Toulon

Toulon is scattered with incredible buildings and landmarks. Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds Cathedral, Saint-Louis Church, the Clock Tower, city gates, the boat sculpture, Genius of Navigation statue, Saint-Louis Fort, to name but a few. Head to Raimu square to see the life-size bronze sculpture of the iconic card game between César (played by Raimu) and Panisse in the play Marius by Marcel Pagnol.

Toulon is a very cultural city and there are lots of museums worth visiting.  During your stay, you should go to the National Maritime Museum, Museum of Asian Art, Museum of Natural History of Toulon and the Var, and the Jean Aicard/Paulin Bertrand Museum. The Art Museum reopens at the end of 2019. Explore the natural heritage of Provence.

Toulon is surrounded by the so-called “Toulonnais” mountains. You’ve heard of Mont Faron, but there are also four more mountains: Baou de Quatre Aures, Caume, Coudon and Croupatier. Follow the hiking paths through the Var countryside. Along the way, you’ll see unique ruins, scenic landscapes and intriguing flora and fauna!

There are several markets in Toulon selling regional products. The Cours Lafayette market is one of the best in Provence. But the farmer’s market and Mourillon market are also colourful and full of tasty, local produce. Fish, fruit, veg, sweets and lots more stretch as far as the eye can see.

Toulon city centre is always changing with new galleries and fashionable boutiques opening all the time. The Place de l’Équerre and surrounding area is now called the “Arts District”. It’s worth visiting the Art District’s Maison de la Photographie, you could also go for a drink one of the trendy bars and have a nosy in some of the local craft shops.

There’s one delicacy you have to try in Provence and that’s tapenade! Black olives, capers, anchovies, garlic and olive oil are all blended together to make a tasty spread. You can smear delicious tapenade on bread or toast. Tapenade can also be made with green olives or sun-dried tomatoes.

When you visit Provence, you’ll sample the fragrant and colourful cuisine. And Tian is one of the best examples of that. Tian is a vegetable dish seasoned with onion, basil, garlic and olive oil. It’s made by alternating layers of sliced courgette, aubergine, peppers and tomatoes. It makes a perfect side dish for meat or fish.