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.

Théâtre Jean Deschamps is an outdoor theatre in the area of the medieval city. It was built in the beginning of the 20th century and is designed to cater for tragedies, operas and lyric dramas. A large festival is held in July every year to celebrate the theatre as well as concerts and other shows. See website below for a more detailed show program.

Following the European (German) tradition of open-air Christmas markets, Chicago now boasts one of its own, with an additional location in Naperville.

This original 15th century Gothic mansion is an outstanding example of bourgeois grandeur in the Old Town, in later years richly decorated with stuccos. The house is named for Sebastian Helbling, who operated a small Café in there in 1833. The historic structure was completely refurbished in the years 1979 and 1980.