Toulon cruise port guide

Toulon sits in one of the finest natural harbors in Europe, ringed by limestone hills and guarded by forts. Gray warships of the French Navy fill the inner basin, and the old town behind the harbor is a grid of fountains, plane-shaded squares and market streets with prices aimed at locals rather than tourists.

You can make a satisfying day of Toulon itself, riding the cable car to Mont Faron, browsing the Provençal market on Cours Lafayette and lunching on the waterfront. Many passengers use it as a gateway to Provence instead: the wine town of Bandol, the fishing port of Cassis and the Calanques, the island of Porquerolles or, on a long day, Aix-en-Provence. Travelers seeking postcard glamour may prefer Cannes or Villefranche.

Depending on the ship, you’ll berth either near the city center or across the bay at La Seyne-sur-Mer. From the central berths, the old town and harbor front are a short walk. From La Seyne, cruise lines usually run shuttles, and the local harbor ferry boats (bateaux-bus) cross to Toulon’s waterfront in about 20 minutes, an inexpensive mini harbor cruise in itself. Toulon’s main sights can be seen in a half day. Cassis is about 45 minutes by road, and Aix-en-Provence roughly an hour.

Try cade, Toulon’s version of a chickpea flatbread, sold hot by the slice in the market, and chichi frégi, sugar-dusted fried dough. Seafood restaurants around the port and in Le Mourillon serve bouillabaisse and grilled fish. Bandol, just along the coast, produces some of Provence’s most respected rosé and red wines, so order a glass with lunch.