Saint-François-de-Paule Church

The Church of Saint-François-de-Paule, in Toulon

The Church of Saint-François-de-Paule is a fine baroque church of the eighteenth century, near the port of Toulon. The Toulon audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this sanctuary with a Genoese-inspired façade, a witness of the links of the town with neighbouring Italy.

The baroque church with the Genoese façade

This fine church, which stands on its square in the heart of the old town, was built during the eighteenth century, replacing an older chapel. Dedicated to St Francis of Paola, a venerated hermit and founder of an order, it stands out by its remarkable baroque façade, of Genoese and Italian inspiration, curved and richly adorned, typical of the style that then radiated over all the Mediterranean coast. This Italian influence has nothing astonishing: Toulon, a great Mediterranean port, maintained close links with neighbouring Italy, and numerous Ligurian artisans and artists worked in the region. The façade, with its volutes, its columns and its plays of curves, is one of the most elegant of the town. Inside, the church keeps a decor and a furniture in the baroque taste, conducive to contemplation. Located near the port and the animation of the old town, it is a precious witness of the religious art and the history of Toulon in the eighteenth century. A baroque sanctuary and a jewel of Genoese inspiration, the Church of Saint-François-de-Paule is discovered with respect.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the fine church built in the eighteenth century to replace an older chapel, dedicated to St Francis of Paola, remarkable for its curved and richly adorned baroque façade of Genoese inspiration, a witness of the close links of Toulon, a great Mediterranean port, with neighbouring Italy, which keeps a baroque decor conducive to contemplation. The Church of Saint-François-de-Paule is a jewel of Toulon. It is a stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Church of Saint-François-de-Paule lies in the heart of the old town of Toulon, near the port, reachable on foot. A place of worship, it can be visited with respect; entry is generally free, but hours vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the character of the place.

What is the Church of Saint-François-de-Paule in Toulon?

A fine church built in the eighteenth century to replace an older chapel, dedicated to St Francis of Paola; it stands out by its remarkable curved and richly adorned baroque façade, of Genoese inspiration, which testifies to the close links of Toulon, a great Mediterranean port, with neighbouring Italy.

Where is the Church of Saint-François-de-Paule in Toulon?

In the heart of the old town of Toulon, near the port, in France.