Toulon

Ever since the Sun King proclaimed Marseille as the centre of French trade at the Mediterranean Sea, Toulon's harbour was only of second choice: in its sheltered bay, it accommodated and built the French navy, which has remained so until today. Toulon is the home port for French aircraft carriers and other naval ships: the military base and the Navy’s shipyards occupy a large area in the western part of town, and with its several miles of quays, it is a town within a town itself, now hosting yachts and fishing boats and sailing ships as well. Further to the west, undulating hills and the Château Vallon Cultural Centre arise, and squeezed between the railway station and the yacht harbour, the Old Town and its maze of little alleyways, fountains and delightful squares like le Cours Lafayette (also called le Marché Provence) emerge. To the Southeast, the village Mourillon awaits you with fine old residences of the haute bourgeoisie, lively vegetable markets and above all, sandy beaches, while to the north, the mountain of le Mont Faron towers over the town. Take the cableway up to the top for a magnificent view over the turquoise bay.