Toulon city
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Toulon - by Clarid Orval on Google
Description
Toulon is the largest city on the French Cote d'Azur between Marseille and Nice, it is known for its large port and naval base where the French Mediterranean Fleet and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier are based. The earliest Roman settlement dates from the 2nd century BC and, during the Middle Ages, it was ruled by the Counts of Provence until the area became part of the Kingdom of France in 1486.The military port was built at that time to support the Italian campaign of Charles VIII. The port remained central to the city's history and in Nov. 1942 the French Fleet was scuttled by naval officers there to avoid it falling into the hands of occupying German forces. Much of the port was destroyed by Allied bombings in Nov. 1943. The main sights in town include the Place de la Liberté, the Grand Hôtel, the Gardens of Alexander I, the Arsenal, the Tour Royale and the views from Mont Faron.
Access & Transport
The city is on the Marseille to Nice train line and the train station is a 5mins walk from the centre. The journey to Marseille takes 45mins and to Nice 1h50mins. By road, Marseille is 65km / 1h away on the A50 and Nice 150km / 1h45 on the A57/A8
Instructions & Recommendations
If you have an extra day to spend around the area, we suggest heading either to Bormes-les-Mimosas / Le Lavandou or make a trip to one of the islands offshore of Hyeres: Porquerolles, Port Cros or the Île du Levant. In Toulon itself, do not miss the National Marine Museum.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral. Tourism helps diversify the city's economic activity and preserve some of its historical and architectural heritage.
Conclusion
Toulon is centrally located around the Cote d'Azur and is surrounded by coastline and islands of exceptional beauty. However, the city itself lacks any major cultural or architectural draw; its calling card is the military naval base.
Key positive
Impressive naval base
Easy to get to and not overly touristy
Key negative
Lack of historical monuments
Suitability
No restrictions
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
June 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:4h
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo