rich and magnificent, tracing Toulon’s maritime history and the role of the Navy through the centuries. The museum features permanent collections as well as seasonal exhibitions, with free audio guides also available in English to accompany your visit. Its impressive entrance is the original gateway to the arsenal, dating back to 1738. Once inside, the museum is spacious and easy to navigate. For a city inextricably linked to its waters, this museum is an essential stop when visiting Toulon.