"We're the sunniest city in France. And a historic naval town to boot. Did we mention the sun?"
Statistically Toulon is indeed the sunniest city in France, and although much of the original old town was destroyed during the Second World War, there's still much to enjoy. Especially if you like boats.
Despite a distinct naval feel Toulon's old town has a definite rustic charm with narrow streets, ornate fountains and public squares.
The locals of Toulon are warm and welcoming and are rightly proud of their historic city.
While its temperature is kept moderate by the soothing sea breeze, Toulon boasts the most sunshine annually of any city in France with a scorching average of 2,899 hours per year.
The local cuisine is deliciously French in all departments. Toulon's tapenade and ratatouille are of particular note, as is the local take on pizza - pissaladiere.
Toulon was a prominent setting in Victor Hugo's Les Miserables.
In Roman times, Toulon was a major manufacturing base for the dyes used to colour imperial robes.
“Located between the sea and the mountains, Toulon benefits from the site of one of the most beautiful natural harbours in Europe.” – The Michelin Guide
Toulon's shopping centre is a treasure trove of chic French fashion and practical provisions. A morning visit to the food court will reward you with fresh local produce at rock bottom prices.
There is on-site car parking with 3,000 places.
Toulon's maritime museum is one of the few imposing buildings to survive World War Two. Boasting a comprehensive history of Toulon's naval roots the museum will float the boat of any maritime enthusiast.
Parking Port Marchand is right next to the museum, or you can use Parking Mayol in Centre Commercial Mayol. Alternatively, use the Vinci Park Services in Rue Lorgues.
Home to more than 60 per cent of France's naval weight, Toulon is the largest military port in Europe and houses the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carriers and France's nuclear attack submarines.
Use the Parking Marchand in Avenue Republique.
Built to commemorate the Allied landing on Provence in 1944, this impressive collection of photos, weapons and models sits atop Mount Faron and can be reached by cable car from the town centre.
You can park on the wider parts of Route du Faron and then continue on foot up to the memorial.
Ill-judged post-war planning has left Toulon's quayside with a nondescript huddle of modernist buildings but the idyllic scenes of moored yachts and waterside restaurants should help you overlook the backdrop.
Either use the Parking Mayol car park in Centre Commercial Mayol or Parking Port Marchand.
If you're tired of naval life and looking to relax on the seashore, Cavalaire-sur-Mer beach is a pretty stretch of coast surrounded by scenic wooded hills just 25 miles outside of Toulon.
Head east on the A570, turn right onto the D559 coastal road and follow the signposts for the beach.
Built in the late 12th century, this Cistercian abbey perfectly highlights the calming spirit of the religious order. Now restored as a museum the abbey is the perfect place to sit and reflect.
Head out east on the A57 for 25 miles towards Gonfaron, you'll go over the E80 and turn left onto a track towards the abbey for a few miles.
Whether you prefer your exploring on foot or by bike this expansive mountain range just 46 miles outside Toulon is the perfect place to lose yourself - with a map of course.
Take the N97 east, and then join the A57. Do a right onto the A8 and go past Le Muy. Now get on the E80 and take a right onto the D837 towards the Massif.
For a little glitz and glamour, cruise along the coast to the decadent town of Saint-Tropez and mingle with the rich and famous in the harbour or one of the many restaurants.
There are slightly quicker inland routes, but the D559 from Toulon will take you along some beautiful stretches of coastline. The route takes you all the way to Saint-Tropez and should take around 2 hours.
Toulon's shopping centre is a treasure trove of chic French fashion and practical provisions. A morning visit to the food court will reward you with fresh local produce at rock bottom prices.
There is on-site car parking with 3,000 places.
Toulon's maritime museum is one of the few imposing buildings to survive World War Two. Boasting a comprehensive history of Toulon's naval roots the museum will float the boat of any maritime enthusiast.
Parking Port Marchand is right next to the museum, or you can use Parking Mayol in Centre Commercial Mayol. Alternatively, use the Vinci Park Services in Rue Lorgues.
Home to more than 60 per cent of France's naval weight, Toulon is the largest military port in Europe and houses the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carriers and France's nuclear attack submarines.
Use the Parking Marchand in Avenue Republique.
Built to commemorate the Allied landing on Provence in 1944, this impressive collection of photos, weapons and models sits atop Mount Faron and can be reached by cable car from the town centre.
You can park on the wider parts of Route du Faron and then continue on foot up to the memorial.
Ill-judged post-war planning has left Toulon's quayside with a nondescript huddle of modernist buildings but the idyllic scenes of moored yachts and waterside restaurants should help you overlook the backdrop.
Either use the Parking Mayol car park in Centre Commercial Mayol or Parking Port Marchand.