Spirit of Navigation

The Genius of Navigation, in Toulon

The Genius of Navigation is an emblematic statue of Toulon, which faces the port, the finger pointed towards the sea. The Toulon audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this sculpture symbolising the spirit of conquest and the exploration of the great sailors, pride of the port town.

The statue turned towards the sea

Here is a symbolic statue for the town of Toulon: the Genius of Navigation. This sculpture faces the port, the finger pointed towards the sea, and represents the spirit of conquest and the exploration of the great sailors, celebrating the maritime vocation of the town. Made in the nineteenth century, around 1847, it stands proudly on the seafront, looking at the horizon and the roadstead from which the ships set out. The statue pays tribute to the naval history of Toulon, first military port of France, and to all these sailors, explorers and builders who made the greatness of the Navy. The Toulon people have moreover given it an affectionate and mischievous nickname, because of its position resolutely turned towards the open sea and therefore with its back to the town, which amuses the inhabitants for generations. Become a landmark and a meeting point on the port, the statue is one of the symbols of Toulon, testifying to its attachment to the sea. A maritime symbol and pride of the town, the Genius of Navigation is a fine stop of the discovery of Toulon.

What to see

You admire the emblematic nineteenth-century statue that stands on the seafront facing the port, the finger pointed towards the sea, symbolising the spirit of conquest and the exploration of the great sailors, in tribute to the naval history of Toulon, first military port of France; turned towards the open sea and with its back to the town, it earned the Toulon people a mischievous nickname. The Genius of Navigation is a symbol of Toulon. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Genius of Navigation stands on the seafront of Toulon, facing the port, reachable on foot. It is an open-air statue, freely accessible, become a landmark and a meeting point. You discover it during a walk on the quays.

What does the Genius of Navigation represent in Toulon?

It represents the spirit of conquest and the exploration of the great sailors: this nineteenth-century statue, which faces the port with the finger pointed towards the sea, celebrates the maritime vocation of Toulon, first military port of France; turned towards the open sea and with its back to the town, it earned the Toulon people a mischievous nickname.

Where is the Genius of Navigation in Toulon?

On the seafront of Toulon, facing the port, in France.