Top 10 best walks
Toulon outdoor for all seasonsToulon walks in the fresh air
In Toulon, you can walk, stroll, climb and contemplate. We eat, we walk, we run a little, we shout “Pilou! Pilou!” and everyone knows why, we sometimes bump into fanatics too, and of course we have aperitifs overlooking the sea. A sweet life in short, and here’s why in this completely subjective top 10 from the Tourist Office team.
Mount Faron
Getting close to the top
With family or friends, for a short outing or a long walk, and starting with the cable car , of course: Mont Faron is on a par with the peaks, even in our top rankings! Follow the path to the sublime “Croix du Faron” point, ideal for a breath of fresh air, a bird’s-eye view of the city and a game of “Where’s Wallie?” End the day in style with a picnic on the tables near the parking lots, close to the chapel, before the fawn. As night falls, the foxes and wild boars begin to reclaim their territory, and the city lights add magic to the moment.
Downtown
Urban strolling
The downtown area has the advantage of being home to the port, the historic center, cafés and restaurants, the Cours Lafayette market and, of course, stores, as well as tourist sites such as museums, the departure point for tours of the harbor and the little train. Leaving the Haussmann-style upper town, take a detour to the Alexandre 1er garden and the Chalucet media library, before visiting the Hôtel des Arts on boulevard de Strasbourg. Then head for the lower town, passing the Place de la Liberté and, further on, the Opera House. From Place Puget and its fountain to the port, explore the narrow streets of the historic center, Rue des Arts, Les Halles and the picturesque squares, and feel the joy of living in the city.
Cours Lafayette
The gourmet market
It’s THE Toulon market: about 1 kilometer long – which is just the right length for a stroll – it’s the heart of the city and one of Toulon’s favorite places to shop, all year round. If you go early in the morning, watch the dealers set up their stalls, a bit like backstage at a play. At the market, it’s great to see the seasons go by as the days go by, as the first strawberries begin to replace pears, or as broad beans and melons herald the fine days of summer.
Tour Royale
Landscaped park with view
Only a few years old, it’s a place that exudes a sense of tranquillity comparable to that of Mont Faron, but here you’re at sea level. During the day, children’s games and lawns for picnics, sports and music are very popular. At dawn, as soon as the sun begins to shine, or at the end of the day when the city recovers its calm, enjoy a contemplative moment with a breathtaking view of the harbor and the hills. Contemplate the peaceful arrival of the boats and explore the area around the Royal Tower to the small beach of Pipady.
Toulon coastal path
Natural wonders
The great thing about Toulon is that you can be in the heart of the city just as quickly as you can be in the middle of nature! The coastal path winds its way through coves, under pine trees and along cliff faces. It’s a great escape, whatever the weather, whatever the time of year, whatever the day. For total enjoyment, you can kayak or paddle along it from the sea, equipped with mask and snorkel. Head for Anse Méjean: in summer, before sunset, you’ll have the incredible sensation of being alone in the world. With your family, you’ll enjoy the shady parts of the trail, as well as the idea of a picnic on the beach, after a refreshing swim.
Le Mourillon
The beach all year round
It’s perhaps Toulon’s favourite place for a stroll! In summer, of course, you can swim here, but all year round, you can go for a walk, children can learn to ride bikes and eat barbapapas, teenagers can meet on the dykes, families can picnic on the lawns or in the seaside restaurants, sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the work-out area or jog along the beaches, and sailors can meet at the Yacht Club or at the start of each cove. And let’s not forget the dream activity: watching our senior citizens in winter and summer (and especially in winter) take off their bathrobes for their daily dip in the deep blue sea.
The harbor
Toulon from the sea
This one’s a sit-down stroll and it feels so good, it can’t fail to feature in this top. Enjoying the sea view of the harbor and surrounding hills is one of the many moments when you feel lucky to live in Toulon. (Almost) all year round, this one-hour boat trip takes you from the military port to the Saint-Mandrier peninsula, skirting the Bay of Tamaris and the surrounding forts. Climb up to the boat’s upper deck to take the best photos, and let the captain’s commentary guide you: Toulon has no more secrets for you.
Coastal bike path | Piste cyclable du littoral
Nature within the city’s reach
The section in Toulon between Benoît Malon and Pont de Suve (coastal cycle path) is a marvel. Bordered by oak trees and running alongside the Rivière des Amoureux, you won’t be surprised to catch a glimpse of squirrels, hear ducks quacking, or explain the growth cycle of frogs to your children as they count the tadpoles! By bike, jogging, scooter or brisk walk, every season spent on the bike path is a dose of nature in the city.
Escaillon
The Coulée verte or Poudrières Promenade (Toulon west)
This walk takes in Toulon’s western districts, combining relaxation and culture. It takes you all the way to the Moulins district, and will soon extend to the village of Le Revest. From the Escaillon car park on the RN8, follow a “voie verte”, a former railroad line serving four Navy powder magazines, through the Las valley. Take a detour to the remarkable Las garden, home to the department’s Natural History Museum.
Bonnes Herbes
Le vallon des Bonnes Herbes
The vallon des Bonnes Herbes is a locality located to the west of Toulon, on the slopes of the Baou des 4 Oures (bordering Châteauvallon). It’s a rather wild site, in a green, very quiet setting, rich in vegetation, birds and insects. As you walk along, you’ll find various platforms with views over the valley, as well as magnificent panoramas of the Faron and the sea. From the Pins d’Alep sports complex (swimming pool), take the Chemin de Moneiret or, closer to the natural area, the Chemin des Bonnes Herbes, accessible by Mistral bus 36A (stop “Bonnes Herbes”).