Advice

Let’s take a quick break to mention a few other places worth discovering that couldn’t be included in the main itinerary. To keep exploring Toulon, often called the ‘Old Military City’, head to the Mourillon district, a little Provençal village tucked into the heart of Toulon. No visit would be complete without a trip up Mount Faron. Rising 584 metres above the city, it’s a haven for hiking and sweeping views, and it’s easy to reach, whether by car, public transport, or the cable car that whisks you to the top in just a few minutes. After the mountains, head for the sea! Toulon has plenty of beautiful beaches, including Pipady, La Mitre, and Le Mourillon, but if you’re up for a short trip, you can visit Méjean Cove, or go a little further to the quiet Magaud Cove. If you’re staying for a little longer, take the time to explore the surrounding villages. Start with La Seyne-sur-Mer, a lovely seaside town home to one of the best beaches in the area, Les Sablettes. Then Six-Fours-les-Plages, where you’ll find the hilltop chapel of Notre-Dame du Mai with an incredible panoramic view. Or visit Ollioules, a Provençal town full of charm and heritage. A bit further along the coast, the colourful port town of Sanary-sur-Mer is also well worth a visit. In Six-Fours-les-Plages, don’t miss the Îles du Gaou, a series of islands linked by footbridges from the tip of Busc harbour. With wild coves, long sandy beaches, and pine forests, it’s the perfect place for a quiet nature walk. From there, you can catch a boat to the Île des Embiez, which is only accessible by sea. Just 20 kilometres from Toulon, Hyères-les-Palmiers offers both a lovely old town and a renowned seaside resort. While you’re there, make sure to explore the Giens Peninsula and the nearby islands of Port-Cros, Porquerolles, and Le Levant, true gems of the French Riviera. Keep heading east and you’ll reach the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, perched at 154 metres and famous for its flowering medieval alleyways and sweeping views of the Var. Or, go west along the coast to the Calanques National Park, one of southern France’s most breathtaking natural sites. From Cassis, a series of dramatic rocky inlets unfolds, perfect for hikes, swims, or just soaking up the view. Don’t miss the town of Cassis itself, with its charming port and laid-back vibe. Less than an hour away by car, you’ll find Marseille. With its Old Port, the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, known as La Bonne Mère, the colourful Panier district and the famous Canebière, it’s a vibrant city packed with things to see and do. If you’d rather head inland, the Var region is dotted with hilltop villages full of character, like Le Castellet, Forcalqueiret and its castle, Collobrières, La Cadière-d’Azur, Évenos, and Le Revest-les-Eaux. As you can see, there are plenty of places to explore!