Location & Transportation
Toulon is easy to navigate when you step off your cruise ship. The port area is well connected, whether you’re hopping on local buses, taking a scenic boat ride, or simply walking to the train station. For instance, the train station is just a 15-minute walk from where the transfer boats dock, offering connections to Marseille and beyond.
Sightseeing
Toulon itself has a charming waterfront, historic streets, and plenty of local character. While exploring, don’t miss:
- A stroll along the marina and the vibrant local markets.
- Enjoying views of Toulon’s bustling harbor, a reminder of its important naval history.
- Taking some time to admire the city’s blend of old town charm and modern amenities.
Tours & Excursions
There are several great ways to explore Toulon and its surroundings:
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Maritime Transfer from Seyne sur Mer
Instead of a more expensive shuttle bus at €12.00, hop on the boat with the 8M maritime line. The bateaux-bus run the maritime lines linking Toulon to La Seyne, Les Sablettes, and Saint-Mandrier at a single fare of €2 per ticket, 7 days a week. You can also purchase day passes—a 1-day pass at €3.90 gives you an unlimited number of bus and boat trips, while a 7-day pass is €9.90. -
Le Petit Train de Toulon
Take a 45-minute ride aboard this charming tourist train that departs from the Waterfront area (Square Germain Noveau) almost every 30 minutes.- Choose between two routes:
- Visit the Naval Base (available in July and August with departures at 10h, 11h, 13h30, 14h30, and 15h30)
- Explore the city and the beaches of Mourillon (Circuit 1 with multiple departures from mid-morning to early evening)
- Cost is around €10 per adult and €6 per child (often €9 and €5 at a reduced rate).
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Cable Car Ride up Mount Faron
For breathtaking views of Toulon, its harbor, and the fleet below, take the cable car up Mount Faron. Before you go, visit the tourism office near the market to check if it’s running (as the cable car doesn’t operate in high winds) and to grab a special offer ticket—a round-trip adult fare is about €9 (roughly €8.50 with the tourism-office discount), with reduced rates of around €7.50 for ages 12–24 and €6.50 for children 4–11. Note that even in non-peak times, you might need to wait 1–2 hours due to its limited capacity. -
Day Trips to Nearby Towns
- The Toulon train station is a short walk away and offers frequent services to Marseille Saint Charles (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for around €14 per person).
- For a relaxed beach day, both Sanary-sur-Mer and Bandol are inviting resorts—reach them by bus 8806, a pleasant 40-minute trip for just €3 one way.
- Aix en Provence, a favorite for its art and culture, is also a popular excursion on most shore tour lists.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
For a taste of local life, visit the Provencal Market in Toulon. This market is held daily (except Mondays) from 8 am to 1 pm along the Cours Lafayette pedestrian street, right opposite the marina just a five-minute walk from the ship. It’s a wonderful spot to pick up local produce, crafts, and other uniquely Provencal items—remember, this is a local market rather than a tourist trap.
Dining
Toulon offers a variety of dining options where you can savor traditional Provencal cuisine. From fresh seafood to classic French bistro fare, there’s something to please every palate. I love stopping by a local café for a relaxed meal—sometimes enjoying a leisurely lunch at a seaside restaurant—with fresh ingredients and local wines. Ask around for the best spots where locals dine for an authentic taste of the region.
Culture & Local Events
Toulon follows the typical French rhythm, offering a warm, relaxed atmosphere seasoned with local traditions.
- Currency & Transactions: The Euro is the local currency. While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always a good idea to carry a bit of cash, especially when visiting smaller, local establishments.
- Business Hours:
- Larger shops, museums, and banks are generally open from around 9:00 am to 7:30 pm Monday through Saturday.
- Many smaller shops take a lunch break from about 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm, though bakeries and food shops often stay open—even on Sundays until noon.
- Communication & Safety:
- For any local information, don’t hesitate to stop by the tourism office.
- In case of any emergency, dial 112.
- Local Events: Toulon has a rich maritime heritage celebrated through festivals and local gatherings. Check with the local tourism office for current events and seasonal festivals that give you a true taste of Provençal culture.