Wine cruise in the harbour
Weigh anchor as the sun setsA magical sunset over the harbour
Whether you know Toulon’s harbor or are about to discover it, the winemaker’s cruise promises to take you to unique landscapes and flavors as the sun sets. From the port of Toulon to the cliffs of Anse San Peyre, from the bay of Tamaris and its Moorish villas to the peninsula of Saint-Mandrier, taste the wines of Provence and local fishery products, set against a backdrop of hills, beaches, little ports and fishermen’s huts, right on the sea, just a stone’s throw from the towns.
5 good reasons to enjoy a wine cruise
- Admire a spectacular sunset over the harbour
- Taste carefully selected local wines
- Meet and chat with the winemakers and fishermen on board
- Fish and seafood tasting at Tamaris Bay
- Explore Toulon’s harbor in a different way, in the evening
Setting course for the harbor
Toulon, late summer afternoon, you arrive at the Bateliers de la Côte d’Azur pier, ready to climb aboard the catamaran waiting for you at the quay. The still-warm sun floods the port and the building from the headlamp: you can’t resist photographing the docks and moored pleasure boats. The team of boatmen welcomes you with a big smile, and you take your place on board.
Our advice
The winegrower’s cruise is very popular in summer, and places are limited: book your outing as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss out on this convivial gourmet get-together on the water.
The wine cruise will be back in 2025.
Toulon from the sea
Leaving the port of Toulon, the boat sails quietly towards the naval base, and the captain’s first comments on the microphone are warm. Your gaze is drawn both to the waves and foam on the sea, and to the hills that gradually emerge behind the city. You’re already marvelling at this new view of Toulon.
Gourmet stroll on the water
The boat approaches the military vessels, their massive silhouettes standing out against the light like shadow puppets: it’s a picturesque sight, and one you’ll be sure to capture on film. Drive along the coast to the Tamaris oyster beds: moored to a fisherman’s hut on stilts, the team of boatmen and winemakers serve you a glass of wine accompanied by an assortment of fresh fish and seafood. Ecstasy and curiosity are at their peak in this little sunset paradise. The tasting and stroll continue to the Saint-Mandrier peninsula, with its peaceful harbor and numerous “pointus”, so photogenic. In a blazing light, you leave the small harbor and follow the coast from Le Mourillon to the unusual site of the San Peyre cave in Le Pradet. The atmosphere of the evening that is about to fall on the open sea gives a special flavor to your journey, and it’s time to return to Toulon and the lights of the harbor.
ZOOM ON
Provencal terroir in the spotlight
A wine cruise is also an opportunity to discover local terroirs: you’ll enjoy meeting the winemakers on board and discussing their work in the vineyards. The history of their wineries, their world of taste and the nuances of their cuvées will no longer hold any secrets for you.
Matching the wines, in a dream setting, you’ll enjoy a delicious taste of shellfish from Tamaris Bay: the fishermen talk about their trade and know-how with passion and pride, producing dishes with an inimitable taste.
How do I get to the start of the cruise?
By car, from the east or west entrances to the town, follow signs for “Centre-ville – Le port”. Park in the port parking lot between the Gare Maritime and Quai du Petit Rang, or in the Q-Park “Mayol” and “Lafayette” underground parking lots behind the port. The cruise departs from the Quai Cronstadt at the Bateliers de la Côte d’Azur pier, opposite the “Le Chamo” glacier. By bus, from Thursday evening to Saturday evening, the Mistral network runs a night bus service (8 lines). One of them, line 3, takes you to the “Mayol” stop along the port. Just a few minutes’ walk from the pier