guide
Planning a stay in Var and wondering what to do in Toulon? Between its legendary harbor, Mont Faron, and manicured beaches, this port city has plenty to offer. Boat tour, Provençal market, swimming at Mourillon, or hiking with Mediterranean views: activities abound. Toulon is an ideal base if you lodge in a camping with water park in Var.
Here’s our selection for making the most of the city.
Mont Faron makes an ideal starting point for discovering Toulon. This limestone massif peaks at 584 meters altitude and overlooks the entire harbor and Var coast. To reach it, the Mont Faron cable car remains the most impressive way. In 6 minutes, the cabin transports you to the summit. It’s actually the only urban cable car on the Mediterranean coast.
Once at the top, several activities await. Marked trails let you explore the massif on foot. The Mont Faron big cat reserve shelters wild felines and endangered species. The Provence Landings Memorial recounts this historic page on Var soil. On clear days, the view extends to the Hyères Islands.
Claire’s tip: book your cable car ascent in the morning, before 10am. Light is softer and the view even clearer. Descend on foot via trails if you enjoy hiking.
Toulon Harbor claims to be Europe’s most beautiful. To enjoy it, nothing beats a narrated boat tour. The Harbor Ferrrymen offer outings of about 1 hour. Departure is from the Sinse Quay, below the Lafayette Course.
During this sea cruise, you’ll skirt the military port for nearly 7 kilometers. It houses the Mediterranean Squadron. The guide narrates each point of interest passionately. You’ll discover Fort Aiguillette, Fort Balaguier, and the Royal Tower. Saint-Mandrier Peninsula’s bay and mussel parks round out the route. Backdrop is the peninsula closing the harbor.
| Information | Details |
| Duration | About 1 hour |
| Adult fare | 16€ |
| Child fare (4-12 years) | 11.50€ |
| Boarding | Sinse Quay |
Toulon’s historic center concentrates several cultural sites worth visiting. Between Provençal alleys and shaded squares, each walk reveals a new point of interest.
The Lafayette Course market is among Provence’s most renowned. It runs Tuesday through Sunday, 8am to 1pm. About 80 stalls offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, fresh fish, and flowers. It’s also a chance to taste Toulon cade. This chickpea flour galette cooks over wood fire. Local producers sell directly from their harvests.
This religious building spans over 1,000 years of history. Its origins trace to the 5th century. Current construction dates mainly to the 17th century. The bell tower has dominated the city center since the 18th. Entrance is free and the visit takes dozens of minutes.
Located on Norfolk Quay, this museum traces Toulon’s maritime history. Its collections include ship models, paintings, and navigation instruments. Free 20-minute flash tours happen each Sunday. The museum opens daily except Tuesday, 10am to 6pm.
Just steps away lies the Arts Street and Équerre Square. This renovated district hosts galleries and artist studios. The mood is calm and creative, ideal for a terrace break.
If you’re looking for what to do in Toulon as a family, head to Mourillon Beaches. They sit 30 minutes’ walk from downtown. The site includes 5 coves arranged over nearly 2 kilometers. It totals over 7 hectares of sand and 12 hectares of green space.
Families love the kids’ play areas, shaded lawns, and fountains. Water sports options are broad: kayak, stand-up paddle, sailing, and e-foil. Toulon Yacht Club also offers kids’ classes. Windsurfing, catamaran, and Optimist racing are on the schedule. Bars and restaurants line the promenade for onsite dining.
Claire’s tip: Mourillon Beaches perfectly complement a camping water-park stay. Your kids enjoy pool slides at camp and the sea during the day!
Planning your next family vacation in Var? Discover campings with water parks in Var and book a stay mixing sea, pool, and sunshine!
Toulon offers several free activities. Strolling along Le Mourillon beaches and visiting the cathedral cost nothing. Walking through the historic centre is also free. The Cours Lafayette market is open access. The Mont Faron hiking trails are too, if you climb on foot.
To visit Toulon and enjoy its main activities, allow at least 2 days. This gives you time to climb Mont Faron, take the boat tour and swim at Le Mourillon. For a deeper visit, 3 days offer a more comfortable pace.
Yes, Toulon is a perfectly family-friendly destination. Le Mourillon beaches have safe play areas and watersports for every age. The Mont Faron cable car is a big hit with children. What's more, several campsites with a water park are nearby in the Var.
The Cours Lafayette market is best visited early in the morning, between 8 and 10am. The stalls are then well stocked and crowds thinner. This market runs Tuesday to Sunday. Saturday morning remains the liveliest.
To reach Mont Faron from the town centre, the cable car remains the most practical option. The departure station is on Boulevard Amiral Vence. The ride takes 6 minutes. It costs €7.80 for an adult return. You can also drive up via the Route du Faron.
