Éco-Hôtels à Toulon, Provence

Séjours durables in a real working port city on the French Riviera — Mont Faron, Provençal markets, Mourillon beaches.

Pourquoi Séjourner à Toulon?

Toulon is the French Riviera you haven't heard about — and that's exactly why you should go. While Nice and Cannes polish their glitz, Toulon gets on with being a real Mediterranean city. Its natural harbour, ringed by hills, has been a strategic port since Louis XIV, and today it's home to the French Navy's primary fleet. That gives the city a grounded, unpretentious energy that sets it apart from its Riviera neighbours.

Ride the cable car (Téléphérique du Mont Faron) to the summit of Mont Faron at 584 metres and you're looking at one of the great urban panoramas of Europe — the harbour, the city, the Mediterranean stretching to the horizon, and on a clear day, the snow-capped Alps beyond. Down at sea level, the Mourillon beaches (Anse de Sablettes, Anse de Méjean) offer stretches of sand and calm coves within a 15-minute walk of the city centre. The bustling Cours Lafayette market, held every morning except Monday, is one of Provence's best food markets — olive sellers, fish caught that morning, local cheeses, and the famous tapenade that tastes of the region itself.

Toulon is also a gateway to some of the most beautiful coastline in France: the Calanques de Cassis are 25 minutes away, Hyères and the Îles d'Or are 20 kilometres east, and the Bandol wine region — home to some of Provence's finest reds, not just rosé — is on your doorstep. Best of all, staying in Toulon costs significantly less than its glamorous neighbours, and with IMPT every booking removes one tonne of CO₂.

Toulon at a Glance

Getting the Most From Your Visit

Toulon is easy to reach and easy to navigate. The Gare de Toulon is on the high-speed TGV network, with direct trains from Paris Gare de Lyon in about 4 hours and from Marseille Saint-Charles in 45 minutes. For drivers, the A50 motorway connects Toulon to Marseille in 45 minutes and the A57 heads east towards Hyères. Toulon Hyères Airport (TLN) has flights from London City, Brussels, and Paris Orly, plus seasonal connections to northern Europe.

Getting around the city centre is best done on foot. The compact Vieille Ville (old town) between the harbour and Boulevard de Strasbourg is a maze of narrow pedestrian streets filled with shops, cafés, and restaurants. The Téléphérique du Mont Faron cable car departs from the junction of Boulevard du Littoral and Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc; it runs every 15 minutes in summer and takes about 6 minutes to reach the summit. A return ticket costs around €12. At the top, you'll find the Mémorial du Débarquement en Provence (a World War II landing museum), a zoo, and hiking trails with panoramic viewpoints.

For day trips, Cassis and its famous Calanques are 25 kilometres west — take the A50 to the Cassis exit, or catch a bus from the central coach station. Bandol is just 15 minutes by train or car, and its vineyards are open for tastings most afternoons. Hyères and its medieval hilltop village (Hyères-les-Palmiers) are 20 minutes east. For a proper Provençal day out, aim for a Tuesday or Saturday, when the Cours Lafayette market is at its largest.

Où Séjourner in Toulon

Centre Ville & Vieille Ville

The historic heart of Toulon. Narrow streets, the Cours Lafayette market, the harbour, the opera house, and most restaurants. Best for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of everything. Hotels here are close to the train station — about a 10-minute walk.

Mourillon Beaches

Residential area east of the centre with four sandy coves (Anse de Sablettes, Anse de Méjean, Anse de Mitre, Anse de la Pierre d'Écu). Quieter than the centre, with a seaside promenade and family-friendly vibe. A 15-minute walk or 5-minute bus ride from the old town.

Le Port

Around the commercial harbour and the naval base. Maritime character, working shipyards, and some of the best fish restaurants in the city. More functional than pretty, but authentically Toulonnais. Great for harbour views.

Cap Brun

Upscale residential peninsula on the eastern edge of town, between Mourillon and the Cap Brun lighthouse. Quiet, green, with coastal walking trails and good views across the rade. Best for those who want a relaxed seaside base with easy access to the city.

Recommended Éco-Hôtels à Toulon

Que Faire à Toulon

Randonnées in and Around Toulon

Mont Faron Summit Hike

For the energetic, hike up Mont Faron instead of taking the cable car. The trail starts near the Téléphérique station and climbs steadily through maquis scrub and pine forest to the summit at 584 metres. Allow 1.5–2 hours up and an hour down. The views over the rade de Toulon, the Mediterranean, and on clear days the Alps are spectacular. Reward yourself at the summit café before taking the cable car back down.

Mourillon Coastal Walk

Start at the Anse de Sablettes and walk east through all four Mourillon coves, following the coastal path (Sentier des Douaniers) past the Pointe de la Mitre and on to the Cap Brun lighthouse. The full stretch is about 4 kilometres each way, with beach bars, rocky coves, and views across to the Presqu'île de Giens. Particularly beautiful at sunset when the light hits the limestone cliffs of Cap Brun.

Old Town Historic Walk

Begin at the Porte d'Italie and walk into the Vieille Ville. Follow the Rue d'Alger past the Opéra de Toulon, then to the Place Puget with its 18th-century fountain. Continue through the Cours Lafayette market (mornings only) to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds. Finish at the Tour Royale, the 16th-century fortress guarding the harbour entrance. À propos 3 kilometres, half a day with market stops.

Nearby Cities Worth Visiting

Questions Fréquentes

Is Toulon worth visiting?

Absolutely. Toulon offers the best of the French Riviera without the crowds and prices of Nice or Saint-Tropez. A real port city with a vibrant market, great beaches, a stunning mountain panorama, and easy access to the Calanques and Provence wine regions.

How do I get from Toulon to the Calanques?

The Calanques de Cassis are 25 kilometres west of Toulon. Take the A50 motorway to Cassis (20 minutes), then park and walk or take a boat tour of the calanques. Alternatively, buses run from Toulon's central coach station to Cassis (line 69, about 40 minutes).

What is the best time to visit Toulon?

May–June and September–October offer the best balance of warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. July and August are peak season with hot temperatures (30–35°C) and crowded beaches. The lavender fields of the Haut-Var bloom from mid-June to mid-July.

Are there beaches in Toulon city?

Yes. The Mourillon beaches (Anse de Sablettes, Anse de Méjean, Anse de Mitre, Anse de la Pierre d'Écu) are within a 15-minute walk of the city centre. Clean, family-friendly, with lifeguards in summer and several beachside cafés.

Can I visit the French Navy base in Toulon?

The Port militaire de Toulon is a working naval base and not open to the public, but you can take a boat tour of the rade (harbour) for a close view of the fleet from the water. The Musée National de la Marine offers a comprehensive look at Toulon's naval history with excellent model ship collections.