The historic heart of La Seyne-sur-Mer
A city of history looking to the futureA dynamic city center
Known for its beaches and coastline, La Seyne-sur-Mer also boasts a lively historic center with colorful alleyways. On the port, the Pont Levant, a vestige of the old shipyards, proudly reminds walkers of the town’s naval past. The daily Provencal market, where locals love to shop for fresh produce, gives the town center a typically Provencal vibrancy.
5 good reasons to visit the old town of La Seyne-sur-Mer
- Understanding the history of the bridge and shipyards
- Enjoy the view from the Pont Levant bridge
- Fill your market basket in the shade of the plane trees
- Relax in Naval Park
- Walk the street art trail
The port of La Seyne-sur-Mer is a harmonious fusion of tradition and modernity. Quays steeped in history and colorful Provencal houses stand side by side with contemporary installations, creating a unique atmosphere. Throughout the year, the port comes alive with traditional celebrations and current events such as the Couleurs Urbaines festival, the Kermesse or the MiniFest, dedicated to street arts. A visit with our guide will shed some light “in situ” on this symbiosis of past and present.
Our advice
The town of La Seyne-sur-Mer is frequented by many French and international street artists. To find out more about the works adorning the buildings’ facades, consult the map of their locations created for MiniFest. A comprehensive booklet on street art in La Seyne is also available for sale from our Tourist Information Office.
Levant Bridge
The Pont Levant, also known as the Pont des Chantiers, is a metal bascule bridge that once carried goods from the station to the construction sites. Now stabilized in a vertical position, you can climb it and take in its history, while admiring the panoramic view of the port, Naval Park and Toulon harbor.
ZOOM ON
The Provencal market
Just behind the port, on the allées Louis Blanc, the picturesque market plunges you into a Provencal atmosphere worthy of Marcel Pagnol’s novels.
Visit the stalls to choose olive oil, Provençal herbs or freshly caught Tamaris mussels, and prepare aperitifs and meals that are all about local produce. The La Seyne-sur-Mer market takes place every day except Monday.
Getting to downtown La Seyne-sur-Mer
The easiest way to get to the center of La Seyne-sur-Mer is by public transport. By bus or boat, Mistral lines 8 and 8M take you right into the city center from Toulon.
By car, you can park in the Marché parking lot on rue Jean-Baptiste Martini, or in the blue zone of the Navale parking lot just beyond the port, or in the free Espace Marine parking lot.