The harbour and naval base
Toulon's maritime DNANaval forces past and present
Sheltered from the elements by the Toulon mountains to the north and the Saint-Mandrier peninsula to the south, the Toulon roadstead was naturally chosen by the kings of France to become a powerful and efficient military port. Toulon’s harbor and naval base are intimately linked to the city’s history and renown, making it Europe’s leading defense port and home to the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier. Stop off at this 1,500-hectare maritime site that has inspired some of France’s greatest pioneers, from Vauban to Commandant Cousteau.
5 good reasons to sail the bay
- Approaching military vessels moored at the naval base
- Hear the history of Toulon’s navy in the captain’s comments during a tour of the harbor.
- See the Charles-de Gaulle aircraft carrier docked between missions
- Marvel at the serenity of the harbour
- View the hills and fortifications from the sea
Guided boat tour of the harbour
Embark from the port of Toulon with Les Bateliers de la Rade for a guided maritime excursion: get up close to the military ships docked, explore the natural and fortified environment that has made Toulon a leading defense port. All the way to the Saint-Mandrier peninsula, via La Seyne and Les Sablettes, a visit to the harbor is an essential experience for getting to know the city and its history.
A rare natural site
Between hills and peninsula, Toulon opens onto the Mediterranean: Europe’s most beautiful harbor boasts a rare natural setting that invites you to escape. All year round, you can explore it in a thousand ways. During a guided boat tour or, on sunny days, a sunset wine cruise, you’ll discover extraordinary panoramas and fascinating anecdotes about its history. Memories of its past, the fortified heritage that protects it and the Musée National de la Marine are concrete witnesses to the milestones that have marked its military destiny.
Departures to the Mediterranean
First port of departure to Corsica, but also port of departure to the Balearics and Sardinia, embark from Toulon’s Gare Maritime and set sail for the Mediterranean. Whether you’re on a stopover or leaving for a cruise, prepare your vacation for a cloudless trip.
The National Marine Museum
A precious witness to the arsenal’s history, immerse yourself in a captivating journey spanning four centuries, revealing Toulon’s greatness as France’s leading defense port. Explore the rich treasures of its collection of models, paintings and objects, and relive the key moments that shaped the maritime destiny of Europe’s most beautiful harbor.
Wine cruise in the harbour
At sunset, embark from Toulon harbor and sail through sublime landscapes, tasting local wines and seafood. From Anse San Peyre and its steep cliffs, through Tamaris Bay and its sumptuous Moorish villas, to the authentic little port of Saint-Mandrier, enjoy a timeless moment in an exceptional maritime setting.
Frequently asked questions
Can we visit the military ships docked at the naval base?
For security reasons, access to the naval base and military buildings is strictly forbidden. You can get up close to the ships and, when docked, catch a glimpse of the aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle during the guided boat tour of the harbor.
Can we visit the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier?
The aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle is not open to visitors, but you can catch a glimpse of her when she’s docked on our guided boat tour of the harbor.
Why do we talk about small and large roadsteads?
La rade is the coastal strip between Cap de Carqueiranne and the Saint-Mandrier peninsula. It is made up of the grande rade – or rade des Vignettes – to the east, and the petite rade to the west, encompassing Toulon, La Seyne and Saint-Mandrier.