All Travel Guides

Provided by: FredP/Shutterstock

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Europe France Toulon Do & See Toulon Cathedral

Overview

Toulon Cathedral

The guide was updated: 2025-03-18

Toulon Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds) has been a work in progress since the 11th century, with each era leaving its mark. The mix of styles—from medieval to baroque—makes it a bit of an architectural patchwork, but that’s what makes it interesting. Step inside, and you’ll see centuries of history layered together in one place.

Useful Information

Address: 55 Place de la Cathédrale, Toulon
Opening hours: Mon–Sat 8am–7pm, Sun 7:30am–noon / 4pm–8:30pm
Website: cathedrale-toulon.fr
Phone: +33 4 94 92 28 91

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Mountain Faron

Mountain Faron

Mountain Faron offers some of the best views over the bay, and if the mistral isn’t too strong, you can take the cable car up. Check with the ticket office for conditions, and if it’s running, don’t miss the chance—it’s worth it.

Fortifications

Fortifications

Toulon’s bay is surrounded by around 40 fortifications, the oldest dating back to the 16th century. While many are best seen from a distance, you can actually visit two: Fort Balaguier and La Tour Beaumont.

Old Town

Old Town

Toulon’s Old Town isn’t the prettiest in Provence, but it’s got character. The narrow streets are a mix of old and rebuilt, with faded shutters, street art, and locals going about their day. The Cours Lafayette market is worth a stop—lots of noise, fresh produce, and the smell of herbs and spices in the air. Grab a chichi frégi (a local sugar-dusted doughnut) and wander past small squares and fountains until you reach the harbour. You’ll also spot the statue of locals playing cards—straight out of a Marcel Pagnol story. It’s a good place to just walk, look around, and get a feel for the real Toulon.

Toulon Cathedral

Toulon Cathedral

Toulon Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds) has been a work in progress since the 11th century, with each era leaving its mark. The mix of styles—from medieval to baroque—makes it a bit of an architectural patchwork, but that’s what makes it interesting. Step inside, and you’ll see centuries of history layered together in one place.

Royal Tower

Royal Tower

Le Tour Royale is a 16th-century fort built to defend Toulon’s port. There’s a walking path around it, so you can take in the history while also enjoying views of the harbour and the nearby beach.

National Naval Museum

National Naval Museum

The Musée National de la Marine is the place to dive into Toulon’s maritime history. Learn about galley slaves, pirate attacks led by Redbeard, and a young Captain Napoleon Bonaparte, who played a key role in retaking the city from the English after the Revolution.

Memorial of the Landing & Liberation in Provence

Memorial of the Landing & Liberation in Provence

Most people think of Normandy when it comes to the Allied landings, but Provence had its own in August 1944. This memorial tells that story, from the landings to the region’s liberation. If you’re into history, it’s well worth a visit.

Toulon Museum of Art

Toulon Museum of Art

The Toulon Museum of Art features paintings from the School of Provence alongside an exhibition on the region’s wildlife and minerals.

Cours Lafayette Market

Cours Lafayette Market

Cours Lafayette Market is Provence in a nutshell—fresh produce, local spices, and plenty of noise. It’s worth a visit just to take in the smells, flavours, and energy of the place.

Mayol Stadium

Mayol Stadium

Stade Mayol is Toulon’s home ground, holding up to 15,000 fans. It’s used for different events, but these days, it’s mostly about rugby. Check the schedule—if there’s a match on, it’s worth experiencing the atmosphere.

Toulon Opera

Toulon Opera

Toulon’s 19th-century opera house is worth a visit, whether for a concert, an opera, or just to admire the architecture. Check the schedule while you’re in town—you might catch something interesting.

Jardin Alexandre 1er

Jardin Alexandre 1er

Jardin Alexandre 1er is a small, quiet park in central Toulon—good for a break if you need to sit down for a bit. There’s some greenery, a few fountains, and plenty of shade.

Place Pierre Puget

Place Pierre Puget

Place Pierre Puget is a small square with a fountain covered in greenery—nice for a quick break. From here, take a walk through the Old Town’s main street down to the harbour. It’s an easy stroll with plenty to see along the way.

Galerie Estades

Galerie Estades

Galerie Estades is an interesting gallery which focuses on 20th-century contemporary art, featuring paintings, sculptures, and glasswork.

Toulon Harbour

Toulon Harbour

At Toulon Harbour, you can hop on a boat and head out to sea for a fresh perspective of the city and its waterfront. Whether you choose to start or end your visit this way, it’s a memorable experience. For an extra treat, opt for a boat tour that includes a meal.

Statue of Men Playing Cards

Statue of Men Playing Cards

In Toulon’s Old Town, there’s a statue of men playing cards—La Partie de Cartes. It’s a nod to Provence’s folklore and Marcel Pagnol’s classic plays, Marius and Fanny, which later became films. If you know them, you’ll recognise the scene—card games, banter, and all. Even if you don’t, it’s a fun spot for a photo.

The Genius of Navigation

The Genius of Navigation

Overlooking the marina, this statue represents The Genius of Navigation. First cast in 1801, it was destroyed during World War II but later restored and has stood proudly here ever since. Affectionately nicknamed "Cuverville" after an admiral of the same name, it also lends itself to the playful joke of "bum-facing-the-city" (Cul-vers-Ville).

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

The Muséum départemental du Var showcases the region’s flora and fauna, with exhibitions that highlight species you may not have encountered before. Since its relocation in 2011 to a larger space, it features a collection of nearly 1,000 bird species and 2,500 plants, primarily from the Var region. Visitors can also explore rooms dedicated to mineralogy, paleontology, and ethnology, displaying fossils, ancient tools, and even a dinosaur skeleton. It’s a fascinating insight into the natural world.

Jardin du Las Botanical Garden

Jardin du Las Botanical Garden

Adjacent to the Natural History Museum, Toulon’s botanical garden features rare and exotic plants alongside fossil displays. Established in the 19th century by local sailors, the garden showcases species from the Orient, Oceania, and America, set alongside the Las river. A serene meadow, dominated by a towering cedar tree, adds to the tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, particularly in spring and summer.

Next section

Next Section